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Hello and welcome to the Spring 2019 newsletter, although looking out of my office window the view is anything but Spring like! Hopefully the lovely sunshine we had in February will return soon! It has been a very busy start to 2019 here at GAGA UK. In January we said “Goodbye” to Sarah, who had been the charity Director and “tour de force” since 2015. We wish Sarah all the best in her future career and thank her sincerely for her massive contribution to GAGA and the projects we work with. I started on the 2nd January and my feet have barely touched the ground since! You can find out a little about me by clicking HERE
On the 17th January we flew out to South Africa for the final part of my handover and project familiarisation, it was a wonderful trip, humbling, inspiring and illuminating. You can read our blog by clicking ON THIS
Here’s a brief overview of the projects we visited and some of their new initiatives for 2019.
 1000 Hills Community Helpers
The photo at the top of the newsletter was taken on one of the outings of the new “Meals on Wheels” service that has started to operate from 1000 Hills Community Helpers. This service currently operates three days a week and it takes a nutritious hot meal out to the remotest parts of the valley, feeding about 200 people! That’s on top of the 1,200 meals a day delivered at the main centre.
Last year, GAGA was delighted to pass on funds to contribute towards a Safe Play Area at 1000hch. Here are some of the local children enjoying some after-school activities on the field. Not only that, the area is used by the HIV & TB support groups, who use sport & games as part of their therapy.
The all-important clinic continues to deliver the vital healthcare and advice five days a week and it is thanks to wonderful supporters like you that we can continue to send funding for that. 1000 Hills Community Helpers Face Book page
First Step Right Creche & Primary School
This school continues to provide a sound early childhood development and primary education to children from the 1000 Hills valley district of KwaZulu Natal. We spent a good deal of time at the school, sitting in with the classes and getting involved singing songs and reading stories to the younger children.
I was really happy to see the parental involvement in the school when a meeting was held in the second week of my visit. It’s so critical to have parents and carers engaged in the activities of the school and be so invested in their children’s education. Thanks to your support, 187 children can attend this school and on our trip we were able to provide compost for the veggie garden, new cups and bowls for the kitchen and additional classroom supplies! Check out their Facebook page here
Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust
GAGA has agreed to participate in the HACT Respite Unit, Sponsor a Bed Scheme for 2019. The demand for the comfort and care that this unit provides does not diminish and in 2018 the trust saw an increase in patients who were co-infected with HIV Aids and Cancer. The on-going support of the Respite Unit is vital, but the work of the trust is much wider than that, running many initiatives to encourage economic empowerment and support the community.
HACT told us, “For 31 year-old Zodwa Ncgobo, beading has become so much more than a creative pastime, it’s a labour of love that has helped her to single-handedly support her family…” Zodwa has become one of the many local women who use their amazing beading skills to make stock that is sold in the Woza Moya shop. This opportunity has enabled Zodwa to support her extended family, she is the wage earner for four generations living together in KwaNyuswa. Read more about what HACT do by clicking HERE We have some of that lovely beadwork which we sell at our events, contact info@gaga-uk.org to find out more.
Since coming back to the UK, there has been a flurry of activity presenting talks to U3A and Church groups, writing thank you letters and updates to all of the people who donated items which we took out to South Africa and distributed to the projects. The flood of donations doesn’t stop and we have already amassed a vast collection of jumpers and knitted squares which will adorn our Remembering Tree in December before being made into blankets! We have had some delightful knitted toys donated and we are privileged to see the delight on the faces of the recipients of all of these generous donations.
I have plans to update the website and am flexing my newly found “social media muscle” as well as planning some events for the rest of 2019! So please keep in touch in whichever way you prefer! Here’s a link to our website and you can find us on social media too, facebook, twitter & instagram
Of course, it’s always great to hear from our supporters, so if you prefer give us a bell on 01789 414088 or if you’re nearby drop into the office for a cuppa! Please ring first, just in case I’m out on a GAGAtivity…. If you have any questions about the projects we support or anything GAGA related then please drop me an email
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