Holistic Support to Children in Rural South Africa

Our Gogos Arts and Crafts project is a relatively new programme. It started to encourage the gogos (grandmothers) of those in our programmes to commune in an effort to revive artistry and traditions that are instrinsic to the Zulu culture, like beadwork and grass weaving. The gogos teach each other and children of Thanda who are part of our Umthombo Programme, which is a drop-in weekend programe. Over time, they have expanded into other craftwork and handwork, like sewing and crochet, and we are so thrilled that this programme has evolved organically to equip gogos and children with useful, practical skills that they can use in a myriad of different ways as they journey through the rest of their lives. In 2024 , their artistry stepped up a notch with some new equipment, specifically, a new weaving loom for crafting traditional grass baskets and mats. Programme Coordinator, Zanele Mbaso, conducted loom beading training sessions with gogos too, on smaller versions for beading. The looms themselves along with the horse in which it stands, was handcrafted by Babazi, our talented Facilities & Maintenance Caretaker who is so appreciated by many at the Community Centre for his ability to make/fix almost anything! They have been put to great use this year and will see many more creations come to life going forward.

Our gogos also benefitted from various other trainings throughout the year. From business basics (including supply and demand, profits and loss and pricing), to productivity, to entrepreneurship. The gogos had the opportunity to grow their knowledge throughout the year, affording them a real stepping stone to generating income through the skills they are learning through their attendance of the Programme. They also enjoyed a workshop on the significance of beads around the world. This was an interesting and eye-opening education as the gogos had previously understood that beads were worn exclusively by Africans. Learning that people around the world wear beads too, highlighted the interconnectedness of humans beyond culture and location.

Inclusion

In 2024 our Gogos opened their space and their hearts to two children with disabilities who are enrolled in Thanda's Inclusion Programme. Unfortunately, Thanda did not start working with these boys as babies or toddlers because our Inclusion Programme did not exist when they were young, so they were not able to transition into a schooling option (last year, we were able to transition all of our ECD children with disabilities into a schooling option). Instead, we work with these boys as part of our ‘Over 8 years old Inclusion Programme’ at their homes, supporting their guardians to access grants, arrange therapy, attend support groups, access alternative schooling options, and offer an improved quality of life for their child. In addition to home visits, Sinqobile (12 years old, diagnosed with autism) and Thubelihle (17 years old, diagnosed with hemiplegia) have been learning the art of beading twice a week with our gogos. The determination we have seen in them this year has been truly remarkable and their steady progress is visible in their beautiful creations.

Zanele shares “I would say that having them (the two Inclusion Programme children) join the Gogos Arts and Crafts Programme was the biggest highlight of 2024. I feel like it helped the children’s development and also really helped the gogos learn more about disability. It was a challenge for them in the beginning as teaching children with disabilities requires increased patience, empathy and understanding. But the gogos provided a warm and loving environment for Thubelihle and Sinqobile. Everyone has grown so much through the experience.”

Market Day

The year culminated with a Market Day at the end of November where Thanda employees, friends and community members were invited to purchase some of the beautiful creations that the gogos have created this year. This was followed by a celebration where the participants came together to celebrate what they had learned and achieved during the year, as well as offer thanks to the facilitators who have made the programme possible.

The Market Day was a resounding success with many admirers attending to see what the gogos have been making this year. They managed to double what was sold during last year’s market day and some new orders were placed too, which means that the gogos will have projects to keep them busy as soon as the sessions re-commence in 2025.

Mrs Mdunge, one of our dedicated gogos gave the opening speech at the closing celebration in which she thanked Thanda for creating the programme and the opportunity to be part of it. She continued “We have been held with warmth and guidance. We were provided with everything from trainings and supplies to emotional support and on top of that we got to make a livelihood to provide for our families.”

It is not only the practical skills learned at these sessions that are valuable to the gogos, but the sense of community too!

Mrs Hadebe, a gogo participant, shared “There have been times where I was emotionally burdened, with things happeneing at home. But attending the gogos programme helped with easing the pain that I was going through. Sometimes we also encountered ups and downs in the group but in the end we always found a way to comfort each other. We are so thankful to Thanda. Thanda has helped us to grow in community and individually. Thanda has changed the world positively. Thanda has brought life and brightness to a place where we did not think anything positive could materialize.”

The incredible strength in the community bonds created through the programme are important to us as creating a strong network between neighbours and community members is a strategic focus of in 2024 and beyond. We understand that people thrive in strong neighbourhoods and neighbourhoods are strong where close relationships of trust exist between members. Ultimately, this strength means increased resilience, meaning individuals, families and whole neighbourhoods, are able to lean on each other and, ultimately, bounce back more easily when they experience challenging times.