Lifeskills 2,743 vulnerable children South Africa

Thank you for making such a difference in the lives of not just the children we serve but also their parents! Through your support, we have created 28 Self Help Groups, with approximately 20 ladies in each group. So that is 560 Families, who are the poorest of the poor, are now able to feed their families properly, no longer once a day, no longer carbohydrate-loaded foods, but nutritious, healthy food which will build healthy bodies.

We held a celebration day on the 9th of December,  they dressed up in their finest traditional clothes and the day was wonderful. They were all so proud of having saved up and attended this Christmas Party, their first one ever. Trophies were handed out to the best groups according to their book-writing skills, and the monies that were saved. This spurred all the groups to perform even better in 2023.

The groups that were formed in 2021 were seen as the big sisters by the new 22 groups of 2022 and of course the ones to beat in 2023. This competitiveness will assist all the groups to perform and excel in the years to come.

I wish you could have seen the joy on their faces and experienced the excitement of the day. The ladies all contributed money to buy lunch, Kentucky Fried Chicken, this is a huge thing. In South Africa, KFC is the chicken of choice, these ladies had never had the money to afford to even try KFC. I know, it would not be my choice, but trying KFC is something they aspired to and for the first time, they were able to afford two pieces with the usual Pap (maize corn porridge with the consistency of mashed potatoes). It truly was a celebration of note.

Your support has made this happen.

Over 70% of the ladies now have Income Generating businesses, which are growing. They are becoming more and more independent financially, it is wonderful to observe the confidence and pride they have now.

Next year, we have a target of 25 more groups which will mean another 500 families will be influenced by this project. It is truly wonderful.

THANK YOU AGAIN for making such a big difference

Blessings to you and your family

Louise

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Thank you for all your support! I know I say that every week but I really mean it. Every week we hear about the changes that are happening in children's lives because KTD196 is functioning in rural areas, through your support. You are our partners in the work we do. We couldn't do what we do without you!

This week I want to share Joy's story. I don't want to reveal her name or show you a picture of her because of the still-existing stigma associated with being HIV-positive. HIV, although it is treatable in terms of management, it still carries stigma and discrimination despite 23% of the population is positive and the highest burden is amongst 15-24yr old females.

Through your support I have watched this defeated, fearful, withdrawn thin child come out of her shell and shine like any other child. It has been heartwarming to watch the metamorphosis. Previously her face was very sad, head down, shoulders hunched forward, she walked like an old woman. Joy now has a smile on her face, she walks with her head held high, shoulders back, ready to face the world.

Your donation has lasting change on the lives of the people we support,

Thank you and God Bless YOU

Louise

My name is Joy, I am 14years old and have been in KTD196 as a scout since Feb 2021 after covid.

I want to share my story, but I asked Louise to write it for me because it is hard for me.

My mum and dad died of Aids 4years ago. I was born with HIV. I was scared that people would reject me because of HIV. I didn’t tell KTD196 or anyone except my sister who goes with me to the clinic to get treatment.

I live with my older sister who is 19yrs old. We survive on the Child Support Grant R480 ($27USD) for the month.

One day Nkulu (a social worker for KTD196) saw that I was not feeling well, she organized for Louise (a nurse from KTD196) to visit me. She asked me all sorts of questions and I was too afraid to tell her that I was HIV positive. I didn’t tell her the medication I was on, but later that day I sent a message to her with the names of the drugs. She realized I was positive. Instead of rejecting me like I thought she would, the next day, she came all the way to my village and hugged me. I was so scared she would stop me from coming to Scouts. I started crying with relief.

After a big discussion about my health, Louise and Nkulu realized that I was not eating enough and the medication I was on was making me unwell. Since then, KTD196 has encouraged my sister to Self Help Groups (SHG) to increase our income and start a small business. KTD196 also has been bringing us food parcels to help with eating properly.

Last week I went camping. Since receiving the food parcels, I have grown about 3inches in 6months. I have put on some weight, no one will know that I am sick now. I loved going camping and your donations sponsored me to camp and also provides food parcels each month until my sister and I start a small business. I am also doing better in school, I can concentrate. I do not feel sick or scared anymore. I am HAPPY!

Thank you for helping me and my sister. I promise I will be a good girl and do my homework and study hard. You have made such a difference in my life. I cannot thank you enough. I think KTD196 saved my life. I think you saved my life.

I love you

Your daughter Joy

Links:

• Facebook is a great way to stay in touch, dont forget to like us
• Wander through our Website, please leave a message!