iThembalethu Travelling Library Update

It's been many months since I've updated the Books for South Africa Projects Blogspot and know it is something I should be doing. March of this year found me once again in South Africa, looking in on my now 6 library projects in the country. The newest two include a Traveling Library in Zimbabwe starting with 4 containers and about 500 books and a collection of 300 books at the Inchanga 1000 Hills Community Helpers site. Each of these projects adds a new dimension to the help we have been able to bring to the children of Southern Africa. I have many stories to tell about the projects, the children and about my experiences in the KZN, but what I particularly want to share today is a letter I received from the principal of a school that is part of the iThembalethu Traveling Library Program.
" iSenzosabasha Secondary School has enjoyed the books. Children found them interesting, wht is good is that they cater for all grades. The project is so good and it should go on since it helps schools without libraries and also far away from town where they can get libraries. Children have targeted the number of books they will read before the tub is taken elsewhere. This will improve their reading skills. May I suggest that if possible: career books, Bursary register and Study guides related to the curriculuc (NCS) should be added. We thank the sponsors of the project including the team led by Dorothy Kennett who are causing iThembalethu Moving Library to move. The project is our hope. Thank you P.N.O. Zulu, for iSenzosabasha Secondary School."
Thanks as always for your support. Dorothy

Won't Be Long Now!

December is nearly here. Can February be far behind? It seems impossible that in just two short months I'll be heading back to South Africa and my libraries at God's Golden Acre. There have been several developments in planning for this trip. Yesterday I found out that my friend, and a friend of South Africa, Sandye Brucker is going with me this year. It will be such a blessing not to have to travel alone. Sandye became interested in South Africa last year when she offered to fund a "pump" project in the Swaymahne Valley. She wants to see her pump in action, of course, as well as all of the other things I have been telling her about. She will stay a week or two. Secondly, I have been receiving new and used children's books from a number of sources. Sunrise Rotary in Bloomington started the ball rolling, then came Glen School in Normal, and a booksale at Second Presbyterian, and then Hollistic Chiropractic in Peoria began collecting books after I appeared on the news. I have at least 500 books in my kitchen. Now I have to try to figure out how to ship them safely and economically. I had "sticker shock" last week when I sent 3 little Christmas books to Jason Smit's daughters in Cape Town. My postage bill was $26.50! And that was just regular mail. As you know, in the past I have discouraged people from giving me books and asked for a donation instead. But this year this just started coming. Well, we'll find a way. Finally, while fund raising efforts are coming along, I'm still about $5000 away from feeling comfortable starting the new projects of a Bookmobile in the Sanchonche Valley and a Community Library for Zimele Outreach. If you can help, please let me know. I'll keep you posted.

Delivering My Message

Hello again.
Activity is once again building for my "Books for South Africa" projects. It seems as though every day new ideas are formed, contacts are made and I become aware of needs I would like to meet. About a week ago I had the privilege of speaking to a gathering of future teachers at Illinois State University. I neglected to ask how many would be in the audience (silly me) and went prepared with about a dozen handouts. When I walked into the room, more than 100 young faces greeted me. It was amazing to be able to tell them about Dorothy's Khayelhile Children's Library. I think the things I had to tell them concerning the needs of children in South Africa, the aids pandemic, and ways in which individuals (even older ones) can make a difference was eye opening. It must have had an impact because on the way out several wanted to know what they could do to help and three actually volunteered to go with me. Anything to get out of those upcoming midterms! Also, I recently gave a talk to a women's group a First Baptist Church, and to a group of teachers at Metcalf School. Today I'm meeting with the IMC teacher at Glenn School in Normal. She wants to sponsor a booksale to help with our projects.
Next time I'll tell you about my plans to return to the KZN in 2008. Dorothy

Books, again

Greeting from Dorothy and Books for South Africa. I'm sorry it's been so long since I last updated this blog site, but lots of things have been going on in my life! Just recently it has been decided that I will be returning to South Africa to continue my work of supplying books, learning materials and supplies to these special young people. The exciting things that will be happening include a Bookmobile for the estimated 4000 children in Sancontshe Valley, and a new Community library for the Zimele outreach area. I'm planning to go in February 2008, less than 6 months from now. I hear regularly from my friends and acquaintances in the area, and the things they are accomplishing are amazing. Libby has financed and built a new home for her precious "family" there, and Maureen is attempting to teach English to 50 young residents. She originally invited 8 and 50 showed up. That's Africa! They are thirsty for knowledge. Of course it takes lots of work and planning to get there. My fund raising efforts are in high gear. We had a gigantic garage sale this past weekend netting over $1000. The "we" in that last sentence include 29 of my closest friends who brought items to sell, including baked goods, plants and old furniture. They helped all week, and then came to "man the store." It was FAB. Another friend made a quilt which will the raffled off on Saturday. We've sold all the tickets. Several local service clubs are now interested in helping and I'm beginning to talk to churches and club meetings again. I will be adding more picture soon of my last visit to God's Golden Acre and keep you posted on happenings. If you are interested in helping please respond to the contact information included in this site. Dorothy

December 2006 Update

Another Trip to South Africa for Dorothy - took place in October, 2006. After 2 day delay in Atlanta, I arrived in Durban, SA.

