Hope for Limpopo

CONGRATULATIONS, CRISTINA!

2011-10-26T20:54:00.011-04:00

Cristina Kessler, award winning children’s book author as well as friend and supporter of Hope for Limpopo can now add another notch to her impressive ‘winning’ belt. Cristina recently attended the 2011 Florida Writers Association Annual Conference as a finalist in the Royal Palm Literary Awards competition. By the conclusion of the 3-day conference Cristina had been awarded First Place for her genre of unpublished Travel books. Congratulations, Cristina! We look forward to the first of your many published adult books. Cristina and her husband Joe have been longtime friends of VMS director Sue-Anne Cook and TVEP director Fiona Nicholson as well as sponsors to VMS students. To learn more about Cristina and her published children’s books please click here.

GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS

2011-10-26T20:40:00.001-04:00

As we last reported, our much-anticipated 2012 Beetles arrived on Thursday, October 13th midst a flurry of media attention. Fathers and Sons of West Springfield, MA graciously offered to purchase the red Beetle so that much of the proceeds could be donated to Hope for Limpopo. Once again we must express our gratitude to Oprah, Volkswagen of America and Fathers and Sons Volkswagen dealership for assisting us in our efforts to aid the impoverished children of Vhutshilo Mountain School and the women and children survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence in the Limpopo Province. Although we are grateful for all of the recent publicity, we are anxious to refocus the attention on our South African friends and HFL supporters whose consistent assistance makes the existence of Hope for Limpopo possible.

And now the bad news. Unfortunately we’ve just learned from our friend Sue-Anne Cook, director of Vhutshilo Mountain School, that she is being forced to make preparations to downscale the school for next year. A newsletter from Suzi explaining the reasoning behind this drastic measure is forthcoming but suffice it to say that the South African Department of Education (DoE) has been obstructive and uncooperative when it comes to adequately educating and supporting these impoverished children. We will publish more detailed information very soon but please understand that Hope for Limpopo has no intention of relinquishing our own efforts to help Vhutshilo Mountain School and the children we have come to love as our own. Thanks to your never-ending support we will simply redouble our efforts.

The Cars Are Coming!

2011-10-11T10:28:00.009-04:00

If you’ve been following us, then you know that in November, 2010 because of our involvement with Hope for Limpopo,Inc., we were chosen to be ‘Audience Guests’ on Oprah’s last gift-giving show. Beyond being showered with lavish gifts, most of which we either gave away or sold with the profits going to HFL, we met the most amazing people whose ‘goodness’ and ‘compassion’ astounded us. Last week we got the news that the long awaited arrival of our all-new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle was imminent. Today we are pleased to announce that the national 2012 Beetle delivery event coordinated by Volkswagen of America will occur on Thursday, October 13th. Coinciding with this event, Fathers & Sons of West Springfield, MA and Volkswagen of Northampton, MA will be presenting us with the keys to these fabulous vehicles. We are grateful to these two dealerships for their pledge to bring attention to Hope for Limpopo and the many needs of our impoverished friends in South Africa. Father’s & Sons has offered to purchase Nancy’s specially chosen red Beetle, proceeds of which will go to Hope for Limpopo; the check presentation will also occur on Thursday October 13th. Please feel free to contact us or the dealership directly if you are interested in owning and driving this fabulous piece of television history.

Tshilidzini Special School

2011-10-03T13:49:00.006-04:00

Classroom for visually impaired children

Jenna Praschma, Sector Manager for TVEP’s Access to Justice and Trauma Services, brought us to the Tshilidzini Special School, located in the village of Shayandima. Tshildzini Special School, created in 1971, is a boarding school for hearing, visual and/or physically disabled children, many of whom are from impoverished families unable to afford specialized treatment. The school is currently at capacity with 483 learners.

While we were quite impressed by the well groomed grounds, dedicated staff and well behaved students, we were dismayed to hear that the school receives government support of only R15/day for each student which equals $1.81 per student per day. Keep in mind that this is a boarding school which not only houses the students but feeds them 3 meals a day AND educates them. Most of us in the US couldn’t buy breakfast for that amount of money.

The students and teachers alike welcomed us into the classrooms and demonstrated resourceful learning/teaching techniques with the limited supplies available to them. Mr. Luies, Deputy Principal, admitted that he has physical therapy equipment languishing in a storeroom for lack of qualified personnel to operate it. We witnessed visually impaired students pounding away on antiquated Braille typewriters and no specialized auditory equipment for the auditory impaired. Updated equipment and specialized professionals (OT/PT/SLP/TVI/O&M) are non-existent. School supplies are meager.

It came as no surprise to us that the school was unfamiliar with what various worldwide community service organizations such as the Peace Corps have to offer. The school personnel are stretched thin and simply have no time nor resources to access this information. Hope for Limpopo will make an effort to network with TSS but unfortunately we are also stretched thin at this time.

If you know of service organizations which might be willing to fund raise for TSS or if you have the capability to research grants and are able to complete the grant application then please contact us. Unfortunately we are unable to apply for these grants ourselves at this time but would be more than happy to assist you with the necessary information.

2011-09-28T21:55:00.000-04:00

SADNEWS from VMS

Left to Right: Community Outreach Coordinator Khathu, Nancy,
Teacher Constance (K-1), Jo Ann, VMS Principle Florence

Sadly, wejust received news from Sue-Anne, Director of Vhutshilo Mountain School,informing us that our dear friend and colleague, Constance Muthivhi, has justsuffered a serious debilitating stroke. Our latest news was that she hastypical left side paralysis, slurred speech and the loss of sight in one eye.VMS is making every effort to continue to keep her on full salary since she isthe sole support for her family. In the meantime, Sue-Anne is scrambling toprovide adequate instructional supervision for her K-1 students. A huge “Thankyou!” to an anonymous donor who has sent a donation specifically forConstance’s multiple needs.

2011-09-26T19:56:00.000-04:00

Forgiveus for being so tardy in sharing our latest South African adventures. Wereturned with a full plate of new ideas, new needs, and new projects tocomplete. We are very excited to say that we will be doing a ‘soft launch’ of anew social networking project that Meryl and Laura from Verndale, a Boston full service digitalagency, have been helping us to complete. Very exciting stuff which will beready to preview in the next couple of months. We’ll keep you posted!

