Eliray Rose School Fire

My family is raising money for the Eliray Rose School in South Africa which we have had the privilege of being connected to over the past 5 years. Recently, their administration building and cafeteria caught fire and burned to the ground.

In May 2018, Chuck and Debra took a three-week trip to South Africa. While there, staying at the beautiful River Club on the Zambezi river and visiting the incredible Victoria falls, they met and spoke with their young driver, Muta Tufule. During their 2 hour drive, their conversation led to Muta’s project and passion that he and his wife Chichie, shared in creating a small school for the “vulnerable children” of his town, the Eliray Rose School. The school currently serves 63 children from ages 2 to 12.

They were so moved and fascinated by it that after their visit to the falls, they went to see the school. There they watched children as young as 2 cleanly dressed in blue and white uniforms orderly listening to their teacher on desks that were handcrafted by Muta and his team. He walked them through the two-room building and showed them around the land that he had secured to build his dream.

Their long-term goal is to create a school that goes through Middle School. Chuck and Debra have stayed in touch with Muta and Chichie and now help to pay the monthly rent and help with other expenses.

Covid hit them especially hard. Much of their funding completely dried up but they have kept going. They are strong and resilient people and they have such a passion for these children. Most of their parents earn about a dollar per day and drop them off at the school for their one and only meal.

We were so sad to learn that a couple of weeks ago the school's administration/ cafeteria building caught fire, burning it and all its contents to the ground.

The building was used as a kitchen where the food for the kids was prepared, and the other part of the building was used as a restaurant which was established as a way to earn revenue for the school in order to pay for water bills, and electricity, and also the teachers.

Not only has the fire destroyed the building where these kids' one meal for the day was prepared but it has also left a huge impact on the surrounding community. This facility was also a large source of employment for local community members. The fire caused all of these individuals to lose their employment which was helping them and their families sustain their livelihoods.

Our goal is to raise $12,000 for the Eliray Rose school, in order for them to rebuild these facilities. Any and all donations are truly appreciated and will be given directly to Muta and Chichie. Thank you in advance for your kindness.