What is Ukulapha? It’s a Zulu word for healing and the name of the community outreach project in one of the poorest townships in South Africa. The project had its birth with Carolyn Burns, a Victoria resident. Carolyn worked here in the medical field and also at Citizen’s Counselling for 25 years. She was born in South Africa and over time, the draw to return to her homeland and try to make a difference overcame her desire to stay here and enjoy the life she had created.
Her solution was to team up with an amazing principal at a township school which had no resources, no hope and a huge population of school children. Many of these children were AIDS orphans or part of child-headed households. Carolyn shares her story and uses her training to change the outcome for the impoverished children of Slangspruit. At an age when many are considering retirement, Carolyn is working harder than ever to raise funds for many projects that are critical to improving educational opportunities and imbuing the school and community with hope.
She also provides a training ground for international interns organized through VIDEA, here in Victoria. Ukulapha is one of their approved international projects. There are no bounds to Carolyn’s vision, energy and success!
Rhonda Todrick and Kenny Podmore have been working to raise funds for this project for over five years and this year, they will join a long list of local supporters who have visited the project in South Africa. They are excited to meet the children and see your donations at work!
Join Ukulapha June 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney for Spring Serenade: a “fun”draiser showcasing, wine, travel, fashion, food and music. For auction details and more information, visit www.ukulaphafriends.org.
All proceeds will support the critical work of Ukulapha .for the 1,040 primary students at Slangspruit. Siyabonga (Thank You).
