As some of you may know, I have enjoyed the autumn season in Endlovini. My visit was a bit shorter this time as I wanted to be home to celebrate my sister Else's 80th birthday. It was therefore a bit hectic, but also very productive! I would like to share with you, dear supporters of the project, some of the highlights from October / November 2016.
Eshowe hospital has asked us to act as an out station for them, so that we receive, store and distribute medicines to their patients in our community. These will arrive once a month, so that they avoid the long and costly journey to Eshowe. For this they pay us ZAR 30,000 pr.annum! We often get visits by members of Mtunzinis Rotary club. Last time they brought several fruit trees which were quickly planted; Mango, avocado and lychee trees. I got to meet one of the members, a retired farmer, who has opened a lumber store down the main road. He constantly drops by with useful advice and tips and help. He thinks we have such a great project! The new water tanks on the roof in hospice work well. We had a fair amount of rain while I was there which resulted in eleven full water tanks (our ten plus one for the rectory). Great! But then it's not so easy to warm up the water ... The tanks on the roof of the hospice should preferably have sunshine! We now have four Wonder Bags that were purchased for the children and hospice kitchens. These can be compared with the old "høykassene" (hay boxes) here in Norway. Super to be able to cook complete food dishes in advance with the minimum use of gas! I have bought 180 yellow t-shirts and Khanyisiwe sews green skirts and pants, make up these garments the children's uniform - which are sold at a subsidized price to the parents or guardians. Also the teachers have new T-shirts, theirs are in the colour lime. There was a big fuss with all the hats I had brought with me. They were all tried on for size and test driven, but will not be handed out before April when it gets a little cooler in the air. Extra gift money provided us with some large rugs for the classroom floors. Much better to sit and play on than slightly cracked concrete floors! Nice red plastic motorcycles were also bought. Nathan is painting a new coat of paint on all the furniture. We've expanded the vegetable garden and had great harvest of cabbages. We got so many that the surplus was sold to staff. It has taken time but gradually the production has increased. Khanyisiwe does an excellent job as House Mother. In a natural and safe way she walks in, looks and keeps track. She spends time dealing with the elderly and helps to create a good homely spirit. We have purchased lockable metal lockers where patients can store their personal belongings. My ladies have been very productive and I have yet again come home with beautiful hand made items that I will sell to raise more money. Many of the items have already been sold! I will be offering some of the items on Facebook eventually. So watch this space. I'm going to introduce a new member in time to come. Her name is Goodness and she deserves a proper presentation.
South Africa has experienced servere periods of drought. The Project has, through the years, put up ten tanks for water harvesting. Here you see Mr.Nzuza preparing and improving the foundation for two new tanks.
A good harvest of vegetables.
... And here you have the teachers and chefs who care so beautifully for the children (without the youngest, MPhila, who was sick that day)
Here is a group a children in their great new hats their. THANKS TO EVERYONE who contributed! We received more than ONE HUNDRED CAPS! Super great!
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August 2020
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