A Great Paint Job!

The Durban staff of one of South Africa’s largest home loans providers, SA Home Loans, moved into Siyakhula Crèche in Waterloo to renovate, restore and repaint classrooms and playground equipment. This was the first project they had undertaken in partnership with The Domino Foundation and Angel Projects to establish a relationship with the Waterloo community.

Angel Projects, whose aim is to facilitate community projects with corporates, had identified the crèche through The Domino Foundation’s Early Childhood Development programme.

Angel Projects’ Managing Director, Brenda Scheepers, said “The long-range objective of the exercise is to upgrade the crèche’s infrastructure to help pave the way for Siyakhula to achieve compliancy for registration with the Department of Social Development”.

After an exhausting but thoroughly satisfying day, Mpilo Vilakazi, SA Home Loans CSR Chairperson, spoke for all the participants in the day’s programme: “Our aim is to use the impact of this refurbishment to open up greater development opportunities in the Waterloo community in the future”.

Seen in a break from wielding a paintbrush with Mrs Angela Nhlangulela, owner of Siyakhula Crèche, are Tarin Stephenson (Donor Relations Manager at The Domino Foundation), Brenda Scheepers and Mpilo Vilakazi.

Making His Mark

Graffiti artist, Giffy Duminy’s dexterity astounded his audience of learners at Zwakele Primary School in Durban’s informal settlement of Amaoti as he conjured up a mural of a half-peeled orange on a face-brick at the school. The occasion was part of an initiative by bonhappi-T.com , whose vision is to connect those who can with those who can’t. Giffy’s amazing creation will now appear on one of bonhappi-T’s new T-shirt range. “With every T-shirt purchased from our online store a donation, on behalf of the purchaser, is made to FoodForward SA, to provide enough meals to feed a person for a month”, said bonhappi-T’s Susan Wright. The Domino Foundation, who works with learners at Zwakele and through whom FoodForward SA has benefitted learners at the school, was delighted at Giffy’s artistic achievement.

Buttering Up

With a programme impacting lives in Amanzimtoti, Durban City  and communities North of Durban, The Domino Foundation’s Feeding programme produces 98 000 meals a month. On its Global Impact Day, the La Lucia-based branch of international information, data, and measurement company, Nielsen, was hosted by The Domino Foundation. Around the world that day, some 23,000 Nielsen volunteers participated in more than 1,400 community projects. The Durban band of 13 volunteers rolled up their sleeves and tackled making 640 peanut butter sandwiches. These will be distributed to crèches and schools through the feeding programme. Nielsen’s Tarryn Smith said, “we donate our skills and time to help nonprofit organizations through pro bono work, in-kind giving and hands-on community projects”. The Feeding programme welcomes enquiries and support from corporates and individuals through donations of much needed ingredients for the making of the sandwiches.

If you would like your company to be involved in a similar impact day at The Domino Foundation, please contact Rowan at volunteer@domino.org.za.

These Boys Kick!

Through The Domino Foundation’s Life Skills programme, a partnership between Love Church and the Sharks Soccer School saw a group of enthusiastic Amaoti 3 Primary School Grade 4 soccer players having their football skills put on a firm foundation. The day, held at Soccer 5 Crusaders’ courts, consisted of fun-filled learning exercises and was rounded off with teams facing off in a series of mini matches. Spur sponsored each child a burger, chips and cold drink and Football4All provided Adidas Balls for the day. The day was about much more than just soccer…it was a chance to impact the children with opportunities which rarely come their way. The vision is to see the Amaoti community running its own Sharks Soccer School using soccer to make a difference in the children’s lives.

Taking a Hike

Every year, Durban North-based “Live Love Give” organises a ‘woman-for-woman’ challenge to raise money for local charities. The 2017 challenge saw 25 intrepid ladies slackpacking for three days in the Ukhahlamba mountains, battling altitude and chain ladders and raising R25 000 for The Domino Foundation’s Early Childhood Development Programme which focuses on the emotional, educational and nutritional needs of children in 55 crèches as well as the development of the crèche owners. “We had an absolutely amazing trip and we’re excited to be able to contribute to the sustainability of such a worthwhile cause as The Domino Foundation,” said Wendy Horn, one of the founders of “Live Love Give”, along with Janine Hall-Jones and Carmen Lofstedt.

#DominoRiders CTCTFundRacers

A buzz is beginning to build! The Cape Town Cycle Tour (affectionately known as “The Argus”) is just ten days away. Now in its 40th year, the world’s largest timed cycling event is set to have some 35 000 riders in 2017.

A group, the #DominoRiders, has entered the race wearing the colours of The Domino Foundation because they fully subscribe to the amazing impact this NPO is making each day on the lives of some 5000 of the most vulnerable people in South Africa. The valiant crew who are pedalling specifically in support of The Domino Foundation’s Recycle Swop Shop programme in the Western Cape are: Sarah Kennedy; Richard Mun-Gavin; Richard Seiler; Shaun Tait; Riaan van der Westhuizen; Nathan van der Westhuizen; Mark van Pletzen; Tim Batchelder; Brad Joyce; Matthew Wilkes; Kieren Vels and Jonathan Salzwedel.

