"OUT OF ADVERSITY, COMES OPPORTUNITY" BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
The day has finally arrived - the launch of the VUSA Mobile Library. A pipe dream that has finally become a reality.
Our little tuk-tuk library will visit 3 registered ECD centres each day filled with books and puzzles. The programme is driven by Lungile Moferi, the most wonderful man, and as a father himself, he has brought a special element to our reading programme. His interaction with the children is gentle and warm and his engagement with the children is a massive part of what this programme is all about - so much of doing this work is the ability to connect with the children.
Yesterday, VUSA coaches were the recipients of 13 brand new bikes which were donated through a collaborative initiative with Pedal Power, Ben Bikes, Qhubeka and government. This addition to our programme will have an enormous impact. Our coaches currently walk long distances between ECD centres, the sports grounds and the academic centre. We are so grateful for this support.
In other news, VUSA programmes are once again running in line with COVID regulations. After more than a year, VUSA children are delighted to resume training at the Langa Sports Ground and to once again have access to the classroom. Participant numbers have increased significantly from last year (160 - 240) and we are pleased that the number of female attendees has doubled.
Through a new partnership with Ikhaya le Langa our children are now fed at the Langa Quarter after attending the daily programme and we are grateful to Faith Sotondoshe, Daniswa Klaas and Bukelwa Khamsholo for not only preventing children from going to bed hungry but ensuring each meal is delicious and nutritious. Thank you to The Shoprite Group and The Lunchbox Fund for being such incredible food partners.
We wish to thank the Ubumbo Legends for introducing the Reading and Writing course to 30 VUSA children on Saturdays. This programme encourages dual language proficiency (English and Xhosa) and aids oral and written skills. Thank you also to AK Fitness for hosting this term's clean-up day.
As always, thank you to each of you who gives so generously financially, of your time, products and services to awaken opportunities for our VUSA children.
Kind regards
Brendan, Mak and Nikki
AND WE'RE OFF...
I WANT TO RIDE MY BICYCLE
This incredible initiative initially began to make school attendance more accessible for rural children. Thanks to Government support, this programme now supports community development programmes - transport is one of the biggest reasons why programmes fail. Thank you to Ben Bikes, Pedal Power, Qhubeka and Government for donating these bikes which will increase our efficiency and thus broaden our impact in the Langa Community.
IT'S TRY TIME
It's been more than a year since children could run around on the Langa Sports Ground and it's wonderful to see the laughter, energy and "gees". WP Rugby has confirmed School rugby will go ahead this year (COVID pending) and our players are preparing for their first match in May.
BACK TO SCHOOL IS COOL
SIYAKHULA-LANGA
VUSA has recently partnered with Siyakhula-Langa who run an afterschool academic support programme for high school learners in the Langa community. Please contact us if you are able to volunteer your time to assist.
ECD MAKE-OVERS
Garden make-over at Nomonde ECD Centre - Thank you to the Gilbert Family for donating your jungle gym.
Thank you to Ross Peacock and his team at MCM Painters for giving Dalukhanyo ECD Centre a fresh lick of paint.
UBUMBO WRITING COURSE
Ubumbo, in collaboration with VUSA Academy is launching a Reading and Writing Programme aimed at embodying Ubumbo's vision of becoming a reputable voice on matters affecting development and transformation in South Africa.
This programme aims to encourage/foster dual language proficiency in all of the kids we work with. The two books that have been selected are Khwezi (in Xhosa) and Wanda (in English). Ubumbo are raising funds to ensure that each child can receive their own copy of each book. If you would like to contribute to this please see details below:
This important programme teaches our children to give back to their community and provides a great space to educate our children about recycling and the danger litter has on the environment - both on land and in the oceans.
THE LANGA QUARTER
Ikhaya Le Langa is a bustling hub - a space where you feel inspired when you drive through the gates. Here you will find Nande's Kitchen - headed by Faith (Nolizwe Sotondoshe). Faith runs her cafe from Ikhaya le Lange's Sun Diner but each afternoon, gives up her time to support our catering staff to cook meals for our 240 VUSA children (as well as other community programmes). Asekho, a trained barista runs 'Asemjey's Coffee' and makes one of Cape Towns finest coffees so please stop in to visit us at our new 'home' at the Langa Quarter. This venue supports young entrepreneurs and as such you can enjoy a great cup of coffee, delicious food, purchase beautiful works of art or some of the best home made chilli sauce or crates of braai wood.
POP UP SHOP
Thank you to all the families who have donated clothes to VUSA. Thank you also to the Bishops Clothing Shop for sorting through and donating uniforms. These are laid out at a termly pop-up shop in Langa where learners can select items they need and that fit them perfectly.
Thank you to Alligator Manufacturing for donating these beautiful tog bags for our U13 players.
AN EGG-SEPTIONAL EASTER
VUSA and Bishops children spent a Saturday morning making Easter Egg baskets for RX Radio at the Red Cross Children's Hospital.
WHATS NEXT
Outings can provide rich learning opportunities which stimulate curiosity and inspire new interests. Outings can foster children's social skills and self-confidence but most of all they create exposure to different places and experiences.
Rugby Fixtures and outings planned for May
8th - Rugby Match - Bishops / Ubumbo reading and writing course
15th - WPPS
22nd SACS
29th - recreational soccer day
Please contact us to discuss sponsorship / team building opportunities for recreational outings.
We once again wish to thank all our partners, donors, volunteers, and staff for making this programme possible
Each of your actions has had a positive impact on the Langa community. If you are not familiar with Langa, please join us for a coffee at the Langa Quarter and see for yourself.
Thank you to our partners Bishops Diocesan College and Prep, Kepu, Shoprite, Capitec Bank, Sygnia Asset Management, The RB Hagart Trust, The Mapula Trust, The Good Machine, Waves for Change, TFG, HCI Foundation, The Oak Group, Woodstock Breweries, Ben Bikes, Pedal Power, Qubeka, MCM Painters, Ikhaya le Langa, Siyakhula Langa and WP Rugby as well as all the countless individuals and businesses who have supported VUSA, both financially and by donating products, time or expertise.
