South Africa 2009

returning to south africa after two years

Write-up by Estelle Browne

Almost exactly two years after our first visit to South Africa we were off on a second self-funded trip. A much larger group this time which included ten people who had been on the original visit. Once again our itinerary followed a similar pattern starting off with a few days in Kruger National Park. Once again the number of animals we saw was truly amazing and it gave us time to get to know each other and prepare for what was to follow.

Again we stayed at Rissington in Hazyview, a two hour drive away from Kodumela, but a wonderful to relax after the rigours of days spent at the project. And what days they were! Our welcome at the ADP and the schools was every bit as amazing as before and the newbies amongst us were as overwhelmed as we had been two years ago.

There were some improvements, notably that at the orphan feeding station, meals had changed from just being mealie porridge and beans to include chicken or beef and vegetables. This was thanks to the Lafata Women’s Enterprise Group who had received early funding from Choko to purchase beads. They had expanded their sewing business, started an egg laying project and have a commercial oven in which they bake large numbers of scones each day.

The visit we were all especially looking forward to was to see the foundations of the new special needs building which had been funded by Choko. We were able to take them a plaque which would in due course be placed above the front door.

We were able to visit homes where we could see the benefits from the water harvesting project which was our latest fund raising project. Many households who have to carry, no always clean, water from rivers will benefit from this.

Another experience that no words can ever do justice to, but one that will live in the hearts of those of us privileged enough to have been there for ever.

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