For the last five years, Focus on iThemba and Waterfall Schools have enjoyed the benefit of a close-knit campus community. Built on a shared interest in uncovering the potential of every child, we have fostered a bond and connection as close as that of a family and just as families do, we build each-other up through love and support.
Last week saw our community rocked and shaken by senseless destruction as a result of civil unrest in KwaZulu-Natal. Added to the challenges of COVID-19, and coupled with economic and emotional hardship, the loss of livelihood that many families in our Waterfall Schools community have had to endure as a result of this is almost too much to bear. However, last week also saw our community spirit being brought to life in new and meaningful ways. The offering of words of encouragement and support, the coming together of young and old to clean-up affected areas, the exchanging of food items between friends and neighbours gave us a glimmer of hope. These hopeful acts of care and generosity reminded us of the kind of community we are part of and the potential we have to build each other up, overcoming these difficulties to restore what has been taken away, perhaps even better than before.
In support of this community spirit, Focus on iThemba has launched the iThemba Education Disaster Relief Fund to provide short-term school fee assistance to Waterfall Schools\’ families who have lost their livelihood due to the civil unrest of 11 to 17 July 2021. Both Focus on iThemba and the schools have pledged towards this fund and hope to see this act of support bring light and encouragement to the hearts and minds of these families while they work towards rebuilding and restoring their lives.
Friends and partners of the iThemba community looking to support #rebuildsa initiatives can add their value by contributing to this fund. If you are in a position to contribute, please contact Tayla Goss, Team Leader at Focus on iThemba, on tayla@focusonithemba.org or 031 710 1800.
Together we are stronger!
