REPORTAGE TOWNSHIP // KAPSTADT
THANKS TO A GENEROUS DONATION OF CLOTHES AND TOYS FROM LYN, WHICH WE BROUGHT TO SOUTH AFRICA,
WE HAD THE GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW THE WORK OF SUNSHINE EDUCARE
Additionally packed with the donations, we get in touch with our LYN contact in Cape Town, who should be at hand for our distribution. Andrea and Matthew Donze - a wonderful Swiss couple and incredibly socially committed. Through her connections Andrea made it possible for us not only to bring the clothes to the right address but also to enjoy an unforgettable experience full of warmth and kindness - the visit of the Sunshine Educare Center
“SKANDAALKAMP”
Sunshine Educare is a preschool for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years and was founded in Skandaalkamp settlement. The settlement was established in 1985 on a garbage disposal site north of Cape Town. It is in the middle of nowhere… Nowhere near jobs, schools, healthcare or any basic services. To reduce poverty in the statistics of Cape Town, in June 2015 the settlement was moved to an even more remote location called Wolwerivier (together with 5 other settlements). Statistically speaking, 6 poverty settlements were reduced to one settlement, however, the circumstances for the people did not improve, infrastructure was lost and the people are in need for the most basic necessities.
“UMTA WELANGE”
When in a dark, cloudy sky, a ray of sunshine breaks through
The school originally started off in a desperately undersized shack with one tiny window where 70 children shared one room. Until now with the help of different Foundations and lots of fundraising they’ve been able to build up 5 Buildings including three classrooms, a restroom and small nursery and a playground area with grass. All super basic but it offers the kids from the settlement a happy place with hope in a place that has none and a future in a place where no-one lives, everyone merely survives.
“THE SUNSHINE OF SUNSHINE”
Together with Andrea and Mat we arrived at the Sunshine and after a short introduction to the facility and its history we experienced an overwhelming welcome. A large horde of children, excited and curious gathered around us. They couldn't wait to meet and play with the new "Teachers" (that's what all volunteers, staff and visitors are called). There was no trace of shyness or fear of contact. And even though your heart is opening up when you can feel the warmth and laughter of the children so close, it tears one' s heart apart as it is a constant cry for love and attention that is missing at home. But in the hours they spend at the Sunshine Educare Center they can be carefree children and it has been a great joy to be able to share this with them.
“LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR”
As there weren’t enough clothes to give a piece to everybody in the settlement and distribution of donation goods can lead to dangerous scenarios, Love Your Neighbour agreed to donate them to a Second Hand Shop also run by the Sunshine Educare. At this Shop the inhabitants of the settlement can buy the clothes for a very small amount of money (1R-5R/50ct-1€). Since they have to buy the clothes themselves, they value them more on the one hand and therefore take better care. On the other hand they feel less poor. In addition, the chance of reselling the clothes is lower as it often happens with donations.
“EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT”
Sunshine Preschool especially promotes motor development. Classroom activities include fine motor skill development, mathematics and literary development as well as all the other programs offered in a South African preschool. They also focus on teaching the children while playing, so they develop their creativity and their ability of imagination gets supported. For that they get support from Volunteers of the Foundation Safe which support the staff and care for the Children outside of class.
The children of the preschool are Sunshine's first priority. With the help of the institution, they are to be given a first building block for a good life with a proper education. But also for the older children there should be a better support in the future. Less than 5% attend high school and the majority of young adults therefore have no degree and no perspective for a decent life. Sunshine Educare would like to support them in the future and build a new building together with the teenagers out of Eco-Briggs.
“FOOD FOR LIFE”
The facilities offers the children two meals a day: breakfast and lunch. Special attention is paid to the fact that the food is rich in nutrients. Due to the poverty of the families in the settlement, they are often not able to provide such meals. Sunshine Educare completely relies on donations as funding. The money for proper food is the biggest cost factor and where most help can be given.
“PLAY & LEARN”
Love your Neighbour has not only donated clothes but also some balls for the children to play with. Since unfortunately not all of them fit into the luggage from Germany, we filled up the number of balls on site. These we handed out in the center after lunch. The joy of the children about such a simple toy was heartwarming. They just loved playing with them. But toys like balls are not only good for just playing. The children have already outstanding social skills. If someone is sad, they comfort themselves. If someone is out of food, they share. But when it comes to toys, sharing is difficult. Ball games help them to learn how to play together and develop a team spirit which is important for their future. So that's what we tried in the very view hours we've been here before we had to say goodbye.
“SUNRAYS OF SOUTH AFRICA”
Many thanks to Love Your Neighbour & Sunshine Educare and especially to Andrea & Matt Donzé and Marleen van Horne who made it possible for us to be part of Sunshine Educare on
site for a couple of hours and to meet some of these wonderful sunrays of South Africa.