In themeantime, we’d like to share more of the 2011 trip experiences that we weren’table to communicate from South Africa. Although the main road to the VhutshiloMountain School from Thathe Vendo (where we were staying) was washed out, wemanaged to travel the bumpy, dirt, back roads to school every day. We spentmuch of our time in teacher Constance’s K-1 and preschool teacher Dorah’sclasses modeling lessons and assessing critical teaching needs. Teachers fromthe Indian Brook School in Plymouth, Massachusetts generously donated many oftheir personal teaching supplies which we put to immediate use in theclassroom. Thanks to our generous Hope for Limpopo donors we were able to purchaseadditional instructional materials while in a distant South African cityenabling us to round out specific lesson objectives. We were fortunate to haveAmerican teachers Amy and Tricia join us this trip for they pitched right inorganizing lessons, teaching classes and training VMS teachers. Read about teacher, Amy Baldwin, in VMS K-1 classroom. It was such fun to see our own school materialson the walls of all three classrooms knowing that we left the VMS teacherscomfortable using them in their instruction.

ZoZo Project

2011-08-10T07:12:00.002-04:00

Thursday July 28th

One of our main goals was realized today. Jenna Praschma, Sector Manager for TVEP’s Access to Justice and Trauma Services, brought us to see the ZoZo Project or the Wendy House as it is sometimes called. Through the generosity of the Paul Newman Foundation, we were able to construct a small building that will serve as a combined waiting room/counseling center for young children and teenagers who have been physically and/or sexually abused and are awaiting their court appearance. The 'Wendy House' guarantees that these child-victims will have a safe area in which to wait rather than in a crowded common area with the perpetrator and his family/friends.

We were gratified to see this little wooden structure fully constructed awaiting electricity. Our next project will be to fence in a small yard ensuring the safety of the children. We’ve also asked Jenna to provide us with estimates for the necessary furniture and toys needed to complete this worthwhile project.

2011 South Africa Travels to Date

2011-07-27T03:00:00.002-04:00

BLOG… 7-26-11

Today we focused on the monthly meeting of the VMS HIV/AIDS Women’s Support Group. Eleven women attended today’s meeting. Our goal was to discuss the viability of sustainable work, work which they are capable of performing and would enjoy. The outcome was positive and encouraging. A ‘Becky’s Buddies’ comfort doll project is in the making. Watch our website for more information.

BLOG.. 7-25-11

Saturday was a memorable day at VMS. Local children who are either on ARV meds or about to begin the medication are participants in the first-ever (in the continent!) youth ARV workshop facilitated by children. We are beyond thrilled to be witness to this history-making gathering. Saturday they were busy preparing a drama that they had collaboratively written and hope to share with surrounding villages in an effort to break the stigma of HIV. With help from the Scottish volunteers everyone broke into small groups to paint the backdrop scenery and practice lines. Laughter! Mutual Support! Team Spirit! A joy to watch. More information on the ARV workshop when we return to USA.

BLOG...7-22-11

We arrived safely with warm greetings from our SA friends. How wonderful to know that ‘smiles’ and ‘friendship’ has no language barriers. Unfortunately we have had great difficulty communicating with friends back home: international phone is not programmed correctly and internet is sketchy thus the delay in blogging. Hopefully all are bearing with us.

We’ve accomplished much in the week that we’ve been here but we still have much to do and a very short time left in Limpopo. Jo spent the first week with Fiona, the Director of TVEP, discussing important pending projects that are awaiting funding while Tricia and I have focused our efforts on Vhutshilo Mountain School.

Mr. Makwarela, Vice-Chairman of the VMS school board, took time out of his busy day to watch us model a K teaching lesson. We bought some much needed school supplies and have managed to model sample lessons in all of the classes.
We were a bit overwhelmed when entering the preschool class and 34 active preschoolers ages 2-5 years swarmed us! Darling children but as any teacher knows, it is very difficult to control 34 children in one class, much less 2-5 year olds with very few educational supplies at their disposal. Before the week was out we succeeded in organizing the entire preschool classroom which allowed the teacher to prepare her lessons more efficiently.

We were thrilled to learn that 10 Scottish university volunteers had paid R35 per day for housing at VMS. They have been assigned to work with CPC (Center for Positive Care) and the Jumbo Primary School while boarding at VMS. They are such willing participants and ready to help us with many spontaneous projects around the school during their free time.

There is so much more to share but time eludes us and the school children await!

WE’RE HEADING BACK!

2011-07-05T11:16:00.001-04:00

We cannot believe that it has been 2 years since we last saw our dear (young and old) South African Friends. And even less believable is the fact that we will be returning to the Limpopo Province in little more than a week. Our flight leaves JFK on July 13th bound for Johannesburg then a quick hopper plane to Polokwane where we will get a driver to take us the last 2 hours to Thathe Vondo our final destination. A long journey to be sure, but the thoughts of seeing our Vhutshilo Mountain School children and friends, our Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Program colleagues and grateful recipients, and the brave HIV/AIDS afflicted women in the Women’s Support Group make us anxious for the journey to begin!

We have specific goals for this trip. We’ve gotten news that the Child Witness Room has already been constructed with the Paul Newman’s Own grant money we received thanks to our nomination from Bob. Hopefully, while there, we can determine what extra money we may need to raise for a nourishment garden, a toilet block, room furnishings and comfort toys. In the past, HFL has sent money for the Women’s Bead Project, Elisa’s new roof, Freda’s new home, the children’s quarterly ARV workshop for area children who are battling the ARV drug regime as well as a few smaller projects. It is our intent to try to see firsthand the fruits of YOUR labor while we are in the area. Thank you Meryl and Laura for giving us an idea of what we must capture with photographs and video.

Additionally, we are resolved to collaborate with both VMS and TVEP to determine the future role HFL can play towards ensuring the longevity of our charities. We hope to discuss the creation and viability of self sustaining programs like ‘Becky’s Buddies’; a goat project; a craft/dry agri group network; new curriculum for VMS; training programs for teachers/volunteers in Limpopo Province; new children’s workbooks to teach them about HIV; and an agriculture component to our efforts. Perhaps you get the gist that this trip will be a fact-finding/planning mission.

