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Happy holidays from Ubuntu Education Fund
Dear Friend of Ubuntu,
Welcome to Ubuntu's second e-buntu. On behalf of all of us at
Ubuntu Education Fund, we wish you a happy holiday season and a joyful
and healthy new year.
-- The Ubuntu Team
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Songezo's Song
"Ubuntu keeps going. The arm gets longer," said 16-year old Songezo
Njengane when describing Ubuntu Education Fund's Empowerment Programme.
Songezo's observation summarises our mission. Ubuntu's Empowerment
Programme connects the vulnerable youth in our community with the
education and employment opportunities they deserve. Ubuntu
understands, however, that for our youth to succeed, we must also
surround them with tutoring, mentoring and the psycho-social support
they need to navigate the challenges they face at home, at school and
at work.
Born in 1990 during the height of the struggle against apartheid,
Songezo represents the future of the new South Africa. Songezo lives
with his grandparents and his cousins in the Kwa Zakhele township in
Port Elizabeth. During our interview with him, he recalled how his
family has struggled every year to provide for him and make sure he
continues his education: "I feel so grateful that I have been lucky
enough to go to school." Songezo's uncle who provided the school fees
for his primary education, passed away three years ago and his
grandparents now use their meager government grants to support
Songezo's education. Last year, Songezo's grandfather had a stroke and
is now unable to care for himself. Since the stroke, Songezo's family
and home responsibilities have increased significantly - making his
dedication to school work more difficult.
Songezo says his biggest challenge is not having a father to share
his life with and encourage him. His friends at school often talk about
their fathers, which Songezo says has tortured him inside. However,
Songezo found a new way to cope with his challenges during intensive
arts workshops at Ubuntu holiday camps. Songezo's nickname, "Songs"
comes from his new passion for drama and writing poetry and music. He
proudly reports that he has recently won local awards for his talents
and has recited his poetry at Ubuntu events.
Ubuntu's Empowerment Team has also given Songezo strength. Now in
grade 11, Songezo has worked closely with Qondakele Sompondo, Ubuntu's
Director of Empowerment, to plan for his future. Songezo has
participated in leadership trainings where he says he has "had all his
questions answered." He has met adult male role models, and learned how
to deal with abuse and help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. In
addition, Ubuntu is now providing Songezo with intensive academic
tutoring after school to help him prepare for higher education.
As a result of his work with Qondakele, Songezo is eagerly planning
for his future. Ever since he participated in Ubuntu's IT Leadership
group at his school, he has dreamed of going to college to become an IT
Consultant. With excellent grades and the "long arm" support of
Ubuntu's Empowerment Programme, Songezo is well on his way.
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Meet Songezo
To meet Songezo, click on the photo below.
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Meet Qondakele
To meet Qondakele, Director of Empowerment, click on the photo below:
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Meet Zandi
To meet Zandi, Guidance Counselor, click on the photo below.
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Donate
Click Here to Support Ubuntu Education Fund
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Ubuntu Action
This holiday season, we ask you to spread the spirit of ubuntu instead
of the same ol' stocking stuffer or Hannukah gelt. Please consider
giving a gift that will truly make a difference - make a donation to
Ubuntu Education Fund in someone else's name. We will send them an
acknowledgement letter letting them know the impact the gift has made
on a child's life in South Africa.
Ubuntu Action Highlight:
Our annual World AIDS Day Bake Sale once again demonstrated the
strength of our global community. On December 1st, schools, churches
and community groups all over the world pulled together to bake, sell
and eat their way to supporting Ubuntu Education Fund. |
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Growing our Network
On October 3rd, we hosted our first London Benefit. Held at the home of
Sir Sydney and Lady Rosa Lipworth, and with unforgettable live
entertainment from Hugh Masekela, the evening was a huge success.
Collectively, the 150 guests provided over $700,000 that will directly
support our programs in the townships of Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Please click on the photo below to watch Hugh Masekela speak about what Ubuntu Education Fund means to him.
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Did You Know?
Ubuntu Education Fund is dedicated to remaining rooted in our
community. 88% of our 52-person staff is from the townships we serve in
Port Elizabeth. Not only does this help to address a severe
unemployment crisis, but also ensures that our staff truly understands
the needs and assets of our community.
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Learn isiXhosa
isiXhosa is the language spoken in our community.
Molo:
Hello
Unjani?:
How are you?
Wamkelekile:
Welcome
Enkosi:
Thank you
Kuluvuyo ukukwazi:
Nice to meet you
Now you are ready to visit us in Port Elizabeth!
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