We want to share with you some of the stories coming from the volunteers helping out at Likhon iThemba.
These stories are written by real people, seeing how life really can be for many people in South Africa. We always aim to show stories hope coming out of South Africa - the media can often portray such negativity around Africa in general, and we don't want to continue this distribution of negativity and stereotypes. The projects supported by GAGA UK often share amazing impact stories, sharing how they make a difference in the lives of many people affected by poverty and disease.
We do however, have to be realistic about the situations many people face. We also want to show how people in South Africa (and elsewhere), are making a huge difference within their communities and that there are some amazing examples out there of community spirit, compassion and hope.
The following was written by HOLAH Ambassador, Jodie-Lee Donnison and her story describes her experience a couple of weeks ago and also reflects why she (and we) believe it's so important to continue supporting causes in Durban, South Africa (and beyond).
"...You must always give with a grateful heart. With no doubt in your mind. What the person does with it on the receiving end is not for you or your conscience to worry about. Rather know you did what you can to make a difference, than not do anything at all.
Following this visit, Jodie-Lee along with other HOLAH volunteers did a food drop at this centre.
You can make a donation to HOLAH here, via GAGA UK.
These stories are written by real people, seeing how life really can be for many people in South Africa. We always aim to show stories hope coming out of South Africa - the media can often portray such negativity around Africa in general, and we don't want to continue this distribution of negativity and stereotypes. The projects supported by GAGA UK often share amazing impact stories, sharing how they make a difference in the lives of many people affected by poverty and disease.
We do however, have to be realistic about the situations many people face. We also want to show how people in South Africa (and elsewhere), are making a huge difference within their communities and that there are some amazing examples out there of community spirit, compassion and hope.
The following was written by HOLAH Ambassador, Jodie-Lee Donnison and her story describes her experience a couple of weeks ago and also reflects why she (and we) believe it's so important to continue supporting causes in Durban, South Africa (and beyond).
"...You must always give with a grateful heart. With no doubt in your mind. What the person does with it on the receiving end is not for you or your conscience to worry about. Rather know you did what you can to make a difference, than not do anything at all.
I am coming from a point of view of a person who wants to change the world. I want to take every homeless person off the street and I want everyone to eat a good breakfast and get into their warm bed with a full stomach at night. So when I see things like I did last night, it just dam well freaks me out and does not sit easy with me. So, lets make a flipping difference. Read how you can help below ….
Last night we went on a mission to the streets and shelters of Durban. I remember so clearly the last one I went on, where I walked through a huge hall, some people sleeping on the floor, some on small mattresses, some kids maybe 2 or 3 years old running around and believe it or not, many many people sitting in groups taking drugs together. But it wasn’t a big deal. No kids flinched at their parents smoking and snorting stuff in front of them. In that little room, it was normal and accepted. So when I decided to go last night, I made a decision not to go back to that particular shelter and thought that no other one could be just as bad as that one. But who was I fooling.
I parked in front of the shelter that our group chose to visit, and even that scared me. At 7pm, how is it possible for the streets to be so alive. Alive with children, alive with people that are so high and let me just add that it is alive with the most horrific smell! We walked into the shelter and I thought I was going to hurl from the smells. It was disgusting. Absolutely gross to say the least. First floor we got to and kids came running, so happy to see some familiar faces and some new friends. In one particular room there were 2 week old kittens. At first I thought they were rats and had to walk away. Seriously … 2 weeks old.
Met some people, very awkwardly put our heads into strangers rooms and said hi, how you, whats your name .. and basically convo ended there.
One particular man came out of his room with his 1 year 9 month old daughter to explain he needed money to pay rent. We went in to chat with him and his wife while their child cried and moaned uncontrollably. It was sad. 10 minutes later, they got a knock on their door and had to leave as their rent had not been paid. 8 at night and they are packing up with their child to spend their night on the street.
I recognised a young girl that walks around Gateway selling stickers. She has 3 kids and all she wanted was prayers that she would be able to support her children and have them all live with her. There is so much sadness, hunger and depression in that building.
We met an incredible boy who wants to do architecture and loves drawing. He lives with and supports his parents and has a job. At 23 he is not giving up on anyone or himself regardless of his circumstances. (we just got a Technical Drawing board for him!!) YAY!!