We are pleased to share this journey with 3 young travelers who have asked to accompany us. Tricia, a graduate of Stonehill College and master of many aptitudes, will travel with us the entire trip. Cristopher, a doctor at Boston Medical Center and Amy, a teacher in Plymouth, MA will join us for the last 10 days of our journey.

Wistfully we wish that each of you could also join us, knowing full well that you have each contributed something to make Hope for Limpopo possible. We are packing our suitcases with goods that many have sent especially for the children: more precious handmade dresses from 6 and 8 year old Julia and Sabrina and their grandmother Karen as well as some from Debbie and Jan; 50 warm knit caps from Julia and Sabrina’s great grandmother and her church knitting group; handmade T-shirt ‘baggies’ (shorts) as well as assorted items and books from Sarah, Catherine and Cristina; additional ‘pillowcase’ dresses from the Westfield High School sewing class; a gross of bracelets and bouncy balls from Pat and Tom; head scarves from Karen, Sarah and SalGal for the women who volunteer at VMS; numerous much-needed school supplies from the teachers at Indian Brook School. We continue to be amazed that each and every item was unsolicited, rather, given from the depths of their own hearts! Beyond the donation of material goods we had behind-the-scene folks like Matt and Select Design who donated the T-shirts for the ‘baggies’. Can you just visualize some little South African schoolboy running around wearing a pair of ‘Phish’ baggies? We owe a debt of gratitude to people like Sally, Gene, and others who donated material and pillowcases from which the dresses were made. Advance Mfg Co and their employees (especially Joe and Tom) are always graciously willing to box up necessary items for us….thank you. Of course, monetary considerations such as those just given by Pat M, Joe and Jan, Anthony and Norma are always appreciated. Beyond the tangible items, emotional support and encouragement from family and friends are priceless. Those of you who are longtime supporters but who have not been specifically mentioned in this blog will also be tenderly transported to South Africa in our hearts.

Please try to follow us on our (almost) month-long journey. We will make every attempt to find internet access along the way, however, know that we must travel great distances to make this possible so bear with us!

See you back in the states on August 9th!

Networking at SFF Annual Board Meeting

2011-05-09T13:23:00.010-04:00

Last Thursday, May 5th, we were afforded a priceless opportunity to network with entrepreneurs from over 50 nonprofits ranging from the smallest grassroots effort to those with budgets nearing 3+ million dollars. The common denominator we all shared was the Segal Family Foundation (SFF) www.segalfamilyfoundation.org. Barry Segal, founding father and patriarch of SFF, himself a highly successful and renowned businessman, has had the vision and desire to benefit humanity by investing his wealth and resources in charitable organizations whose efforts are in keeping with his foundation’s mission. This mission is: “to find our niche where we can help deserving people and improve the quality of their life…perpetually. Our foundation tends to focus on Sub Saharan Africa where parts of the continent have not benefited from the modernization that has happened throughout the world. We would like to find areas where we can help, whether it be in education, jobs, economy, health, sports, or most important, birth control.”

In an effort to fulfill the SFF mission and their commitment, the SFF board of directors invited us to “learn, participate, and network” at a 12 hour annual working meeting with other invitees from all over the world who have varying charitable interests. It was a privilege to meet every like-minded person in attendance. We mingled and lunched with people who, like Barbara Bush of Global Health Corps www.ghcorps.org is mobilizing a youthful group of emerging leaders to Elizabeth Scharpf of Sustainable Health Enterprises www.SHEinnovates.com which jumpstarts sustainable businesses to improve the quality of life to Twesige Jackson Kaguri www.nyakaschool.org who authored the book, The Price of Stones, which explains his enormous efforts to build a school for AIDS orphans in his remote village in southwestern Uganda. No one in attendance was unapproachable and all of us were willing to share advice and experiences both positive and negative. This was “collaboration” at its best!

To say that this opportunity to network was a “valuable experience” for us would be a vast understatement. The knowledge in fundraising, economic development, health and community outreach that we gained from this meeting has increased our focus, confidence and knowledge base exponentially. It has caused us to redouble our efforts to ensure that the faith you, our donors and supporters, place in us makes a difference in the lives of those we serve.

We have repeatedly said that while financial support is a cornerstone to our success, the in-kind services, emotional encouragement and expertise of our supporters is every bit as important. This networking occasion was the opportunity we originally sought with our initial meeting with Barry, Dolly, Martin Segal and Andy Bryant. They did not disappoint us. The details and the contacts we now have as well as continued promised guidance from SFF are immeasurable and we will make every effort to use this information wisely. We are anxious to revisit the Limpopo Province community this July and prepare for our renewed efforts. Thank you for remaining HFL’s staunch supporters and “Stay Tuned!”

PEOPLE WE WANT YOU TO KNOW..

2011-03-31T16:55:00.001-04:00

Many interesting people have come into our HFL lives over the past few months and we are eager to introduce them to you and share the impact they have had on our HFL lives.

This past January, Casey C. joined the Hope for Limpopo team working as our first college intern. He is a senior Business Management student at Westfield State University with a concentration in marketing and management. Casey brings many valuable skills to the table including a working knowledge of computers, web and social networking and a youthful approach to volunteerism and social service. In turn, we are providing him with course credits focusing on hands-on non-profit experience, knowledge and skills in time-management, effective communication, team collaboration, merchandising and marketing. Through his efforts we hope to see Casey launch HFL’s first online store in the next few weeks.

Other than our generous donors, Meryl P. and Laura V. may be considered as having the largest potential impact on the success of Hope for Limpopo, Inc. to date. Meryl and Laura are Social Media Campaign Specialists who work for Verndale, an award-winning full service digital agency (www.verndale.com) located in Boston, MA. Through Verndale, we have been given the opportunity to update our web presence and bring our viral marketing to a whole new level. Within the next few months we hope to introduce a unique opportunity for our supporters to become visible collaborators in HFL’s mission. We are beyond ‘adrenalized’ with the prospect that we will be inviting you all to become our true partners. Please watch for our site launch coming soon.

