230km Hike for Vulnerable Children in South Africa

Tracy-Kim Gilchrist is organizing this fundraiser.

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"A toddler, was admitted during the height of the Covid19 pandemic, together with his elder sibling, who was an emergency Child Protection admission. The toddler was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome, and was lethargic, and had difficulties standing and walking unaided, and could not feed himself. The child was clinically assessed with developmental delays and the Masizame Team immediately called for assistance. Just 4 months later, the developmental growth and his laughter is a joy to behold. He can run, kick a ball, feed and bathe himself and is busy learning his colours. The transformation in this child is phenomenal."

When I turned 50 this year I felt compelled to mark this with a ritual - the celebration of a transitioning time as a woman and my spiritual "arrival" into Australia from my homeland Africa ... hence the 230km Larapinta Trail. But it did not feel "enough" and wanted to find a way to contribute to my home country! My best friend offers her services to a nonprofit residential child care centre called Masizame where 30 children are under a statutory protection order because they have been neglected, physically and/or sexually abused and emotionally abandoned. They also provide emergency care and programs to support the community

Whilst the Masizame Child and Youth Care do an amazing job with the resources they have, their teams work extreme shifts and the therapeutic services and basic daily needs require funds. Masizame really is a haven space meeting so many needed holistic care protocols that just don't happen as the norm elsewhere in the country. Providing just food and shelter is not enough to get these children safe and reintegrated! They get emotional work, Biodanza, yoga, and creative arts therapy here! Its existence and success really depends on ongoing funds and with the current unrest and stressful effects of Covid in South Africa they need our support even more. The funds will go towards therapeutic services, lifeskills camps, school and sports uniforms, resources for creative arts and dance (eg portable speakers etc) and of course hygiene and nutrition to mention a few.

Another ‘case’ was profiled as a defiant child from foster care with behavioural challenges. Our professional team rapidly assessed the child to be a 10 year old child who simply was trying to survive. Far from a deviant, she was a victim of historical emotional, physical abuse and severe neglect. Once the child establishes a sense of belonging at Masizame, formal assessments of needs can truly begin. An individual development plan is formulated by our social worker including all proposed interventions, educational and therapeutic. The therapeutic programme is very much a journey, and the pace is mutually established with the child, and includes the healing process of forgiveness.

Every story unimaginable! But these children have a real chance to heal in this special place!

So much is in flux and unknown right now ... some of us have more flow than others, some of us less impacted by current state but I know that any giving always leaves one feeling connected and on purpose ... I have never felt happier than the moments I have given anything that might bring joy or love to another ... so here is another opportunity to give to these children. It is a VERY HONESTLY run organisation! I know (and trust wholeheartedly) some of the people on the Board.

So I am trekking 230km in 14 days and hoping you might sponsor me and give these little ones a chance at something wholesome and true healing!