Vela School Visit
Vela
School invited 20 of our children to have a party with them. The
children were happy to celebrate there - the pupils of the school
entertained brilliantly with songs, dancing, games and lots of nice
food! Hope to see you again next Christmas.
Mama Linda - You're a Star!
Last
month Bethany was happy to congratulate our Social Worker Linda Bosman,
when she won the award for Best Social Worker in Mthatha. We are so
proud of all the things she has done, for so many children throughout
the years - well done!
Farewell Sister Constantia
This
month we sadly had to say goodbye to Sister Constantia, who was leaving
Ikhwezi Lokusa after many years here. She came to visit the children
every week, bringing treats for everyone. She was loved by all -
children, staff and volunteers alike, - and will be a huge miss. Good
luck Nombeko!
Big Brother Day
A
great time was had by all involved on this fantastic day. A delicious
braai and snacks were kindly donated by a group of friends and Coo-ee
Soft Drinks provided a bouncy-castle and juice for the children to
enjoy. We were joined by ex-Bethany children, and everyone was happy to
be reunited again. The day was a great success and will not be quickly
forgotten by anyone who took part.
Bethany Celebrates Mandela’s Birthday
A huge thanks to all who visited and gave donations to us at Bethany Home over Mandela’s birthday weekend. The children enjoyed celebrating with all who came to play and have great fun with them. Everyone
is also enjoying the brighter Bethany thanks to all those who helped
Bethany by giving something extra such as gardening or painting.
Trip to the Coast
Ten staff and three volunteers took 40 of our children to the coast for a weekend in April. They were accommodated at a fac ility especially devoted to hosting groups of children. Apart from the adventure of getting there, the children (and staff) had an amazing fun-filled weekend with lots of activities, swimming in the pool and the sea and lots of treats. Our sincere thanks to donors for m aking this awesome outing possible.
Easter 2010
Our children enjoyed the gifts of Easter, including many eggs and treats. We are very appreciative of the support from our community and internationally and to know there are so many who wish to help those less fortunate.
Donations
We are so grateful to all our donors and benefactors. Whether it be assistance in the form of money or a gift in kind, it is so welcome. We have been fortunate to have been selected by several stores in Mthatha as the recipient of surplus stock. Their generosity has been overwhelming. And the bas ics such as a bag of apples, a box of Vaseline, some good used clothing are equally as precious to us as the larger gifts. Our heartfelt thanks again, on behalf of the little people of Bethany to all the individuals, families, communities, church groups, organisations, businesses, who have helped us, both within South Africa and overseas.
Departing Volunteers
Two of our volunteers leave in May 2010. Stefanie Schuler from Switzerland and Joanne Lentfer from New Zealand. Joanne has been a volunteer at Bethany for almost three years and remarks “It is very hard to leave. This has been a most rewarding assignment. I hope my contribution to Bethany has added yet another building block to those placed before me and those still to be added to ensure a strong organisation able to give of its best to the children in our care.”.
Improvements
We have recently laid paving stones in our “littlies” garden. We were having trouble getting the grass to grow, so this solu tion means we now have a very practical, usable space for our day room toddlers and small children to enjoy the slide, paddling pool, sandpit, and other play equipment.
Our next big project is re-painting the exterior of the Home.
New Banner
Bethany now has a banner thanks to the support from one of our donors! This wonderful banner depicts our children in their various developmental stages with drawings and hand prints. The banner can be dismantled easily and fits into a carry case for easy transportation to meetings, events, etc w here we want to promote the Home and our work and service.
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