We have quickly learned that not all foundations are open to reviewing unsolicited requests and many require an ‘invitation’ to apply. A huge “thank you” goes out to Bob H. who recommended to the Paul Newman’s Own committee that Hope for Limpopo, Inc. be allowed to submit a grant application for a generous Paul Newman’s Own grant. Please know that we would gratefully acknowledge and unquestioningly accept any similar invitations for grant application submissions.

Of course no nonprofit could survive without generous financial donors such as Mr. Barry S., however, sometimes a significant opportunity accompanies the financial donation. We are pleased to have been invited to attend the annual meeting of his foundation on May 5th in NYC. We are looking forward to this valuable networking opportunity and for the chance to “learn, share, collaborate and act on the issues facing our projects in Africa”.

There are no words to express the gratitude we feel for the unimaginable opportunity Oprah and her staff gave us in order to further the HFL cause. Sadly, we are not allowed to acknowledge anyone related to the Oprah show with any “material goods”. Therefore, in honor of our special staffer friend Becky A, we have plans to begin a program called ‘Becky’s Buddies’ which will supply comfort dolls to our child abuse survivors. More on this later.

We are tempted to acknowledge the myriad of supporters who have reached out to make a difference in the lives of the women and children of the Limpopo Province of South Africa, but we fear that we would fail to recognize someone. Surely you know who you are and we hope you understand that you are a part of something very important and that we appreciate your efforts.

"Goodbye 2010"

2011-01-06T12:48:00.027-05:00

First we must extend a heartfelt “Happy New Year!” to all of HFL’s ardent supporters and express our appreciation to all who have helped to make 2010 a most exciting and forward-thinking experience.

Because of your generous 2010 contributions, this year we were able to provide funding for a new roof for the Vhutshilo Mountain School addition as well as new roofing for the rondavel of a mother and her child who suffer from bronchial illnesses.

On October 1, 2010 the house keys were officially turned over to Freda who was the recipient of the HFL donation which helped to build her new house and allowed her to escape from a life of physical and sexual abuse. Masikhwa Tshilidzi, TVEP’s Access to Justice manager, graciously invited us to the ceremony and though we were unable to attend, we heard that HFL was given considerable credit and praise for the role we played in this life changing event. How proud our HFL donors must be to hear this happy news!

In November we were especially pleased to provide the funding which allowed a TVEP representative to accept an invitation to participate at the WHO/UNIFA conference in Bangkok, Thailand. This ‘invitation only’ meeting focused on universal access to female condoms and was considered quite significant to the TVEP organization since an estimated 650 South African women die each day from preventable AIDS. This meeting was an important human rights step for all South African women and for the recognition of TVEP on an international level.

2010 saw the addition of monthly sponsors for 7 Vhutshilo Mountain School children. Sponsorship provides a child with educational costs, school supplies, 2 nutritious meals per day, transport to and from school, clothing and medical support. We were especially happy to see that groups of friends/workers have begun to band together to support a needy child. In this particularly difficult economic time, a ‘group’ donation removes the burden of a monthly $50 fee from the shoulders of one donor and allows several friends to participate for the benefit of a common child.

We ended 2010 on a high note with the gracious donation of 30 precious dresses created and donated by Karen Callini and her 2 grandaughters, Julia and Sabrina. The local press featured this family on their front page as an example of heartfelt holiday giving. Hope for Limpopo’s optimistic expectation has always been that ‘givers’ would find some way to be a part of HFL and we would be bonded together in ‘giving’. We’ve always believed that most people want to help whether it is with a monetary donation, a kind word, an action, or simple support for what we do. We open our arms to everything. This was a perfect example of what we hope for…something small that grows. As a result of this article we now have several eager people who wish to join efforts in making ‘baggies with pockets’ for our underprivileged VMS boys. Please consider taking the time to view the article. The story is truly inspirational!

And how can we recap 2010 without mentioning our invitation to be recognized by Oprah as Inspirational Audience Guests on her last Oprah’s favorite things gift-giving show? The experience was both humbling and revolutionary. The event has catapulted us into uncharted waters but we continue to keep our HFL goals foremost in our minds. We’ll continue to reveal our strategy and plans for many of the gifts as we progress. Thank you to the many people who have congratulated us and we can only say, “Stay tuned!”

We’re quite excited to reveal that Verndale, a full-service digital agency out of Boston, has offered to help us revamp our website and introduce us to social networking skills allowing us to use our website to its full advantage. Watch for changes in 2011 and check out Verndale’s link which will soon be added to our Favorite Links page.

Speaking of our favorite links, we’ve recently added friend and award winning author Cristina Kessler’s link to our Favorite Links page. We are grateful for her support and friendship. Her children’s books about Africa have no equal!

In our final “Good-bye” to 2010 we must remind you that 99.96% of the money donated to HFL this year has gone straight to our South African charities. We expect to continue this tradition in 2011. Thank you All!

12/3/10 "Oprah Show"

2010-12-03T11:18:00.004-05:00

By now many of you know that as a result of beginning the Hope for Limpopo journey, Jo Ann and I were invited to be ‘Audience Guests’ on Oprah’s “Inspirational Heroes” show which we taped on Nov 16th and which aired on Nov 22nd. If the subject of this audience group held true, then we would have expected to see every one of HFL’s supporters sitting right next to us in that audience. It is because of each and every one of YOU who have stood beside us with words of encouragement and acts of selflessness that we (ALL) have been able to leave our heart prints on those women and children in the Limpopo Province who are so much less fortunate than ourselves.

We are pleased to say that we stood toe to toe with Oprah and that she is as kind, genuine, and compassionate as she appears to be on television. Her entire staff stands as testament to her generosity and kindness for every one of them was also pleasant and considerate signifying their own contentment with their jobs.

We are pleased to say that this ‘Oprah exposure’, while not exactly the national exposure we had hoped to get for HFL, did indeed open other doors for us. The local television, newspapers and social networking groups have supported us and allowed us to spread word of HFL’s mission.

