Subscribe
2011 was a roller coaster of a year with the Foundation ensuring that all students were enrolled in schools and progressing positively. We thank our community of supporters for their continued love. In January 2011 Agape was closed and all children removed. For the next few months, RISE kept in touch with schools, located learners and ensured, to the best of our ability, that children were in safe homes and continuing their education. We currently support 36 learners through the We Are Together Education Programme.
Overall and most importantly, the learners RISE supports finished the year well and enjoyed a well-earned break. We joined the social networks and started a facebook page. Please keep up with us, "Like" us and share your memories of Agape on our page here.
In the fall, RISE came in second place in the Education category of the Orange RockCorps You Decide competition. We would like to thank everyone who voted for RISE.
All existing students have returned to Hillcrest, Forest View and Wyebank. There have been a few students who have moved from Gillitts to New Germany and the school has welcomed them. Word from Makaphuto home is that the Bhengu and Mkhize children and Sinegugu are all doing well.
Slindile gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, named Minehle. Both she and the baby are doing well. Sli is returning to Elangeni this month to complete her Master Cookery course.
Sbonelo completed the first step to becoming a paramedic and is well on his way to getting his license. We will keep you updated on his progress.
Both Nqobile and Sphiwe are living at Lake Haven Children’s Home. RISE continues to work with Makaphuto Home to find space for them there through the State Department of Welfare and Social Development so they can return to Forest View and Hillcrest. We are in contact with the good folks at Lake Haven and are still searching for future opportunities for them. If you live in or around Sea Cow, or know contacts in the area that might help, please contact us at info@risefoundation.org.
Sinegugu spent the holidays with a family who welcomed her into their home with open arms. Coincidentally, they have the same surname!
Zodwa has returned to Hillcrest and is doing well. Her last report card from 2011 boasts, "Zodwa's keenenss to study has helped her achieve this pleasing effort." Fantastic news, Zodwa!
Zakhele has excelled in Technology and Life Orientation. She has been promoted to the 9th grade.
Mbali has progressed to the 3rd grade and her favorite activity is choir.
Thando and Lungile are doing well and have progressed to the 7th grade at Forest View.
Bluff Christian Academy welcomes Andiswe and Aphiwe to grade R.
Olwethu has settled in nicely at Wilderness which has a small class environment, which suits her academic level. The director says that she continues to do great. She has been given uniforms from very generous parents there. While tuition there is considerably high, we are currently searching for grants to help supplement her education costs. If you would like to help, please contact us at info@risefoundation.org.
Aphiwe is at Inkazmulo Primary, repeating grade 1. She came to Makaphuto half way through the 2011 academic year with little academic foundation. The school seems to be a good fit for her.
Lastly, we would like to wish a Happy Birthday Thembelani!!! who turned 12 on 21 January.
These are just a few updates. As always, your continued support is appreciated and helps to offer excellent educational opportunities for the children from the Agape Orphanage.
As we get into the thick of 2012, we are attracting more Education Sponsors, continuing to promote our Songbook, DVD and CD as well as building a community of RISE friends to help find opportunities for the children in and around Durban, South Africa. Please get in touch with us on Facebook and check our website for opportunities to support our learners.