Mandela Day

The 'Young Little Stars' gumboot dancers performed at Huis Silverjare, an old age home in Midros, in aid of Mandela day on 18th July.

The Grootfontein cell group, led by Jon Manunu (a board member and part of the Family Church) blessed the children with song, prayer and some delicious cupcakes on Mandela Day; their contribution towards their 67 minutes.

Natasha from Kingdom Connexion in Port Elizabeth sent the children boxes with presents. Thanks to everyone who has been so thoughtful with the children and helped enriched their lives! Lots of smiles all round.

Donations and Fundraising

Donations and fundraising are so important to us and are a life-line to cover the daily expenses to improve and sustain the welfare of the children under our protection, and especially at this time when we are caring for a number of babies.

And now we have a special cause where we need your help: One of our remarkable children, Phelu, is to undergo an operation in October to repair her palate.  This procedure is so important as it will greatly improve her speech and with that, her life. Hands On Africa has committed to cover the medical costs for which we are so grateful. 

But this is where YOU can help: we need contributions to cover the travel costs to and from Cape Town and also for follow-up visits in the future. ‘Can you help with a donation to change a life’. Any gift big or small would be so greatly appreciated. Please contact Carol if you are able to donate.

Here is Phelu at the Grote Shur Hospital recently where she met with doctors and therapists.

Ashley visits Cape Town

Some photos of Ashley enjoying his visit to Cape Town where he stayed with his host family, Marius and Marthe. He had a great experience which he'll remember for a long time.

Young Little Stars lighting-up lives with Dance and Prayer

Here's an article on the success of our gumboot dancers and what it means for them. Have a look at the link:
http://gatewaynews.co.za/young-little-stars-lighting-up-lives-with-dance-and-prayer/

A small extract from the article:

Social worker at ECYCC, Xolani Numpume, who is the dancers’ mentor, says the entire experience has been an eye opener for him as he has witnessed the personal development in each of “The Young Little Stars” as they have had the chance to explore their potential and capabilities.

He says it has also been a lesson in discipline, not only for the gumboot dancing team, but for all the children at ECYCC who see the team practice seven-days-a-week between 3pm and 4pm.

“The experience has meant a lot in their lives and given them something to work towards. Every day they learn something new about themselves; not only about gumboot dancing but also about themselves as a people.”

Carol [the home's manager] says one of the most positive outcomes of “The Young Little Stars” has been how it has boosted each member’s confidence.

“I can see the growth in the dancers, they have developed a belief in themselves and that they are capable of succeeding. Their sense of self-worth has grown, which is something we are constantly challenged to work on with all the children at ECYCC.”