August 2017

Girls just want to have fun! Some of the great kids here at Isithumba.

August is over, marking the end of Winter and the start to a warmer few months ahead. Very soon the weather will be heating up and also the summer rains will come, making the Isithumba area much greener. The team here at ICDM have been working hard this month - welcoming guests from abroad, supervising the construction and implementation of the new ‘adventure playground’ on the grounds, as well as welcoming a new international volunteer. Our latest recruit, Matthew Phillis, has come all the way from Barcelona, Spain, where he has lived  for 5 years. Originally from Australia, he’s been travelling as well as living and teaching English in many different countries, including Spain, Italy, Vietnam, Chile, the UK and Australia. He is also a keen photographer, so we hope that we can make use of him for his teaching and photography skills over the next few months. Welcome to ICDM Matthew!

Matt is already getting along great with the kids.

The Cross Country Marathon was held again this year, a big event for Isithumba. Last year was a wonderful success, and so was this year. run along the Umgeni River in the Valley of a Thousand Hills.  Athletes of all ages took part in the event, ranging from kids to seniors, running along the beautiful Umngeni River that flows past the village. This year the event was sponsored by Hollywood Bets for the first time, and prizes were given out by our own Sub-Chief, Mr Shelembe. It was a great success and a tradition that we hope can continue here in our community.

Sub-Chief, Mr Shelembe, dressing up the Captain.

The Team Captain all dressed up in the traditional Zulu warrior way.

Kenya meets Isithumba,

All hail the Captain!

In the second week of the month, the guys from the Kenyan Rugby Sevens team, LPS Nairobi, once again dropped in to visit us, as they do this time every year. Although for most of the players it was their first visit, their leader Gareth has been coming for the past 4 years, enjoying it here every time. They were treated to a traditional lunch with a family, the captain leading the charge by going back for seconds before anyone else had even finished their first plate. Big appetite on these rugby boys! After lunch, we strolled through the village, heading over to the Sub-Chief’s compound to meet the ‘man of the village’ himself – Mr Shelembe. If you need a plot of land of build on, or want to ask someone’s hand in marriage, it must be passed through the local Sub-Chief. Today he greeted the Kenyans, welcoming them to the village and wishing them luck in their future endeavours. They were then privileged enough to be able to wear some of the traditional Zulu garments made here in Isithumba by the chief himself. After this visit, and to help walk off their large meal, our team member Thando showed them around the river that flows past the village, The Umngeni river. It’s a beautiful setting down here, and the guys all had their phones out snapping pictures and selfies. To top off their visit, the local youth at the ICDM centre put on a show of traditional dance and song for the Kenyan, who loved the energy and enthusiasm shown by the kids. It was a great day – a big thank you to the guys from Kenya, and their generous donation to the cause - you’re always welcome here at Isithumba.

Song and selfies.

Some traditional Zulu dancing.

Thank you for your visit and generous donation!

The kids enjoying the new games and activies.

The kids enjoying the new games and activies.

Charli and the kids.

Jump!

Reiko working with the kids.

Selfie time!

We were lucky enough to have a group of students from Leeds Beckett University in Leeds visit us for 4 consecutive Thursdays this month. The team are over here in South Africa volunteering for 5 weeks as part of their final year of studies, as all of them are Sports Instructors, specialising in different sports such as rugby, football and netball. During these four days, the team visited schools in the area and organised games and activities for the children, using equipment brought with them. The three lucky schools were Ndunakaz, Ntongela and Nonqomfela Public Schools, and all of the children had a brilliant time – sports and games after lunch in a big open field with plenty of equipment to go around. New games were taught to the kids, some of which we have continued here at ICDM since. These guys really connected with the kids, inspiriting the children to participate fully, work in teams and enjoy the spirit of the games. The last day for the Leeds team was a little sad, as it had been 4 weeks and everyone had grown close. The kids at ICDM performed some traditional songs, including the South African National Anthem. In return, the Leeds team donated a large amount of sports equipment which included footballs, volleyballs, sports bibs and even a cricket set – things that will allow the staff at ICDM to broaden the range of games played as well as being able to provide activities for larger groups. Thank you so much to the Leeds Beckett University, their Team Leader Charli Kelsall as well as Edward Paxton, Ben Challenger, Matt Livingstone, Susannah Moore, Reiko Mclean.

James working with the kids at Ndunakaz Primary School.

A great donation - one that will go a long way helping the kids at ICDM.

Some shirts donated by the guys from Leeds Beckett University.

Thank you for your time, effort and donations guys!

King of the Playground!

Plenty of things to do here.

 To top off this busy month, we’ve just had an ‘adventure playground’ installed for the children. After some time of planning and organising, it’s finally been given the go ahead. It was installed by the crew from Rustic Structures in Pinetown. The boys worked hard for two days, labouring in hot weather, but the final outcome is amazing. This now gives the children another thing to utilise, providing guide-free fun and activity, letting them hone their co-operative skills, taking their turns on various parts of the gym, as well as motor and coordination skills. So far it’s a big hit – there is a cargo net climb, a balancing pole, tyre climb, and of course the favourites - swings and a slide. What kid doesn’t enjoy love a swing! This project was made possible by Christian’s hard work in German, along with sponsorship from BMW.

The new 'Adventure PLayground,' donated by BMW and built by Rustic Structures in Pinetown.

The new 'Adventure PLayground,' donated by BMW and built by Rustic Structures in Pinetown.

That’s all for this month of August. In September we will be hosting the National Heritage Day on the 24th, where events will be held, including sing and dancing. This is an important day in South Africa as it celebrates everything that makes this country great. We will also be receiving a new volunteer from Germany in late September, Johannes. 

 ICDM We are the future!!