Towards the end of last year, we saw The Domino Foundation go “national” when the Western Cape initiative, the Recycle Swop Shop, came into the Domino “Family”. With the Foundation’s hashtag for the 2017 Argus being #Cycle4reCycling, the #DominoRiders saw it as a particularly strong reason to ride for this dynamic organisation.

We are excited to invite you to support the #DominoRiders’ tackling the 109 kilometres by pledging financially to their efforts. This way, they won’t only have carried the Domino banner on 12 March 2017, but they would also be able to give into the impactful work of The Domino Foundation which creates essential structures to support their seven programmes meeting individuals’ and communities’ needs physically, emotionally, cognitively and spiritually.

As a friend and supporter of The Domino Foundation, you can find the #DominoRiders’ profiles on the CTCTFundracers website, the fund raising platform they are using to raising funds for their ride. They have set a target of R10 000 (R1 000 per rider) and so are keen to see you pledging in support of their efforts!

The platform is easy to use, safe and secure and people can leave messages with their donations which can be made through Visa, MC, AMEX, Debit & Credit cards, PayPal & Bitcoin.

Overseas and local friends and family can donate easily and securely. Donations go directly to the Domino Foundation via the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust account.

Companies who want to support the #DominoRiders, can be issued a Section 18 tax receipt by The Domino Foundation. However, the donation would need to be made directly to The Domino Foundation bank account and not through the online Fundracers’ platform.

In anticipation of your positive response, the #DominoRiders and The Domino Foundation say a big “Thank You”!

Young adults pursue their tertiary education dreams

The independent tank storage group, Vopak, was delighted at the news that one of the 2016 Matric students at Amaoti 3 High School, Mbali Mpanza, had scored 74% in her Physical Science examination. Through The Domino Foundation’s Life Skills programme, Vopak has been sponsoring tuition in the subject for a number of the school’s senior students through the kind offices of Mr Bodalia, a Physics teacher at Northwood School.

Mbali plans to study Dental Therapy at UKZN Westville. The Domino Foundation’s Bursary Fund Programme has tailor-made a funding plan to enable Mbali and two other students, Nobuhle Ndlovu and Sindiswa Shange, to take up tertiary studies.

Sindiswa has also been accepted to do Dental Therapy and Nobuhle will be studying at UKZN Edgewood for a B Ed. The programme provides academic fees, living, travel, books and resources allowances. It also mentors the students to gain the full benefit from their studies.

An earlier recipient of a Domino bursary, Silindile Ndlovu, has successfully passed her first year of studies and has been offered a bursary, which includes post-study employment, through the Department of Basic Education’s Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme. This will enable her to complete a teaching qualification, an opportunity that probably wouldn’t have been possible without the Domino transition.

 

Stories from the nursery: 4th Quarter 2016

We count it a privilege to be able to care for abandoned children, if only for a short time, so that they can find their forever home. We provide a loving, family environment whilst aiming for excellent standards in health, hygiene and nutrition. Throughout 2016, we have cared for 15 children between the ages of zero and six years old (the youngest being a mere seven hours old!). Nine children were placed in our care and six babies were adopted into their ‘forever homes’ this year.

This past quarter has seen one adoption – a beautiful little seven-year-old girl who has found a home with a Durban family. She is very excited to go shopping for her new school uniform and to experience Christmas with her new family, both wonderful gifts.

This past year has been a massive year for maintenance. Two geysers, the washing machines and the tumble dryer have broken (at a big cost). We’re hoping to source funding to cover the running costs of the two homes. In saying that, we’re desperately on the lookout for willing handymen! Running a Babies Home also means running a property so if you have the skills and know how to help us with household ‘odd jobs’ that always pop up.

Recently we’ve witnessed firsthand how the community sees Domino as a safe place. A woman in crisis approached the home wanting to give up her baby after finding Domino online. We were able to counsel and assist her with the correct welfare process. We in no way encourage the abandonment of babies but are happy to know that if community members are facing a crisis, they’re able to seek help in us.

We’ve also seen how the community see us an information hub. We often receive phone calls about the adoption process and so we’re able to field questions and redirect potential adoptive parents in the right direction.

Looking to 2017 we would love to connect more with local homes and as well as continue to build and deepen relationships with welfare and other local adoption and childrens’ rights bodies. We would also love to see Domino play a more proactive role within our area of expertise and deal with the roots of abandonment. We love housing and caring for children but our dream is to get to a point where homes are no longer needed.

Our hearts are bursting with gratitude for everyone donor, volunteer and community member who has loved our children and blessed the homes. We hope to see you all in 2017!

