Developments and transition

We just heard from Bulungula that the Eastern Cape government has committed to reinstating funds for school feeding programs. This is great news for the children of No-ofisi Primary School. However, it remains uncertain when schools will actually receive any money.

We will continue with our school feeding initiative at No-ofisi to help ensure all children are fed everyday until their government assistance returns. To date we have collected R31, 231.68 ($4,294.50) and are halfway to our goal. We thank you and, moreover, the children of No-ofisi thank you.

Once government assistance returns, we will transition our focus for the remainder of our BI initiative (until April 30 with the goal of raising $8,500). Having just read BI’s 2011 education project proposal, we know at least three additional classrooms are desperately needed to ensure that each grade has its own classroom space and overcrowding is minimized. Infrastructure remains only one of the challenges however. Inside the buildings, the classrooms are bleak and ill equipped. To date, the government has never provided school desks, chairs or blackboards. In these barebones classrooms, children are using cinder blocks for chairs and their laps as desks.

Having full stomachs clearly is only going to go so far for these children. We have the opportunity to improve the quality of their learning environment by creating stimulating, exciting spaces conducive to the delivery of quality education. BI has calculated that it will cost about $7,600 (R55,500) fully outfit all classrooms, and we can help. A new chair for grades 1,2&3 costs R80 (less than $11). A table is R250 ($34). Every bit counts, and every bit helps.

What does this change mean for your donations? It doesn’t. All previously donated funds have supported No-ofisi’s school feeding program. Going forward, funds will support both feeding and school infrastructure support, fully transitioning to supporting infrastructure once the government money is received. The donation process will remain the same, except we ask that you choose “Id like to support education activities” on BI’s website. As always, please remember to email writeourfuture@gmail.com after making a donation. This is the only way Write Our Future is informed of your donation, and enables us to track our progress.

As a group we can expand the possibilities for these little learners. Let’s see what we can do together! Click here to donate now.