Phew we have not been back to work two weeks and already it feels like it should be March! Since returning we have planned and scheduled for the next 3months intensely and the next 6month loosely.
We have been able to employ for new staff. Three staff for the Self Help Groups (SHG) who now have a target of 50 new groups in 2025 and two more Cluster Level Associations (CLA). That brings the total to 80 SHG in total with 1,402 ladies in the project representing 1,402 families and they support 3,796 children through the small businesses and the money they loan.
Just to explain the SHG groups focus on the individuals and their families while the CLA focuses on developing the Communities in which they live. The CLA’s are constituted by 8-10 SHG representatives.
So far the CLA’s that have been formed have:
Started and been trained in Community Policing Forums to ensure their communities become safer with less issues of crime.
In total they have saved R2,253,000 and have used this money to value of R11million which for the poorest of the poor, is absolutely astounding. What is really wonderful is that when we go in our vehicles to the villages, we get flagged down by other ladies who want to be a part of this project, they see the impact, they want the skills, they want the financial freedom being offered.
Just to reassure you, none of this money is available for KTD196, that is why your support is so important to us.
I am including a story from one of the SHG ladies to showcase the impact of this project multi-generationally.
We also, with the passing of Mum Rose, had to restructure our Children’s Project and have re-employed Angy, a staff member we had to sadly let go last year due to the contract coming to an end. So Angy will be our new team leader and we have put in place targets for the whole team which includes focussing on Children’s Rights and Child Participation. The project overlap more intensively now as parents from the SHG are volunteering in the Children’s Project, and their children can attend as well. So that is really nice synergy.
We have entered this year with such enthusiasm and excitement, new premises, new plans, new energy. This year we are determined to make up for the difficulties faced last year.
I just want to also share, one of our original 13 girls who started with us in 2003, has now returned to volunteer and will be working with 10 of our kids as a Occupational Therapist. This will add to our offering as we have many who have learning issues, or physical challenges, so this is wonderful. Multi-generational giving is so important.
Thank you for walking this journey with us, your gifts are having an amazing impact on the lives of the people we serve. You truly are a gift from God. I know I say this, but quite frankly if it weren’t for you and your donation, Keep The Dream196 would have closed 8years ago. Since then we have gone on to impact many more adults and children. My gratitude for you overwhelms me often.
Thank you for trusting us, thank you for being such a huge part of the work we do. Please if you are ever wanting to come and verify what I speak about or come and just visit, you would be very welcome to come and be hosted.
Blessings to you and your family.
Louise
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