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BULE – ALL GROWN UP
One of the most rewarding aspects about running the Milimani Trust is reconnecting with the folk that inspired the Trust in the first place.
In 2001 when Milimani Game Sanctuary was evolving we experienced problems with our neighbours across the river. Instead of approaching it aggressively we went to the community and asked how we could help. One of their great needs was a crèche to take care of young children.We built the crèche and cemented a wonderful relationship with the community at KwaDlaKuse.
There was one particular young lass, 3 year old Bule, who stole my heart. She was a chubby young girl with a ready smile and full of life. Occasionally a group of kids would come to the lodge and sing and dance for guests. It was one way of enabling both cultures to interact. Bule was always a hit with her uninhibited dancing and the more encouragement she got the higher she kicked. We delivered Term 2’s food on 1st May, a public holiday. Bule was at home and the first time I have seen her in 9 years. It was a wonderful reunion. She is a beautiful young girl now and attending school in Nongoma. She and many others held their first crayons at the crèche we built!
As it was a holiday we were able to steal Anna Buthelezi from Sizane Creche in Sovane to visit KwaDlakuse and offer some help to the new teacher. Nomfundo Vilane has now taken over the school and we can already feel a more positive change. Nomfundo is literate in English and able to use the TREE literature to guide her teaching methods and Anna has offered to take her under her wing. The door to the building has been eaten by white ants, we have arranged to replace this with a steel door.
Baletha Foundation donated a very generous sum to kick start this year, enabling us to include Zihlakaniphele Crèche at Maphambeni. Mrs Dlamini impressed us so much on our last visit that we felt compelled to embrace this community.
Thanks to The Junk Shop and Junk Hardware in Pongola for their continued support by giving us the best prices possible!
Also, thanks Sheetal Schneider, a fellow SAFREA member (South African Freelance Association) for her donation of R1,000 Pick ‘n Pay voucher. We have decided to give this to the teachers who are rarely rewarded for their commitment to the community.
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