Over the past week I’ve uploaded 10 of our favourite photos from Simakakata onto twitter. They tell the current story at the school and explain why permanent classrooms are so important to the community.
Here they are in one batch, plus a bonus photo for you all!
Photographs by our brilliant volunteer Brenda Veldtman.
The Simakakata community borrowed an old farmhouse to get the school up and running. Now the owner wants it back.
At the current school doors are seen as something of a luxury.
Desks are lacking.
But the kids are incredibly happy to have the opportunity to attend school.
They have ambition.
Love to have fun.
And are naturals in front of the camera!
The community have built 20,000 bricks by hand. There are willing to contribute skilled and unskilled labour for free. And another donor even laid some foundations for the first classroom. Then the money ran out.
The government will provide training teachers for free if teacher's houses can be funded. The school currently has one room which two volunteer teachers call home.
And one bonus shot…
A new school would give over 200 children the chance of a better future.
We now need less than £1,000 to get the first classroom off the ground. If you would like to make a donation please click here. Thank you!
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This is what I would like to do for two weeks
Hi everyone – yes there is so much that needs to be done and can be done for this little place. So many beautiful little faces that need our love, support and concern. I’m game to help – please tell me what you would like me to do. I am a freelance photographer and writer, so give me a shout!
wow nice work..i just hope i can get over there to join you and do some photography.
Brenda, Rosemary and Lorna. Thanks for your comments. You all have mail.
For anyone interested in volunteering as a storyteller please follow the instructions on this page http://www.learnasone.org/get-involved/volunteer/photographer
Thanks.
No matter what a childerens surroundings are, with the right people, laughter won’t be far away.
see my Red Cross Montenegro set
Be very conscious and aware of our involvement within these lives. The emphasis should be education through education as apposed to education through aid. I’ve seen first hand how many of these children are happier than our kids in the uk because we have created [here and in many developed countries] a sense of need, want ownership and an inherant sense of self derived from our material superficial society. Lets not start them off on the wrong foot. Stay present and focused on the persons spirit and not just thier imediate environmental surroundings. Spread peace and love not wealth.
Hi David. Thanks for your comment.
We completely agree with you and are very careful not to interfere with the education on offer. Our role is simply to help communities who want a school but can’t afford the raw materials to build one.
The communities do everything else. They build the schools, source all the the teachers and follow the local syllabus.
Hello every one i am so moved by the kind of work you doing in Africa, as a matter of fact it is one of my passions to give back to our communities. I am a passionate photographer and i believe i’m a voice of the people i would love to combat this Amagedeonwith you guys. Masixole Feni , upcoming top SA Documentary Photographer watch my space!
hi,every one “For the better society the better education required, for better education better environment is required.” i like your focus, it was nice work and it inspires me i would like to work with your community.