Mmapula Tladi-Small (WFTISA chair), Stella Creasy (MP), Neil Gerrard, Cllr Saima Mahmud and Cllr Ahsan Khan
Mmapula Tladi-Small, chair of Waltham Forest Thuso in South Africa, gives an update on progress.
Gerard Omasta-Milsom gives a history of WFTISA
Makola and Elijah demonstrating the gumboot dancing they learnt on an exchange visit to Vosloorus in 2000 – and people joining in!
Finally, some circle dancing, around a potted fig plant!
Defied Heavy Rain to Advance Education
On 17th July 2011 people dedicated to “Making Poverty History through Education” braved heavy rain fall to attend Waltham Forests Thuso in South Africa (WFTISA)’s annual fundraising garden party, at the home of Gerard and Naima Omasta-Milsom in Walthamstow. At one stage the loud sound of rain falling on the roof of gazebos drowned the speeches being delivered through microphones. However, guests enjoyed a sumptuous lunch provided by the trustees and supporters. Between rain showers, they took part in gumboot dancing and circle dancing, following demonstrations.
Stella Creasy MP Neil Gerard, former MP, and Waltham Forest Councillors Saima Mahmud, Mark Rusling and Ahsan Khan came to support the fundraising.
The event raised just over a thousand pounds. All the money raised will go to the food program at Thuto Lesedi Secondary School in South Africa. The program provides lunch at school and food packs to take home. About 500 youngsters benefit. The head teacher’s observation is that having food has improved students’ alertness and performance in class.WFTISA and its supporters share the view that “A Hungry Child Cannot Learn”
