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Correspondence received by Lincoln Rotarian Debbie Klassen from Lorraine Yoko, Chairperson, Khazimula Children's Project (KCP) Board of Directors Beginning in 2015, Lincoln Rotary has contributed $10,000 annually to Khazimula Children’s Project. Read on for Lorraine's report on how our club's contribution in 2021 made a difference in the lives of the youngsters who call Khazimula home and the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to serve in their best interests. Our club joins the Rotary Club of Hilton & Howick and RI District 9370 in sharing the sponsorship and management for this project. Our aim is to help KCP develop to its full potential and become self-sustainable. January 15, 2022 Dear Debbie: I write to you on behalf of the board of Khazimula to express our gratitude to you and the members of the Rotary Club of Lincoln for the club's support received during the course of last year. Financial aid received from the Rotary Club of Lincoln took care of expenses related to our Social Worker’s office, the shortfall in her salary, and funded the annual salary of Kenneth Hadebe, one of our male child care workers who has been part of the Khazimula family since 2015. Both these individuals are integral members of our team of “Aunties & Uncles” on the ground who interact with our children on a daily basis. A highlight at the end of last year was the arrival of the new vegetable growing tunnel. This item had been on our wish list for a good couple of years. The subsequent involvement of members of our local community in assisting Khazimula with the construction, erection and planting of seedlings was overwhelming and heartwarming. We are looking forward to having the children enjoy the ‘fruits’ of this project and to the harvesting of bumper crops in the next few months. Despite the many challenges of 2021, the Khazimula family experienced progress on various different levels in each of our five programs during the course of the year. Our relationship with DSD, the government department we deal with, has improved significantly. The arrival of two excellent managers - Thathu Mokoena (General Manager) and Millicent Duma (Social Worker), the loyalty of donors, the passion of volunteers and the commitment of board members have all made Khazimula stronger over the last year, Support received from our local community and neighbors increased significantly as awareness of our existence grew. One of our greatest accomplishments for the year has to do with our Family Reunification programme. The year ended on an extremely high note for one of the young men in our care. He has been part of the Khazimula family since 2015, and prior to arriving at Khazimula, had moved around from one care centre to another. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Thathu and Millicent, contact has been made with his biological mother and grandmother, and the wheels have been set in motion for this young man to meet his family. There is a long way still to go before family reunification but it seems that there is a possibility that this young man may finally get to feel that sense of belonging that he has been so desperately aching for. Know that your efforts continue to positively impact the lives of children who need all the nurturing they can get. Your support of our cause also provides encouragement for the board and me to continue to persevere to ensure that Khazimula remains true to its vision. Thank you for being members of the village that helps us raise these children. With immense gratitude, Lorraine |
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