| Sister
Mary's Children and Idaho Gives Week
There is a word in South Africa - Ubuntu - It is difficult to translate the full meaning as it is a true ideal rather than a singular definition, but especially right now, there is no better expression of togetherness. President Obama gave a moving description of the ideology of Ubuntu at President Mandela’s 2013 memorial, and it is one of the best explanations we have heard. It reads: “There is a word in South Africa, Ubuntu. It is the recognition that we are all bound together in ways that are invisible to the eye; that there is a oneness to humanity; that we achieve ourselves by sharing ourselves with others, and caring for those around us.” In this incredible time, all that is Ubuntu has been in the forefront of our minds. Although we are unable to physically visit the SMC Partnering Projects, we are constantly thinking of their leaders, staff, children and trainees and checking in often. As Mthatha and South Africa as a whole enter winter, we know they will be met with many unique and difficult challenges. We cannot say enough with regards to the steps the projects have taken to keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible. We wanted to share a few updates of some very big initiatives from the three SMC Partnering Projects. Bethany Home: Through your support, Bethany Home recently applied for and was accepted as an Early Childhood Development Center. With this official designation, Bethany is better equipped to provide early development education and social activities that provide the children with focused attention and care that is vital to their growth. With this official designation, Bethany Home now has better access to training and resources that will benefit each child. We are beyond grateful to Rose Kasumbi, the Director at Bethany Home who made the application for this designation a priority and supported the Bethany staff in hours of training and education. This will have a lasting impact on the lives of every child in Bethany’s care. Thembelihle Home: The past year has seen some huge improvements to the physical spaces of Thembelihle Home. With SMC’s support made possible by you, Thembelihle was able to have wardrobes built for each child. Thembelihle Home expanded in size in 2018 when they were able to rent the adjacent house providing more bedrooms and space. The new house was in need of improvements including new doors and curtains to provide more privacy and safety for each child. Other important purchases included required school uniforms, transport costs to school, clinic and hospital, and new security gates for the entrance into Thembelihle. When SMC visited in 2018, Pumeza Mqhayi laid out future visions for Thembelihle. One important project was planting an on site garden to allow the children to experience the responsibility and reward of growing their own food while helping to offset grocery expenses. Their first garden was an absolute success and the preparation of soil, planting beds, and seeds were purchased by your incredible donations. Ikhwezi Lokusa Rehabilitation and Development Society: A major part of Ikhwezi is providing supplies to each graduate to begin their trade in the community upon completion of their program. Ikhwezi Lokusa has trade programs in sewing, leather work, crafts, pottery and clerical work. With this training, many graduates are able to return to the community with viable skills to support themselves. Due to your support, many starter packs were purchased for the recent graduates. We know this is a very challenging time, and we are so grateful for your generosity and participation in the community that is Sister Mary’s Children. SMC was established in Sister Mary Paule’s home state of Idaho and is the home base for the support of SMC and our partnering projects. Starting April 23 through May 7, SMC will be participating in Idaho Gives 2020 through the Idaho Nonprofit Center. Idaho Gives is an opportunity to bring the state together, raising money and awareness for Idaho based nonprofits like Sister Mary’s Children. All donations made through Idaho Gives will go directly to SMC and our three partnering projects. Continue to watch for social media posts and updates during this two week initiative. To pledge your support of SMC during Idaho Gives 2020, go directly to the Idhao Gives website at https://www.idahogives.org/organizations/sister-mary-s-children or visit our website at https://www.sistermaryschildren.org/ and click on the “Idaho Gives 2020 Donate” button. What impact can your support have? · $20 can provide meals for one week for a young adult trainee at Ikhwezi Lokusa Rehab. · $50 can support the school fees and required school uniform for a child at Thembelihle Home. · $75 can provide new books and education material for the preschool at Bethany Home. · $100 can provide a starter pack to a new graduate of Ikhwezi Lokusa Rehab to begin working in the local community. Thank you for putting Ubuntu in motion. Your support and partnership is what makes SMC a community and drives the growth of hope, education, and empowerment. 
Pre School Children at Bethany Home. Photo submitted by Joan Riggers. |
 |