GAGAzette Spring 2024
The seasons are changing in the Southern Hemisphere and soon we will be entering the very wet and colder months of winter It has been a hot summer and we ’ re looking forward to cooler weather! Most of the building works are completed on our two major infrastructure projects at KYGN in Tanzania, and the students we support in South Africa are well into their new academic year which runs from January to December. As usual, there is a lot going on with all of our partner projects and I’m delighted to share more details within this issue of the GAGAzette Of course, none of this would be possible without our fantastic network of supporters like you! Thank you for all that you do, on behalf of all of us here at GAGA UK and our beneficiaries
For any questions about any of the contents of this newsletter, or any of our work, please do not hesitate to contact me on olivia@gaga-uk org I’d be delighted to hear from you and happy to help.
With warmest wishes
Olivia Van Rensburg GAGA UK Director
Sangobeg Scholars
Spotlight on Mandla
You may remember Mandla from KwaZuluNatal, South Africa. Last year we ran a Crowdfunder to help him finish his high school and graduate and we successfully raised the amount needed to help him finish his final year of schooling He worked extremely hard to pass all of his final exams in December and this year we ’ re very proud to have offered him a bespoke funding package to pursue further education as a Sangobeg Scholar He will be doing a two year course in IT Engineering which will give him excellent career prospects on completion of the course Our Project Coordinator in KwaZuluNatal has been working closely with Mandla to ensure a smooth start to this academic year and to make sure he has everything he needs to optimize his success in his studies
Good luck Mandla! Of course, none of this would be possible without our programme sponsor, Sangobeg Investments LTD. Thank you for all that you do to provide these incredible and life-changing opportunities to deserving young people!
Kilimanjaro Young Girls in Need
Class 4B has been sponsored by our wonderful corporate partner, Adiuvo, for the last three years as they grow and move up through their primary schooling. This class is made up of around 40 children between the ages of 10-12 They did remarkably well on their end of year exams in December, with all passing the Year 3 curriculum to graduate into year 4. Their current curriculum is made up of a mix of standard and practical subjects This term they are taking classes in:
Kiswahili (the national language of Tanzania)
English (focusing on vocabulary and pronunciation)
Civics (learning about Tanzania and national symbols)
Social studies (heroes in African society)
Vocational skills (currently they are learning basketry)
Science (measurements and basic physics)
We’re so grateful to Adiuvo for sponsoring this class of young learners through their primary schooling, and to all of our KYGN donors for their contributions! Thank you!
1000 Hills Community Helpers
The GAGA-funded Baby Clinic at 1000 Hills Community Helpers continues to go from strength to strength, with more babies being seen in the last 12 months than ever. Some local challenges have shaped the work of the Baby Clinic team this quarter The clinic leader, Sister Mchunu, has reported that towards the end of 2023, local water shortages have meant that many problems have arisen like diarrhoea in the newboarns as well as skin rashes like scabies because of poor hygiene. The team has been giving lots of educational talks on these topics, highlighting the importance of boiling water before drinking and preparing a rehydrating solution for babies
The clinic team have also been providing information on where people can access water, as the government distributions have not been reliable during this time. It is so important during the newborn phase and early years for mothers and babies to have access to these vital resources like clean water, in order to give them the best possible start in life 1000 Hills Community Helpers continues to do an incredible job educating and supporting these rural moms and babies in this marginalized community. We couldn’t be prouder to support them
Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust
In addition to our annual support of the HACT 24-bed respite unit, we have also been sourcing support for another HACT initiative, the GOGO support programme. This programmes empowers elder female heads-of-households (often grannies or “Gogos” in local language) to gain practical, financial and vocational skills in order to care for their vulnerable grandchildren who have been orphaned by the AIDS epidemic 2023 saw 60 gogos (grandmothers) advance their sewing skills through HACT’s 3 sewing schools. Basic beginner courses were run in both Hammarsdale and KwaNdengezi and an advanced course was held in Molweni All six-months in length, these courses aim to empower gogos with the skills to sew for their own families but to also turn their skill into an income source as they can start their own small businesses HACT has worked alongside thousands of gogos since the inception of the Gogo Support Group Programme which started in 2006 and operates in 13 communities. A highlight at the conclusion of the course is the graduation ceremony when these talented and determined women receive their certificates. This year, the advanced course had two fashion-show entries as each participant designed and sewed multiple outfits to showcase Well done, ladies!
What else?
Are you interested in leaving a gift in your will?
Need to get in touch?
8 Nurseries Road
Wellesbourne
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.
Warwickshire CV35 9QL
info@gaga-uk org
01789 414088