Thamsanqa Orphanage

(Port Elizabeth, South Africa)



One of our U3A members, Eric Olverson,
does volunteer work in an orphanage in
South Africa.

Below is a brief account of his work and,
if you want to read more, you can
visit Eric's website.
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map Eric writes:

On the outskirts of Port Elizabeth in South Africa, a dry, dusty plain extends into the far distance. Here lies the black township of Motherwell. The society there is wracked by the effects of the AIDS epidemic, chronic unemployment and poverty.
photo Within this town, there are three small houses, collectively called Thamsanqa orphanage, which, for me, represent a beacon of hope. Despite their difficult backgrounds, the orphans cared for there are prospering through getting schooling, regular food, love and care as well as learning life skills.

With the meagre and uncertain resources available, the director of the orphanage, Tia Wessels, is also constantly watching out for particularly at-risk children/families in the local community. Her aim is to always try to intervene and help some way in the most desperate circumstances.



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Volunteers at Thamsanqa
photo During the two months that I spent working in November/December 2008, I was able to both work with the children and also help local people in dire straits. Other volunteers, principally Dutch, are carrying on the work and indeed play a crucial part in the development of the project.

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photo My own efforts are now (in 2009) directed towards training for cycling across Africa early next year and raising funds to secure the future of Thamsanqa. I invite you to follow me on some of my cycling rides and keep abreast of the news at Thamsanqa, by logging in to my website



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