Hi again — Teacher Julia here

Capricorn, a community that many of you know has become very close to my heart. Capricorn is one of many townships in South Africa shaped by historic inequality and ongoing underdevelopment. Many families here face multidimensional poverty, meaning challenges aren’t limited to one area of life — they affect food security, electricity, education, healthcare access, and overall child wellbeing all at once.

In South Africa, 62% of children grow up experiencing this kind of layered hardship. Schools are under-resourced, classrooms are overcrowded, and families are often forced to choose between essentials most of us rarely have to think twice about.

Despite all of this, the children I work with show up every day with resilience, curiosity, and so much heart.

With the help of friends, family, and supporters back home, we’ve already been able to do so much together. Previous fundraisers have helped provide:

• Lot and lots of food

• Stationery and school supplies

• Formula for babies

• Toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and hygiene essentials

• First aid kits

• Toys, puzzles, and learning materials

• Children’s books that reflect their real lives — stories about losing a parent, growing up too fast, facing big challenges young, and learning how to process difficult emotions

• School uniforms

• Financial support for children’s upcoming school years

• A full graduation celebration for my class, including food and decorations

• A Christmas fundraiser that provided gifts for every child and a shared Christmas meal

• A memorable birthday celebration for one of my students, Skyla, who lost her mother to cancer last year. A party complete with cake, gifts, and even helping her father surprise her at home

We’ve also made space for joy and experiences that many of these children had never had before:

• A field trip on a boat day (the kids know Back here in America I work on a boat so they call me Captain Julia)

• A visit to World of Birds, where they learned about the incredible birdlife of South Africa

• Many days of taking the children outside of the township to visit local beaches and parks. This gives them more opportunity to life outside of their township and explore beyond what they are use to

Each fundraiser has addressed a specific need in the moment.

This one is about continuing care.

This GoFundMe is focused on overall wellness and stability, helping meet ongoing, everyday needs so these children can feel supported not just during milestones, but in the in-between moments that shape their lives.

Funds raised will continue to support:

• food and basic necessities

• education-related costs and school readiness

• hygiene, health, and wellness needs

• resources that support emotional growth and stability

Every contribution truly goes a long way here. What feels small from afar can make a meaningful difference in a child’s daily life.

These children have taught me more than I could ever teach them. They’ve expanded my heart, challenged my perspective, and reminded me why showing up consistently matters. This fundraiser is my way of continuing to do just that — with care, transparency, and respect.

Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for caring.

Sending love from Capricorn Township