And so we move on in the hopes of embracing more friends who believe that we can generate an attitude of zero tolerance towards all forms of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse, HIV and AIDS stigmatization in the Limpopo Province of South Africa through education of the children and planned program implementation for all victims.

11/22/2010 - Segal Family Foundation

2010-11-22T12:21:00.006-05:00

We are overjoyed at the continual support Hope for Limpopo is receiving from a variety of sources. Last month we were pleased and honored to be invited to NYC where we met with Mr. Barry Segal, Mrs. Dolly Segal, Martin Segal and Andy Bryant from the Segal Family Foundation. They graciously listened as we explained Hope for Limpopo’s Mission and Vision. In turn, we were fascinated to hear about the worthwhile projects and significant charitable organizations SFF has contributed to and continues to support through their foundation http://www.segalfamilyfoundation.org/. Thanks to a quarterly donation from SFF, we will be able to contribute to detailed projects in South Africa specifically geared towards education, creation of self-sustaining jobs for HIV/AIDS stricken women and victims of domestic and sexual abuse, and advocacy/support for women through the long awaited procurement of birth control. Thanks to The Segal Family Foundation we are able to send an invited representative from the Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Program (TVEP) to a December workshop organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Our TVEP representative will have an opportunity to review and discuss requirements and procedures necessary to produce and procure quality assured female condoms for the public sector and social marketing. Information garnered from this workshop will enable manufacturers to make an informed decision on whether they wish to enter the female condom market. Thank you to SFF for sponsoring this most important opportunity! We will try to post a report on the results of this workshop before the new year.

Hope for Limpopo September 2010

2010-09-11T07:10:00.001-04:00

It’s hard to believe that summer has passed and we are heading into Fall although our South African Friends recently wished us a “Happy Spring!” reminding us that they are heading into their Spring/Summer seasons. Everything we “know” to be real and true, everything we take for granted in the United States is not so in South Africa.

It has been a difficult few months for our TVEP friends who found themselves in a “crisis situation” this past July/August. Let us remind you that TVEP is the Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Program whose mission it is to generate a zero tolerance towards all forms of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, HIV and AIDS stigmatization in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. One of their very important programs, the ‘Access to Justice Project’ is in jeopardy due to rejection of their ongoing Open Society grant. No legitimate reasons were given for their exclusion of these monies and they are forced to consider the unthinkable: shut down this critical division of TVEP. This would mean “no more 24/7/365 trauma center services for victims of sexual abuse, child abuse, rape and domestic violence; no more follow up to encourage post-exposure prophylactics; no more monitoring of cases ensuring that everyone takes corrective action when necessary; no more helping victims through the difficult court system and pushing for a speedy trial; no more holding the system accountable; no more data collection to inform future interventions …” Think about it. No more assistance and support of victims in accessing their human rights! Shutting down this critical program is unthinkable.

Right now HFL needs something more important than your money. We need you to step outside of the box and to give us your ideas. We need your inspirations re: prospective plan(s) of action, suggestions for potential grants, proposals for ways to spread the word, ideas to help this essential program become self-sustaining. We have spent the last couple of months researching every aspect of the Access to Justice Project and have the information ‘at the ready’ right down to the cost per hour of justice. We are ready to listen to your ideas and/or to partner with you. Please think about it.

Hope for Limpopo July 2010

2010-07-21T15:45:00.004-04:00

Should you ever doubt the importance of your donations, however small, please read this update on our dear little friend, Thendo. At the end of 2009 we received an urgent message from our friend Suzi, Director of Vhutshilo Mountain School (see January 2010 blog & picture). She told us of a former student who was very ill from persistent vomiting caused by a reaction to his HIV drugs. While volunteers were able to drive him to a hospital in distant Johannesburg, funds were unavailable for his gogo (granny) to accompany him nor was there money for incidentals and transport home. Because of your donations, HFL was able to immediately assist Thendo and his family. Recent correspondence from Suzi updates us on Thendo’s progress: “Upon a recent visit to Nwanedi…..I was bowled over by a very happy, very robust little boy. I wanted to weep as he looks so different from that thin, frightened little boy that we had to rush to JHB….and then I hear “I love you Suzi, I fine.” So far the new regime is working well and he does not seem to suffer from side effects that we were so worried about. After years of fighting with the authorities we were able at last to access his foster grant, and also his gogo’s pension, so they have money to buy food etc. which will also make a huge difference to his well being. Thank you to all HFL supporters!”

There is very little we can add to this joyful ending except, “Thank You! “ and “Stay Well!”

Hope for Limpopo - May 2010

2010-05-31T19:51:00.007-04:00

It has been a few months since we last blogged but so much has happened that we scarcely have had time to keep up with the day to day operations of your growing non-profit, Hope for Limpopo. Here is our valiant effort to update you.

We were thrilled to learn that our dear friend, Fiona Nicholson, Chief Executive Officer for the Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Program (TVEP) was recently nominated to speak in Washington DC for the Vital Voices for Global Partnership (VVGP) partnering with the Avon Foundation for Women. Vital Voices for Global Partnership is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that identifies emerging women leaders around the globe. This organization grew out of the US government’s successful Vital Voices Democracy Initiative established in 1997 by then First Lady Hilary R. Clinton and former Secretary of State Madeline Albright. VVGP’s mission is to “bring visibility to extraordinary women around the world by unleashing their leadership potential to transform lives and accelerate peace and prosperity in their communities.” Though Fiona was not the final selection for speaker, we were proud to see that she stands out in a crowd of important female leaders and has been recognized as a woman who is making a difference. Jo Ann well remembers the early days when she and Fiona researched and struggled to establish the first trauma center. It is with great pride that Hope for Limpopo is able to say that we continue to support this most important initiative.

Tian Johnson, Support Services Empowerment and Advocacy Coordinator for TVEP also reports that Masikhwa Tshilidzi, Senior Legal Officer for TVEP, was invited to make an important UN sponsored trip to Washington in January; Fiona made a Parliament presentation and Tian himself went to an Amsterdam conference and just last week attended a 4 day workshop in the United States. Unfortunately we were unable to accommodate Tian’s kind invitation to “perhaps join me in Atlanta for a cup of coffee.” We are grateful for TVEP’s friendship and HFL is honored to be listed on TVEP’s website as one of their Regional and International Strategic Partners.

