With the help of all our supporters Thuso recently sent 1,213 children’s books to South Africa. Seventeen boxes made their way to Thuto Lesedi Secondary School and five boxes went to Lobethal Primary School.
Sunshine Lifted the Mood at the 2013 Garden Party
On 14th July 2013 people dedicated to “Making Poverty History through Education” enjoyed Waltham Forest’s Thuso in South Africa’s (WFTISA) annual fundraising garden party. The garden at the home of Gerard and Naima Omasta-Milsom in Walthamstow was bathed in sunshine. Some guests welcomed the opportunity to bask in the sun, while others sought shelter under gazebos.
Adam and Ryan, Gerard and Naima’s children, welcomed the youngsters who came with the adults. They kindly shared their company, games and toys.
Everyone was entertained by four members of a Steelpan band. The soft music they played complemented the pleasure of relaxing on a sunny day, in the garden, while helping to make “Poverty History through Education.” Guests enjoyed a sumptuous lunch provided by the trustees and supporters.
The Chair of WFTISA delivered a progress report which conveyed the positive observation of teachers at Thuto Lesedi Secondary School in South Africa. They said having food had improved students’ alertness and performance in class
WFTISA and its supporters share the view that “A Hungry Child Cannot Learn”. All the money raised at the Garden party will go to the food program at Thuto Lesedi Secondary School. The program provides lunch at school and food packs to take home. In 2013, about 600 youngsters will have lunch, and about 250 of them, will also get food packs. The food packs ensure that the most destitute have food after school, during week-ends and school holidays.
Visit to Thuto Lesedi Secondary School March 2013
In March 2013, Mmapula Tladi-Small (chair) visited Thuto Lesedi Secondary School and met the 2013 year 12 (Matriculation) pupils Sponsored by Waltham Forest Thuso in South Africa. This was the final year at high school. Sponsors had made it possible for them to stay in school from year nine, second year at high school, to year 12, the final year. The pupils I met were keen to express their appreciation, and the inspiration drawn from the support received.
Lack of money to pay school fees, buy essential books and food, would have forced some to leave school before the final year. That would have denied them the bright futures they were planning to achieve. Among the ones I met, careers mentioned included Boiler Maker, Engineer, Doctor, Diplomat and Journalist.
There are new government and industry backed initiatives to help young people from deprived backgrounds access higher education and training. What is needed is encouragement and support to help youngsters get through year 12. (Matriculation) We can “Make Poverty History Through Education”.
Lobethal Mission Primary School
Lobethal Mission Primary school is a rural school. It is in Limpopo Province, north of Gauteng. The children come from poor families. Some of the children walk over three miles to get to the school. Among them there are those who cross a river far from the nearest bridge. So they do not go to school when the river is full.
WFTISA sends donated clothes for the needy children. The school receives books and toys to start a library. Some of the children have never owned books or toys
Letterbox Library
In November 2012 Letterbox Library donated a large number of books to Waltham Forest Thuso in South Africa. Some of the books will be sent to Lobethal Primary School, in the rural region of Limpopo Province in South Africa. WFTISA is helping the school compile a much needed library.
Other books will be sent to AIDS orphans supported by the Azwikundi women’s group in Tshwane Gauteng Province.
Mayor of Waltham Forest shows his support for destitute children in South Africa
Local charity Waltham Forest Thuso in South Africa (WFTISA) were happy to welcome the borough’s new mayor, Councillor Richard Sweden, to their annual Fundraising Garden Party on Sunday 23 September 2012 in Walthamstow.
The charity sponsors school fees and supports a food programme for school children who have been orphaned or made destitute by HIV and AIDs in South Africa. WFTISA sees education as the only escape from poverty for these children and, as hungry children cannot learn, providing lunch is essential for many pupils who may not have an evening meal waiting for them at the end of a school day.
More than 100 people came from Waltham Forest, across London and as far afield as Holland to support the event, which raised more than £800. Undeterred by the pouring rain, the party moved inside to hear the mayor’s address, as he spoke of the value of supporting those less fortunate than ourselves, and encouraged generous giving.
Guests were then entertained by Daniel Pule and Vuyelwa Njonge, two South African musicians from Watford who thrilled with their acapella singing and Daniel’s haunting harmonica playing. Elijah Bracewell and six-year-old Zeki Taylor brought the entertainment to a close with a demonstration of South African Gumboot dancing.
