Help Support Kids of Nokukhanya
Donation protected
This August I will be helping an impoverished day care and preschool in South Africa. The Zulu name for the preschool is Nokukhanya and its English name is the Sunnyside day care.
The students at Nokukhanya range from babies to 6 year olds. Many have single parents and some are cared for by grandparents.
You may be wondering how this all came about. It started when my family and I were involved in helping out at a soup kitchen in a different community, called Masanenga, in 2012. I was deeply moved by seeing their dire need for basic daily necessities that most of us take for granted (clothing, running water, sanitation). This initial experience made me realize how fortunate we are and motivated me to try to make a difference in the lives of these children.
In the summer of 2013, I coordinated a clothing drive for the families of Masinenga. The response to my effort was overwhelming, especially in my hometown in Massachusetts. However, when I traveled to South Africa to deliver the donated clothing, local regulations and customs limited how much I was allowed to bring. Despite this problem, I was able to ensure that more than 70 children received at least one full set of clothes,and for many, their only pair of shoes. Fortunately, in 2014, I again returned to South Africa and to donate the excess clothing to Nokukhanya day care center.
I am returning to South Africa in August 2016, and I’m again coordinating a similar outreach drive for the children of Nokukhanya. Having learned from my prior experiences, I know that it is far more efficient to raise money here in the United States and then purchase the clothing for the children when I arrive in South Africa.
My target is $2,500. This money will ensure that each and every child receives a few items of clothing, a pair of shoes and a blanket. It may not sound like much, but these children do not have even basic supplies. All extra money will go directly into a fund for a clean water system at the school so teachers and student can, for the first time ever, have clean water. Today, the only accessible water supply is is a heavily polluted local stream. I will provide copies of all receipts to verify that 100% of this money that I raise will go directly to this community.
There is an African proverb that says it takes a village to raise a child. I feel that with your support and generosity we will be able to make a huge difference to Nokukhanya – Sunnyside day care. Together we can provide some life changing necessities to this important group of children and teachers.
I very much appreciate and thank you for your support.
The students at Nokukhanya range from babies to 6 year olds. Many have single parents and some are cared for by grandparents.
You may be wondering how this all came about. It started when my family and I were involved in helping out at a soup kitchen in a different community, called Masanenga, in 2012. I was deeply moved by seeing their dire need for basic daily necessities that most of us take for granted (clothing, running water, sanitation). This initial experience made me realize how fortunate we are and motivated me to try to make a difference in the lives of these children.
In the summer of 2013, I coordinated a clothing drive for the families of Masinenga. The response to my effort was overwhelming, especially in my hometown in Massachusetts. However, when I traveled to South Africa to deliver the donated clothing, local regulations and customs limited how much I was allowed to bring. Despite this problem, I was able to ensure that more than 70 children received at least one full set of clothes,and for many, their only pair of shoes. Fortunately, in 2014, I again returned to South Africa and to donate the excess clothing to Nokukhanya day care center.
I am returning to South Africa in August 2016, and I’m again coordinating a similar outreach drive for the children of Nokukhanya. Having learned from my prior experiences, I know that it is far more efficient to raise money here in the United States and then purchase the clothing for the children when I arrive in South Africa.
My target is $2,500. This money will ensure that each and every child receives a few items of clothing, a pair of shoes and a blanket. It may not sound like much, but these children do not have even basic supplies. All extra money will go directly into a fund for a clean water system at the school so teachers and student can, for the first time ever, have clean water. Today, the only accessible water supply is is a heavily polluted local stream. I will provide copies of all receipts to verify that 100% of this money that I raise will go directly to this community.
There is an African proverb that says it takes a village to raise a child. I feel that with your support and generosity we will be able to make a huge difference to Nokukhanya – Sunnyside day care. Together we can provide some life changing necessities to this important group of children and teachers.
I very much appreciate and thank you for your support.
Organizer and beneficiary
Emma Loomes
Organizer
Sudbury, MA
David Loomes
Beneficiary