The Vhutshilo Mountain School (VMS) has also been making great strides. Suzi, Director of VMS, recently e-mailed that they were expecting a total of 30 children and teens for their quarterly ARV workshop. This greatly pleased Oxfam since there are many huge HIV/AIDS issues with the local teenagers. Guest speakers from Center for Positive Care (CPC), TVEP, and the local hospital were expected to interact with the group.

Many new children have been added to our website as needing sponsors, but thanks to the generosity of HFL’s supporters, several of them have already been sponsored. Of course our goal is 100% sponsorship so we continue to be so grateful for your philanthropy. Check out our beautiful new faces!

Hope for Limpopo has recently made some wonderful, kindhearted new friends. A group of co-workers from Fidelity Investments not only have sponsored 2 orphaned siblings, they have created an important geography lesson for all of the VMS students by arranging to have 200 post cards sent to the school. Very special friends from the Segal Family Foundation have given us a generous donation which has allowed us to be the initiating funding source for a sorely needed classrooms/bathroom addition to the school. This contribution will provide roofing for the entire project. More on this at a later date.

Please continue to follow our blogs and our attempts to keep you abreast of where your money is being spent. As always, we appreciate your patronage.

“Kha vha sale zwavhudi”… (Be Well!)

Hope for Limpopo, January 2010

2010-01-02T10:07:00.000-05:00

“Happy New Year!” to our dear Friends and HFL Supporters!

Today, as we reflect back on the unconditional support that our many old and new friends have lent to HFL over the past year, we are struck by the significant accomplishments that have stemmed from your generosity. While we have reported on many projects HFL has contributed to such as the building of a home for a mother and her 8 children; assistance with the community garden; new roofing for an asthmatic family; seed money for self sustaining work for the women in our support group and of course, food, clothing, books for our Vhutshilo Mt School children and families, we have yet to share with you the latest crisis and HFL’s response.

As you know, 99% of HFL’s donations go directly to support our causes. We leave a very minimal amount in the HFL bank account to cover normal fees for which all non profits are responsible. As we approached the end of 2009, our coffers were quite low when we received a generous and timely donation from Germany. This contribution couldn’t have come at a better time for just as this donation came in we got a desperate e-mail from Suzi, director of the Vhutshilo Mt School, requesting our assistance with a former Vhutshilo Mt School student named Thendo. The following are excerpts from her e-mail:

“ ….our Thendo got very ill. We got a call from his school, went to his house and rushed him to casualty. He weighed 11.5kgs!! (25 lbs) and looked like an old man. The Dr. does not understand the problem. Some of the children seem to have a late reaction to the drugs and he could not stop vomiting….we arranged to have him transferred to Constantia Hospital in JHB (Johannesburg). Elias Nengwenani (bless him!) drove him and the goggo (granny) down. Our problem is that the school is having to cover all the costs of her stay and it could be a while. We don’t have this sort of budget in our outreach programme. It costs approx. R40 for her transport to the hospital, R100 for her accommodation and then approx R40 for her food. When he is well he will need to get back, which might mean a taxi if I cannot get away (to pick him up). Another R500 ! Is there any way HFL can help? At this stage we are not sure how long he will be there. I feel terrible because we should have checked on him more often….but it is less easy to personally oversee all the problem children. Some are slipping through the cracks!! PLEASE see if you can help……”

Once again, because of your generosity, HFL was able to immediately respond and the money was wired the same day.

Finally, HFL was pleased to be able to contribute to honoring and recognizing the 33 Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Program volunteers. In the past 12 months TVEP has assisted 445 survivors of rape (20% children), 1285 survivors of domestic violence (2% children), and 40 people impacted by HIV/AIDS. Their workshops and campaigns have empowered 110,893 people on their rights and responsibilities pertaining to matters of gender and child violence, and reached another 950,000 through radio. HFL is proud to have supported this worthwhile organization and its volunteers who dedicate their time, energy and skills for the betterment of their communities.

You, dear Friends, are making a difference! Thank you! We wish you all a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year!

2009-09-07T12:57:00.000-04:00

Hello!

Since so many of you continue to ask pertinent questions about the charitable organizations that Hope for Limpopo Inc. supports, we’ve decided to give you an in-depth look at the “who-what-where-when-why” of these worthwhile charities.

Today’s blog and accompanying pictures are all about the Vhutshilo Mountain School (VMS) which provides orphans and children between the ages of 1.5 and 7 years with the highest possible standard of personalized care, stimulation and education available. Of all the children in need of special care in South Africa today, those most at risk are the orphans of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Often raised in extreme poverty by a grandmother (mmegogo) or elder sibling, and frequently ostracized by their neighbors, these children face a future with little hope from the onset.

The traditional home of the VhaVenda people, in the far north of Limpopo Province, is one of the poorest regions of South Africa. Over 50% of the population is unemployed, homeless or illiterate. HIV/AIDS is rife; basic infrastructure, state health and social services in this widespread rural area are extremely limited. This is where we begin our story.

BACKGROUND & HISTORY: Sue Anne Cook (Suzi), the founder of VMS, has lived in Venda since 1984. An active advocate for the Venda community, Suzi readily responded to local concerns about the growing number of AIDS orphans in the area. In 2002 she converted her mobile home into two classrooms, identified the 10 neediest orphans in the area, and opened her doors as the Vhutshilo Mountain School. Not only did Suzi educate these children, she provided them with two nutritional meals daily, clothing, transportation to and from school and exceptional personal care including preliminary medical assistance and ARV medication.

At this point, Vaughn Churchill, Peace Corps volunteer and veteran teacher extraordinaire entered the picture, offering much needed educational assistance as well as nurturing care and knowledgeable support. As soon as Vaughn walked into that mobile home/classroom, the seed for Hope for Limpopo was unconsciously planted in his mind and in his heart. Returning to the United States, Vaughn, his wife Jo Ann, together with their friend Nancy Amanti established Hope for Limpopo as a non-profit organization primarily (at that time) to support the children of VMS.

