Melta and Jabu with one of the graduates at the Khuthaza Graduation ceremony which took place at the Hope Centre on 9 October 2009.

The seven Khuthaza graduates.

The snake charmer.

Some of the children from the Outreach Programme with Thulile and Donation.

A song from the boys.

Gerty receiving the cheque for R30,000.00 from Olivia Almanza of Spring Lights Gas.

Khutaza Graduation

On Friday, October 9, seven young men celebrated their graduation from the Khuthaza Rehabilitation Programme. These youngsters had - literally - come off the streets and gone through a pretty intensive programme, learning self-discipline, temper- management, how to quit drugs and/or the sniffing of glue and to gain an ability to get on with their peers. This programme takes place over a period of three months and at the end of the course these ex street kids are deemed to be in a much better position to get on in the world, and because they have worked hard, we salute them.
Apart from receiving their certificates the boys were also given gifts from I Care. They then gave the assembled guests - I Care personnel and friends - to a quite delightful song and dance routine, followed by a piano solo given by Donation and a song from Thulile, accompanied by the talented Mr. Donation. We enjoyed a very enlightening talk from Pat McKrill about being scared of the unknown, accompanied by his very obliging pet snake. One of the boys then held the snake, to the horror of some and the amusement of others.
This was followed by the presentation of a cheque for R30,000.00 from Spring Lights Gas by Olivia Almanza, received on behalf of I Care by our top fundraiser, Gerty Henderson.
Then, to finish off a very enjoyable hour and a half we were treated to boerwors (spicy South African sausage to non-South Africans)and rolls.

Bird Watching

Our very good friend Carol organised a visit to the Botanical Gardens on Friday 9 October for a spot of bird watching with Linda Combrink. The boys from the Hope Centre thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Thank you Linda and Carol for spending time with them and teaching them about nature. They have not stopped talking about their outing and hope to do it again soon.

My Village Card

Show your support for I Care by swiping your "My Village" card every time you shop at Woolworths, Waltons, Everfresh, Hirsch, Mug and Bean, Engen shops and many other outlets. Remember, it costs nothing to swipe but the more you do the greater the percentage donated to I Care.
To apply for a "My Village" card call Shirley van Rensburg on 086 147 0047 or click on the "My Village" logo and type "I Care" as your beneficiary.
Thank you.

Eye Tests

Last month our boys were given eye tests, thanks to the kindness of Craig van Neikerk and Carolyn MacQueen. One or two needed to wear glasses. As you can see, they were more than a little delighted with the results. "Wow", said one, "I can actually see you!"

Umuzi

A training facility, originally built in the Kwa Makutha Township near Amanzimtoti for the development of skills within the women of the community has been offered to I Care. A formal presentation will be made on 15 October to the Board of Umuzi and, should an agreement be reached, the facility will be revamped, in conjuction with the department of Social Development, to be used as a rehabilitation Centre. The facility has five training rooms of which three will be used for the Rehabilitation programme and the other two will be converted into dormitories.
This gift from God will give I Care the opportunity to interact with up to thirty street kids at a time and, due to the growing number of children on the street, the timing of this facility is not a day too soon.