November/December 2012

THE YEAR AT A GLANCE…

Dancing in sunshine

2012 HIGHLIGHTS…

Fundi at her Matric farewell Ntlantla in hospital Zusiphe’s first trophy

It’s hard to believe that the year 2012 is coming to an end so quickly; Christmas is only five weeks away, five weeks! It’s unbelievable. One can’t deny it though, all the shopping centers have their decorations up and there is a definite “end of year vibe” in the air. They say time flies when you’re having fun and we certainly did have many fun times this year, however, time also seems to have flown during the less fun, more challenging times. We’re sure that most people would agree with us when we say that this was a particularly challenging year. The tough economic climate caused many people lose their jobs, it had all charities struggle for survival and caused many charities to close their doors. We are only too thankful that we have been able to carry on. Yes, there were certainly times when we bit our nails down to the cuticles and yes, we had to tighten our belts, but we’re grateful because realize just how blessed we are to have made it through the year. What we are most grateful for is that our children never realized that this year was any different than the last; not a day went by that they were in need of anything that we weren’t able provide and for that we thank all our wonderful supporters; we could not have done it without you.

Home of Hope’s very first matriculant. We are all very proud of Fundi.

After waiting for five years, Ntlantla finally had his tracheostomy opeing closed. He was so excited and could not wait to take a shower for the first time in his life…

Zusiphe won his first ever trophy this year. It was for good sportsmanship at the Ryan Maron Cricket School.

Learning about plants at Amathemba Climbing up the jungle gym at Amathemba

FUNDRAISING EVENTS

We held two fundraising events in the last quarter of the year; another Ladies Lunch, this time it was a Spring Celebration at On The Rocks in Blouberg and we also had our Annual Charity Gala Dinner at Marimba Restaurant. Both events were hugely successful and were much enjoyed by all who attended. Our fundraising events play a big part in helping us raise much needed funds to continue our work as we don’t receive any formal funding from the Government. We are always very thankful for all the people that support us at our functions.

The Home of Hope Team Richard Gore – the best auctioneer in SA Home of Hope events are always a lot of fun

AMATHEMBA CHILDREN MAKE PROGRESS

Amathemba pre-school class

All parents know well that children sometimes come up with the strangest ideas and say the strangest things; as the saying goes: “Out of the mouths of babes oft times come gems”. We have the privilege of being surrounded by many children on a daily basis, so you can imagine the “gems” we often get to hear and because of this we’ve decided to choose a “quote of the year” by one of our own children to share with our supporters. A gem straight from the mouth of Ntlantla as he was standing outside in the pouring rain one winter morning: “My teacher says that flowers grow when we pour water on them, so maybe if I stand in the rain I’ll grow too.”

Two and a half years have passed since the implementation of Amathemba with 2011 the first year of formal instruction and 2012 the second. During this time we have learnt much about the educational needs of children who suffer from FASD; we have been able to put together a curriculum and teaching methods suited to their unique needs and have put proper educational and behavioural interventions in place to further strengthen our pilot model. The children have just been through their third round of

annual assessments (done by Dr. Lyn Thijsse the Educational Psychologist associated with Amathemba) and the progress they’ve shown is truly remarkable. We are very proud of our children. We thank our teachers, Linda de Klerk, Anèl de Stadler, Claudine Collocott and all their helpers for their hard work.

AMATHEMBA “YEAR OF YOUR LIFE” OPPORTUNITY

Home of Hope is offering an opportunity to four students, interested in a career in teaching, to spend a year of your life assisting teachers at Amathemba; a school for children suffering from Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This is a full time volunteer position for any student who has a heart for special needs children and is considering a future in education. Not only is it an ideal opportunity to gain experience in the education field, but it is also a chance for you to make a difference in the lives of previously disadvantaged children. The requirements are that you can speak English fluently, have accommodation in the Table View or surrounding area, transport to get to and from the West Coast Christian School and also a valid driver’s license.

‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY

A jolly little reindeer A Christmas party long ago

Our biggest need is for food, household products, for summer clothes for our children and stationery; for a comprehensive wish list please visit our website at www.homeofhope.co.za or contact us at 021 556 3573. You can also help us in the following ways:

- Donating Game/Macro/Ackermans/PEP/PicknPay vouchers which we can use to purchase much needed items for the new school year such as uniforms, school shoes, books, paper and stationery.

- Make a donation that can be used to purchase the ingredients for the Christmas lunches of our children. - Consider sponsoring the children and their foster mothers to go on fun outings during the holidays such as

movie tickets, going to the ice rink at Grand West, having a fun day at Ratanga Junction etc.

Summer fun

For further information, to make a donation, or sign a monthly debit order visit our website at: www.homeofhope.co.za or contact Marilize or Genevieve at ph. 021 – 556 3573 or e-mail: info@homeofhope.co.za.

Andy Williams sang it: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” and few would disagree. This is a time of thanks giving, a time of giving and a time for family. Once again our children in our foster cluster homes will be spending Christmas with their foster mothers as families, having fun and doing all the things that families do. If you would like to give a gift this Christmas, we ask that you please consider our Christmas “wish list”…

Season’s Greetings, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all the

Home of Hope staff and children.