EVOLVING: Frasier, a young volunteer from Scotland, moved by the plight of the VMS children, took the story home to his church congregation. Consequently, in 2005, the Church of Scotland built a 2 classroom school which is now the new Vhutshilo Mountain School. End of story? That’s what Nancy thought ….until she visited South Africa and VMS witnessing the continuing neediness firsthand. (Jo Ann, however, who had lived and worked in Limpopo Province, never doubted that HFL had much more work to do.) While the school is more than Suzi had hoped for, the need is still great. The classrooms are a wonderful improvement but the supplies are limited and the necessity to expand the grades is ever present. The number of students has grown from 10 to 55 and the grades range from pre-school to grade 2 but the need persists. We learned firsthand that it was not unusual for Suzi to send home food parcels or clothing for siblings who do not attend VMS. The Vhutshilo Mountain School continues to provide the students with two nutritious meals per school day, second hand clothes, health checkups by the local clinic and monitoring for signs of abuse or neglect.

OUTREACH PROGRAM: While educating the children is the primary goal of VMS, it is impossible to ignore the impact home life has on the VMS learners. VMS has recently included an Outreach Coordinator whose job it is to ensure that the children are as well cared for at home as they are at school. They assist the families of learners to access government grants and provide food parcels and practical assistance as families wait for their application to be approved.

Vhutshilo Mountain School has quickly become an integral part of the community. Suzi continues to reach out to the entire village population in an effort to better the lives of the VhaVenda people. She is an amazing leader and HFL is honored to be able to help her achieve her goals.

2009-08-18T20:57:00.000-04:00

Good Morning!

It is difficult to believe that we have been stateside a full 2 weeks now. While our memories of old and new friends and encounters are fresh, the journey still seems a lifetime away. And although we are grateful to be back with friends and family, there is little doubt that we remain irrevocably changed by what we have seen and experienced in South Africa. The major portion of our hearts will forever be with our family, friends and supporters in the U.S. but it is undeniable that we have left a piece of our hearts in the Limpopo Province.

We’ve returned from South Africa with some ideas for small projects needing our attention. One such undertaking involves a young Vhutshilo Mt school student and his Mom who both have severe and chronic asthma. Their asthma is exacerbated by the fact that they live in a rondavel, which has a straw thatched roof (see-attached pictures). One of HFL’s projects is to replace the thatched roof with a tin roof, which should help to ease some of their breathing difficulties.

Elisa (the “Mom”), works in the Community Garden (see-attached photos) which was initiated and supported by the Vhutshilo Mt School. The school provides the vegetable seeds and the irrigation for the garden. Women who wish to care for the garden are rewarded with the vegetables they grow, provided they offer a small percentage of the harvest to needy families. The importance of this garden is not only reflected in the fact that it provides sustenance for the neighboring poor, but it provides healthy nourishment which is vital for the well being of these HIV+ women and children.

By now you may have noticed that HFL is intent on finding self sustaining programs for the HIV+ women and children of the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The past 2 weeks has been filled with ‘To-Do’ lists encompassing thoughts and ideas of how we can continue to support both the Vhutshilo Mt School projects and the Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Program by providing seed money which will help them help themselves. We invite you to offer opinions and suggest your own ideas concerning the best way for Hope for Limpopo to continue to support these charities. We hope you envision it as we do: as a ‘community garden’ with the ‘seeds’ provided by HFL but the labor and love provided by all who wish to share in the harvest.

Our next blog will include the suggestions we receive from supporters. Enjoy the rest of the summer!

TVEP August 1, 2009

2009-08-01T04:19:00.000-04:00

Last Wednesday we had the opportunity to accompany Tshilidzi Masikhwa, a TVEP Senior Legal Officer, to the new 2 room home HFL was able to build for Freda, a victim of domestic abuse. She and her 7 children are all currently living in a 1 room dirt floor, unfinished home belonging to Freda's brother. The circumstances are difficult, bear with us as we share Freda's story. In 2006 Freda approached TVEP seeking assistance in breaking away from her violent and abusive husband. Prior to this she had managed to flee with her children and go into hiding. Her husband eventually tracked her down and forcefully dragged her back where he physically beat and repeatedly raped her. While cleaning the house she found medical records confirming him as HIV+. Subsequently tests confirmed Freda was HIV+ as well. At this point his violence escalated to also include the children. TVEP tried to advocate on her behalf many times. Because her husband had friends occupying senior positions in government departments, her protection order was rescinded. Alone, frightened and aware that the justice department, SAPS, and the local police department were unwilling to assist her, she turned once again to TVEP. Recognizing that there were few alternatives, Mesikhwa and TVEP decided they must raise capital for a new home for Freda and her children. They submitted a proposal to HFL and we were able to fund materials and building of the dwelling. Unfortunately, we did not have the funds to furnish her new home. However, we are happy to announce the home will be completed within two weeks, thanks to the generous donations from HFL's supporters. This is your money at work, Friends! Be proud of yourselves...pictures are attached.

Most likely this is the last opportunity we'll have to blog from South Africa, but we have so much more to share with you: the trauma center we visited, the community garden, the straw roofed rondaval that needs replacing due to chronic and severe asthma of a VMS student and his mother. We leave South Africa on Monday arriving at BDL on Tuesday. We'll continue our story with pictures next week.

Saying goodbye to everyone we've met is exceedingly difficult although we look forward to seeing our family and friends back home.

Thank you to Jo Ann for her amazing photography and computer expertise and to Nancy for her chronicling. See you in the States!

VMS - July 29, 2009

2009-07-29T03:53:00.000-04:00

Monday afternoon Khathu, the VMS outreach coordinator and her assistant introduced us to a local support group of HIV+ women. Aside from needing an accepting social group, these women are desperately trying to find income producing activities which will enable them to support themselves and their children. All are currently on ARV drugs and receive a small disability grant from the government. Ironically, as their health continues to improve and their CD4 count increases, the government discontinues the disability stipend forcing the women to stop their medical regime in order to keep their meager benefit. Senseless to us but inexcusably true.

