In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly announced the creation of Nelson Mandela International Day and since, not only has it been the date for people to commemorate Nelson Mandela’s contribution to South Africa and to the world, but it has also been an annual day for mutual assistance.
The next 18th of July will be the occasion for African Impact and The Happy Africa Foundation to work hand in hand for Beyond the Roots, in order to implement long-term and positive changes in the lives of individuals. At Inkanyezi Crèche in Dukuduku village near to St Lucia, THAF will rely on African Impact’s volunteers for assistance, who will work to develop the vegetable garden of the establishment.
Inkanyezi’s refurbishments are a current project for THAF and a lot of improvements have already been carried out. Throughout the past three years, a fence and gate have been erected, a classroom and three toilets have been built and a lot of furniture, chairs and tables have been provided to the children thanks to many generous donations.
The reconstruction of Inkanyezi Crèche not only seeks to improve the quality of the school, but also aims to get the crèche registered by the government, so that it can receive funding from the Department of Education. Our efforts must be concentrated on ensuring that the newly developed crèche complies with these government standards. By developing the garden at the crèche, we will be able to support Principal Mama Gumede in growing food that can help provide lunch for children, as it is one of the needed requirements. We will also be enabling Mama Gumede to grow seedlings from seeds provided by African Impact. Selling these back to the community will generate an income to be used for providing food for the children that cannot be grown in her garden.
During the past few weeks, The Happy Africa Foundation has raised money for Beyond the Roots while being involved in the fest of St Lucia and organizing quiz and game nights. Thanks to that money we will be able to buy the materials needed to carry out the project. Both THAF and African Impact’s team are now looking forward to lend a hand on Nelson Mandela Day.