I didn’t walk into one room where a family was eating dinner. I walked into rooms with cockroaches. I walked into rooms with the worst and weirdest smells I am actually nauseous writing this right now remembering it. But there were hundreds of people in desperate need. SO, lets help them.
There was an 11 year girl who has never been to school before, a 7 year old who’s bedtime is 11pm, and many kids running around with no pants or no shirts on. Its sad. Are these kids going to grow up on our streets forever?! How is even possibly fair for them to be brought into this world and live a life like this.
We are on a mission to solve one of these problems – hunger!
Next week we will be going back. We taking them food and toiletries, but we need your help. I completely understand that some people don’t want to have to see people in these situations. Trust me, I get it. But instead of ignoring the situation, do your bit. Make some sandwiches. Buy some soaps. Get some suckers, put little packs together. There is so much you can do without having to be exposed to these situations.
We believe in encouraging people to reach their full potential, to follow their dreams, and to go to bed with a full tummy.
If you don’t have time to physically make the food, please feel free to donate cash and we will do a big makro shop on your behalf.
Help us help others. It is impossible to make a difference in other peoples lives without the help and support of people on the same mission as us.
Watch this space next week for our next visit!
Last night we went on a mission to the streets and shelters of Durban. I remember so clearly the last one I went on, where I walked through a huge hall, some people sleeping on the floor, some on small mattresses, some kids maybe 2 or 3 years old running around and believe it or not, many many people sitting in groups taking drugs together. But it wasn’t a big deal. No kids flinched at their parents smoking and snorting stuff in front of them. In that little room, it was normal and accepted. So when I decided to go last night, I made a decision not to go back to that particular shelter and thought that no other one could be just as bad as that one. But who was I fooling.
I parked in front of the shelter that our group chose to visit, and even that scared me. At 7pm, how is it possible for the streets to be so alive. Alive with children, alive with people that are so high and let me just add that it is alive with the most horrific smell! We walked into the shelter and I thought I was going to hurl from the smells. It was disgusting. Absolutely gross to say the least. First floor we got to and kids came running, so happy to see some familiar faces and some new friends. In one particular room there were 2 week old kittens. At first I thought they were rats and had to walk away. Seriously … 2 weeks old.
Met some people, very awkwardly put our heads into strangers rooms and said hi, how you, whats your name .. and basically convo ended there.
One particular man came out of his room with his 1 year 9 month old daughter to explain he needed money to pay rent. We went in to chat with him and his wife while their child cried and moaned uncontrollably. It was sad. 10 minutes later, they got a knock on their door and had to leave as their rent had not been paid. 8 at night and they are packing up with their child to spend their night on the street.
I recognised a young girl that walks around Gateway selling stickers. She has 3 kids and all she wanted was prayers that she would be able to support her children and have them all live with her. There is so much sadness, hunger and depression in that building.
We met an incredible boy who wants to do architecture and loves drawing. He lives with and supports his parents and has a job. At 23 he is not giving up on anyone or himself regardless of his circumstances. (we just got a Technical Drawing board for him!!) YAY!!
I didn’t walk into one room where a family was eating dinner. I walked into rooms with cockroaches. I walked into rooms with the worst and weirdest smells I am actually nauseous writing this right now remembering it. But there were hundreds of people in desperate need. SO, lets help them.
There was an 11 year girl who has never been to school before, a 7 year old who’s bedtime is 11pm, and many kids running around with no pants or no shirts on. Its sad. Are these kids going to grow up on our streets forever?! How is even possibly fair for them to be brought into this world and live a life like this.
We are on a mission to solve one of these problems – hunger!
Next week we will be going back. We taking them food and toiletries, but we need your help. I completely understand that some people don’t want to have to see people in these situations. Trust me, I get it. But instead of ignoring the situation, do your bit. Make some sandwiches. Buy some soaps. Get some suckers, put little packs together. There is so much you can do without having to be exposed to these situations.
We believe in encouraging people to reach their full potential, to follow their dreams, and to go to bed with a full tummy.
If you don’t have time to physically make the food, please feel free to donate cash and we will do a big makro shop on your behalf.
Help us help others. It is impossible to make a difference in other peoples lives without the help and support of people on the same mission as us.
Watch this space next week for our next visit!
You can make a donation to HOLAH here, via GAGA UK.
Above (left to write): HOLAH volunteers Mike Stevens, Jodie-Lee Donnison, Nicola Powell and HOLAH co founder Leanne Lorrance-Brown
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