Fortunately we were able to introduce the idea of producing beads made from recycled glass to the women attending today's support group meeting. Naturally they were excited and anxious to begin the training, however, initial steps need to be taken before this project can move forward. We are feverishly working to throw together a proposal and a bare bones budget before we leave Africa. Next we will need to brainstorm ways to raise this working capital. The good news is that we know this project is doable and the investment is minimal.

We wish that we could properly convey to you how little these women and children have and how grateful they are for the smallest gesture, the slightest recognition, the most minuscule gift. A friend from Westfield gave us a bag of self-adhesive stars to share with the school children. As we peeled off the backing to put a star on each paper, the children quietly held out their hands to also receive the small paper backing covering the adhesive. They have very little and are grateful for everything.

Attached are a few pictures of the woman's support group, children from VMS and the bus they arrive in.

Vhutshilo Mountain School July 28, 2009

2009-07-28T04:58:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, our first day at Vhutshilo Mountain School (VMS), was full of dichotomies. Sue-Ann, the founder and director of the school, picked us up at 6:45 am before she made her daily school transport run. We climbed into the back of her "bakkie" equivalent of a pickup truck, which was equipped with 2 long wooden benches replacing cushioned seat. A thin piece of foam lay on the floor between the benches to accommodate Tshavhu, a paralyzed 2nd grader as well as several 2 to 3 year olds. By the end of the run 13 young children had piled into the back of the truck along with 2 school teachers (plus Nancy) and off we went to meet the rest of the students at school. The morning was quite cold and although we listened to a cacophony of sniffling and coughing, not all were dressed for the the chill. Immediately we noticed that each child was eager to go to school...even the little girl who wore no shoes. All of the children are fed breakfast (a type of vitamin fortified porridge) and lunch (cooked tins of fish and rice)which may be the only nutritious food they get for the day.

While at school, the children split into 2 groups; an overwhelming (32) pre-schoolers, the youngest about 1 and a half years old and 19 first and second graders. While they have no textbooks, the children are eager to learn and the teachers work very hard to give them the basics. We were both able to assist the teachers with "crowd control" and "staying on task" as well as teaching the children a few finger play songs, alphabet lessons and math for the older children.

These children have very little but we were stuck by how loving and kind they were to each other. They appreciated everything including a hug or simply a smile. There is still so much more to share with you but the day was overwhelming and we must stop now. Tomorrow we will tell you about the woman's monthly HIV/AIDS support group we attended in the afternoon. The stories abound. Thanks for listening.

July 27, 2009

2009-07-27T06:30:00.000-04:00

While at KNP we once again had the opportunity to see nature as it was intended. Crocs mingling with hippo; grazing impala; kudu, nyala, buck; herds of giraffe, zebra and elephant within feet of our vehicle. We even saw a black mamba, one of the most venomous and dangerous of snakes. Our final thrill was seeing a male lion lying sitting next to his fresh buffalo kill. Fi and Fliss, our hosts, have been a wealth of knowledge re: animals, bird, trees, KNP and SA history in general. From 6 am until the park gates close at 5:30 pm they took us down deserted dirt roads on game rides as the rest of us game spotted. Obviously no one left the vehicle since the danger was real and the horror stories of tourists leaving their vehicles were abundant. Monday is finally school day at Vhustshilo Mountain School...Yeah! More about that tomorrow. Pictures were too difficult to upload today...will try again tomorrow.

July 23, 2009

2009-07-23T03:27:00.000-04:00

Just a few minutes before we leave for Kruger National Park, a 9 hour drive to our overnight accommodations. Wanted to thank all for your comments and encouragement. Your support is appreciated.

Leshiba - July 22, 2009

2009-07-22T04:34:00.000-04:00

So sorry that we have been out of touch but we've spent our first few days at Leshiba Wilderness which lies in a hidden valley atop the Soutpansberg Mountains, one of the country's most spectacular bio-diverse environments. This wildlife sanctuary is special, offering a uniquely African experience with spectacular unspoiled views and dramatic wildlife. On day one a white rhino and her baby walked alongside our vehicle, a bit later we walked behind a family of 6 giraffe, and by the end of our brief stay sitings of impala, kudo, wildebeasts, wild boar and the hind quarter of a fleeing zebra continued to enthrall us.

Our walking guide wove us through natural paths and up rugged terrain pointing out ancient botanical medicinal plants as we made our way towards splendid rock art depicting shamans with antelope features. It's hard to spend time in the African bush and not be affected by it. We were grateful that we had no electricity to spoil the splendor of our surroundings. It is truly a unique experience to wake to a family of baboons peering in one's window then dashing off looking most annoyed at the intrusion.

Athough we've been here for a short time, we continue to be struck by the general kindness of the South African people, their ready smiles and their willingness to help. Even in this vast unspoiled wilderness we were able to experience the generosity of people who have little to give but are still willing to share. While at Leshiba we discovered and were offered an unused kiln and a 16 year old South African boy who is willing to teach a group of Venda women how to make glass beads from recycled bottles. The cooled beads will then be fashioned into necklaces. Hope for Limpopo is thrilled to be able to provide seed money to launch this initiative which will enable HIV positive women to maintain their ARV maintenance regimen.

Pleae check back in a few days when we'll once again be able to access internet.

Day 1

2009-07-18T09:12:00.000-04:00

Arrived Johannesburg after 16 hour flight from Atlanta, GA. Struck by the brown terrain of winter. Early morning flight to Polokwane on a small 30 passenger plane was surprisingly efficient and smooth. Met in Polokwane by Fiona, friend and director of TVEP. As we traveled the 2 hours to Thathe Vando, Fiona & Felicity, another representative and host, briefed us on the local situation. Although TVEP and Vhutshilo Mountain School have made amazing progress, it is obvious that there is much more to be done. Women and children from areas north of the Limpopo River continue to pour into the region seeking refuge and aid. Information we are receiving is overwhelming. Today we will receive more specific information from the TVEP office re: the need for housing for homeless extended family.

Preliminary Itinerary

2009-06-21T20:37:00.000-04:00

Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa on July 16 late afternoon. Overnight at the Airport Lodge Guest House, return to Airport to catch a plane to Polokwane the following day. We will be met at the Polokwane Airport in Peitersberg by the Executive Director of the Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Program and drive to our lodging in Venda, Limpopo Province.