Project 10 arrives on Durban’s shores

For the past few months, we’ve been lucky enough to have a group of motivated volunteers with us from Israel. In the short space of time that Project 10 has been volunteering here, they’ve already managed to run a maths camp for Amaoti high school learners, prepared meals for the feeding programme and learnt some isiZulu through isiZulu classes run by our very own Sifiso (Life Skills mentor).

Through international volunteer groups, The Domino Foundation is able to exchange knowledge, expose our beneficiaries to different cultures and build international ties – all extremely valuable experiences for us. Shani Silove, South African Project Director of Project 10, shared her thoughts on their Durban experience and what it means to be an international volunteer.

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What is the vision and purpose of Project 10 and how is this implemented?

Our vision is to empower young Jewish adults to give their time and skills to create sustainable projects in developing and vulnerable communities around the world. We aim to offer young Jewish adults from across the globe the opportunity to explore what it means to be an activist and to meet and be inspired by local people doing amazing work on the ground. In order to promote sustainability and strengthen local communities, we initiate projects in the three fields of informal education, public health and agriculture.

Why have Project 10 decided to come to Durban?

Durban is the first urban centre and is located close to a small Jewish community who were very enthusiastic to have Project Ten in Durban. Additionally, the Victor Daitz Foundation is major contributor to our programme and they were keen for us to work with local communities in KwaZulu-Natal.

Are South Africa and your home country similar? 

Yes, both countries have a long and complex history, which affects current social, economic and political structures. Both countries are also different from their neighbouring countries and have the potential to grow and develop in unique and exciting ways.

What have been some of the team’s defining moments during their Durban experience?

Seeing people their own age who are living on the street and are using substances such as glue as a way of coping with their life circumstances. It has given them a lot of perspective as to how lucky they are in their lives with loving families and all their basic needs met.

What lessons have your team learnt?

They’ve learnt not to judge a book by its cover and that sometimes it takes time to really see things as they are.

How has the Maths camp been going?

The Maths camp has been fantastic. We have a good team who are working well together, the kids are having fun and thanks to the generous donation of Domino we are able to feed the children too. It has been great to give the children an enriching experience together with the maths skills. For example, teaching measurements by measuring the map of Africa and learning about their own country while gaining maths skills.

What advice would you want to share with other volunteer groups?

To be open minded and to realise that many things you see are different from what you are used to but some things are always the same. All children, no matter where you are in the world, want to have fun, want to learn and they want to be loved.

With the Festive Season upon us, Yuval Ezbal (right) and Amit Sosman (left) wished their isiZulu teacher, Siphiso Hlongwa, “UKhisimusi omuhle!”, the local good wishes for Christmas. He returned the greeting with “Chanuka sameach!” to mark the upcoming Jewish Festival of Lights. Amit and Yuval are in South Africa as part of the first group of volunteers with Project TEN, an apolitical international programme that operates centres in Mexico, Ethiopia, Ghana and Uganda, drawing volunteers from all over the world. The programme combines volunteer work with local communities and service-learning in the fields of international development, culture and identity. Project TEN is involved with a number of the programmes of The Domino Foundation where Siphiso is a facilitator in the Life Skills programme. The Foundation is a non-profit organisation that creates essential structures geared towards supporting programmes that are meeting the physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual needs of individuals and communities in KZN and the Western Cape through mercy, justice and empowerment.

Stories from the classroom: 4th Quarter 2016

When young people feel a sense of self-worth and purpose they’re more empowered to make wise life choices. Our Life Skills workers have seen this belief come to life time and time again; the valuable lessons they teach bearing fruit in the lives of the young learners they teach.

This year the learners from the four schools in Amaoti have particularly loved being exposed to new places, activities, and experiences through the Life Skills programme. The creative energies of the Girls Club have been ignited through beading, crafting and making. Some young ladies also visited COGS church for a morning of leadership training. And a few boys were taken a Leadership Camp where they were taught valuable life skills and had time to enjoy the outdoors. They were chosen for the trip to help them see life outside of the allure of underage drug and alcohol abuse. It was a jam-packed action adventure weekend and the boys left profoundly influenced and inspired.

Our youth workers continue to be equipped through regular trainings to tackle the challenges of teaching young learners faced with navigating being a teenager and are facing tough circumstances. We’re also incredibly lucky to have a handful of UNISA social work students placed with us during the year. They assist the youth workers with one-one-one counseling sessions and facilitate therapeutic groups for learners facing real challenges of sexual abuse, a terrible reality for many, as well as focus groups for those young learners who had lost parents and friends to HIV / AIDS.

This past quarter we also took the time to honour the four schools’ teachers by inviting them to a screening of Freedom Writers, a movie based on a true story of a teacher who was able to transform the lives of a classroom of at-risk students. It’s a movie promoting a message of empowerment, tolerance, and innovative teaching. There was clapping, smiles and tears.

Thank you to every donor for your support. Your donations enable us to steadily build into the lives of these young learners, which although challenging is both a privilege and an honour.

 

The Girls Club outing to Springfield swimming pool.

Leadership camp with some boys from the Amaoti schools.