GAGAzette Autumn 2023

September marks the beginning of springtime in the Southern Hemisphere. In South Africa, the beneficiaries of our study-based programmes have been working hard over the winter in their studies and various courses. Over the last couple of months they completed their half term examinations and assessments and enjoyed a couple of weeks of winter holidays when they were able to relax after their hard work In Tanzania we ’ ve taken the winter to lay the ground work for the Clean Water Plumbing Project at Kilimanjaro Young Girls in Need School and the construction work continues into the spring. As usual, there has been a lot going on with all of the programmes we support, and we ’ re excited to share it all with you in this edition of the GAGAzette.

Read on for more details on what’s been happening with our amazing projects since we last spoke As always, thank you so very much on behalf of myself and the GAGA UK Trustees for your continued support and interest in our work

With warmest wishes

Olivia Van Rensburg Development Manager GAGA UK

Sangobeg Scholarships

Spotlight on Zinhle

One of our brand new Sangobeg Scholars is Zinhle Her story begins in the rural region of Swayimane where she lost her parents at a young age and had to take care of her siblings and blind grandmother with just her grandmother’s pension as income Zinhle and her siblings’ circumstances were known to the community and when her grandmother passed away, they were taken to the local orphanage Despite these challenges, Zinhle completed her schooling up until grade 12 and furthered her studies in business administration.

Since leaving the orphanage she has faced difficulties in finding stable employment, and she’s worked at a retail outlet as a cleaner, merchandiser and cashier Throughout these experiences she has remained passionate about teaching and dreamed of becoming a teacher Her employment was never reliable and as a result she has been depending on her brother’s help financially for groceries and basic living expenses. That’s why GAGA UK, in partnership with our sponsor Sangobeg Investments Ltd, stepped in to award Zinhle a scholarship for a three year teaching degree.

Zinhle says: “I have decided to do a degree in teaching because I thought it would be part of my breakthrough in life since there are not a lot of job opportunities in our country especially for us young people I am a very calm person and have experience of being a first aid facilitator at a school in Hammarsdale That’s when I developed a love for teaching. I also know that having this degree will create opportunities for me, and hopefully I will get the chance to fulfill my dream of becoming a school teacher I also am striving to become financially independent as I have a child and I would love to create a brighter future for her, as well as being a good role model to her.”

We wish Zinhle all the very best in her studies and we are so grateful to Sangobeg Investments Ltd for giving her the opportunity to create a brighter future.

1000 Hills Community Helpers

A new major initiative at 1000 Hills Community Helpers in recent months is the establishment of educational health talks every Thursday Education around health and safety remains a challenge when it comes to things like infant nutrition, hygiene in the home, and safe medicinal practices There are still many people in the surrounding community who steer toward old traditions, which in fact are doing more harm medically than good Traditional medical practices are still so favoured amongst many in the community that often those in need of medical care do not approach a primary healthcare clinic or hospital until it is too late The team at 1000 Hills Community Helpers are working tirelessly to not only provide quality healthcare to this marginalised community, but also to educate the community on the dangers of some of these traditional practices.

Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust

On the 25th of August, HACT hosted the 10th Annual GOGOLYMPICS As the 10th anniversary of this remarkable event, the games were dedicated to honouring and celebrating the cherished grannies (Gogos) of the local communities and the important role they continue to play in families. At a time when grandmothers are meant to be enjoying their golden years, many within the local communities are facing immense daily struggles as they support large families on their pension funds, deal with chronic illness, and raise vulnerable and orphaned grandchildren (and great-grandchildren) Part of HACT’s HIV-related response is their Gogo Support Group programme which facilitates psycho-social support, family strengthening, improved skills development, food security, and income generation as well as physical exercise among a network of over 1500 gogos who are heading vulnerable households. Thanks to the HACT team along with energetic volunteers, the day was an amazing success Well done HACT and Gogos of eThekwini!

Kilimanjaro Young Girls in Need

The work for the Clean Water Plumbing Project is underway at KYGN, and the students are all extremely excited about having clean and safe water for drinking and cooking running throughout the school site. The pipe laying and foundation work began at the start of July, and despite these winter months being rainy in Tanzania, the team have been working tirelessly to ensure that the project is completed thoroughly and efficiently in time for the hottest summer months. The clean water will also run into the safe house, ensuring that the school’s most vulnerable children have safe water round the clock. We are so looking forward to seeing and reporting on the progress and positive impact of this life-changing project funded by the Coles-Medlock Foundation. In other news, the P7 students will be sitting their national exams on 13 and 14 September. Best of luck to all students taking exams!

What else?

There are many more ways you can support GAGA UK and our work in Southern Africa

Follow us on social media, comment and share our posts. Take part in a sponsored event or challenge to raise money for GAGA UK! Contact olivia@gaga-uk.org for fundraising ideas and events in your area. Could your company be interested in corporate partnership with GAGA UK? Get in touch with olivia@gaga-uk.org to find out how a partnership could benefit your business and employees

Are you interested in leaving a gift in your will?

Whatever the size, when you include a gift to GAGA UK in your will, you are giving our future generations the opportunity to create a brighter future. Leaving a legacy is a way to ensure that your values of equality and opportunity can carry on To learn more about how to leave a gift in your will, contact olivia@gaga-uk.org.

As always, thank you so much for your support of our work. We simply couldn't do what we do without you! +44 (0)1789 414088