Events

I visited Thuto Lesedi Secondary school on 14th December 2011. The school was preparing for the end of the academic year. Teachers were busy marking examination papers. Pupils had already started drifting away from attending school.

The school invited all the sponsored pupils to come and meet with me. Mr Madi, the Principal, attended. We had a pleasant meeting they were all looking forward to the holidays. The Christmas gifts of money from WFTISA brought smiles even to those pupils who seemed subdued. All recipients asked me to convey their gratitude to WFTISA and its supporters. The gifts were a very pleasant and welcome surprise. I was happy that I had been able to deliver it before Christmas.

During our conversations, two confident Matriculates (year 12) waiting for their examination results, shared their career choices with us. One had applied to join the police service and the other hoped to study radiography at Tshwane University of technology.

Mrs Maphuti, the teacher who co-ordinates the food program, and Rev Hlobelo, joined us at the end of our gathering. Mrs Maphuti reiterated the view that providing lunch and food packs contributed to improved student performance. However, she was concerned that the number of those needing to be fed was growing.

Mmapula Tladi- Small. January 2012

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”