What we do.

We stand in solidarity with the community, offering support in various ways which unfold as funds become available.

History

In 2007 as Carolyn was to return to South Africa for an annual visit to research the establishment of Ukulapha, a friend in Victoria, British Columbia, Joel Goldsmith, offered to fund college education for an impoverished youngster.

Hearing the story, Carolyn’s friend Mags Johnston was touched by Joel’s generosity and thoughtfulness; immediately she and her husband offered funds for groceries for a granny tending her orphaned grand-children.

Nelly Mbeje identified 5 families with 28 orphaned and vulnerable youngsters (referred to as core families). This was the tip of the iceberg in terms of need.

Ukulapha Community Outreach Project was born as many Victoria friends and their friends responded generously and kindly to the call for funds.

The direst need at the time was food; and so Carolyn shopped monthly for staple groceries, fruits and vegetables. She and Nelly would fill hampers in a shed on Nelly’s property in Slangspruit; and the children would come and collect their hampers. This gave us a chance to connect and chat and keep abreast, in a small way, with the families.

During this time it became obvious that post high school education would offer the best benefit; skilling and empowering, nurturing hope and dreams towards a brighter future.

The first occasion we delivered food house to house; Carolyn noticed an engaging and helpful young 11 year old Mantombi in the back seat. They clicked instantly and a relationship blossomed, also to include her brother Ntuthuko, one year her senior.

Education was discussed at some point and both youngsters requested alternate schools offering them enhanced opportunities.

During the years of the Apartheid government, white schools were privileged; and although integrated since democracy, remain ahead of the impoverished township schools.

After 16 months assisting the families with food hampers, we discussed investing in higher education instead. This was greeted with much enthusiasm and the Education program evolved and continues to grow amidst much excitement and enthusiasm.

Through Mantombi Carolyn was introduced to the Slangspruit Public Primary School (SPPS) where 840 vulnerable children from kindergarten to grade 7 attend. Her curiosity was peeked since she’d been pondering how Ukulapha could reach more children given the extreme need.

Once Carolyn met Mr Msomi, the school principal, and his staff, witnessed their kindness and caring and desire to offer the children the best possible learning environment under the impoverished circumstances; made perfect sense for Ukulapha and SPPS to work together towards a common goal.

Home improvements evolved as the core families, particularly those living in mud homes, struggled to maintain basic levels of comfort and shelter.

In the spirit of Ubuntu, Ukulapha encourages families to assist each other; building community and giving back to the project. As homes are repaired and re-built young men and women help each other.

Personal support goes hand in glove with all the services offered; providing coaching and advocacy, mentoring and counselling.