It was so wonderful to see the children again. Some of them spied me on the playground as they returned from School, and I could hear them shouting and cheering from the combi (bus). I went right to work claiming a new office space, straightening up the Khayelihle Library and assessing the damage that a year will bring. Things were actually in pretty good shape. Then we purchased and installed three computers and a printer at that location.

The children were amazing as they used the new computers for the first time. Many of them had computer experience in school and wanted to run educational programming and other learning software. Others just wanted to type their names. Seeing the older ones helping the younger ones (with patience) brought tears to my eyes. I will be sending them some new titles soon.

Then I moved to my second project - A Life Skills Library (Actually its called the 'Sunset Rotary' Life Skills Library and Resource Center). It's a center for 16 - 25 year olds to learn about many of the skills necessary for their own personal advancement. Subjects such as Child Development, Health and Safety, Maturation, etc. are in this center int the form of books, computer programs and DVD's. For this project we even remodeled a building!

I got home just before Thanksgiving after another 20 hours in Atlanta due to weather problems.

Thanks for reading this update: Stay in touch. Dorothy

September 1st 2006 Update

Well here it is almost September, 2006 and I am getting ready to return to God's Golden Acre. I plan to spend another 6 weeks there in October/November, 2006 helping to add more library resources including computers at the Khayelihle site. I'm also hoping to add the Sunset Rotary Resource Library containing life skills materials for clients of the Gcinosapho Outreach Project.

The picture to the left shows Heather Reynolds (left), the founder of GGA and her husband, Patrick (center) on their recent visit to B/N. They are visiting with Dorothy (me), Ruth and Jim who were among the guests who greeted them during their visit.

It has been a busy spring and summer for me. During this time I have spoken before 24 groups with three more to go in September. Each time the message changes as I remember different stories and different children. Just recently I spent an entire evening talking about HIV/AIDS and its affect on GGA and the surrounding area. The audience was a group of Bible School parents and the topic was at their request. They had interesting questions and insights. For another group I prepared a reading list of South Africa books and had a display at which the members could look. I just finished reading myself, one of Dalene Matthee's older books, "The Mulberry Forest". It's a book I checked out of the Khayelihle library before I left, and must return in October. It's a great book centering on immigration and the harshness of the land. South Africa's past constantly reminds me of the history of America.

In four short weeks I'll me on my way again. That time will go quickly. I have a pile of clothes and a pile of books and a pile of papers and documents. Whatever it is, I know I'll be missing something. I'm continue to be so grateful to the groups and individuals who are financially supporting this mission. While I am gone I hope to add notes to this site via my cell phone and a blue tooth. Wish me luck! I would love to hear from you, too. Fondly, Dorothy

April 2006 Update

So much has been happening since I returned home that an update is needed for this blog. I have been very busy speaking to (so far) over 15 groups about the great needs of the children in South Africa and our work at God's Golden Acre. Womens Groups, Church Groups, Clubs, etc. have ALL been very interested and supportive. In this picture I am holding a copy of the book about the founder of God's Golden Acre, Heather Reynolds. This is a Heather's biography. It is "The inspirational story of one woman's fight for some of the world's most vulnerable AIDS orphans".

It so happens that Heather and her husband, Patrick, visited here in Bloomington/Normal this month and many people purchased her book after hearing her very moving story. This book is a marvelous read... about this couple who have devoted their life to the service of those in desperate need. I have copies of this book for sale. The price is $13 which goes directly to the benefit of GGA. If you would like a copy just let me know.

Also, if you know of a group who would benefit from hearing my story about GGA in South Africa just let me know. I have a computer slide show that helps me tell of my experiences there last year but I also do presentations with large mounted pictures and stories of the children.

As to the future, I am thinking strongly of returning to GGA probably later this year. The Library that we were able to establish last year is going strong now but I have some ideas for even further improvement. As I mentioned before, GGA has an outreach program whereby needed food is delivered in the countryside on a regular basis. I'm thinking how great it would be if a "mobile bookmobile library" could be formed to accompany the food deliveries. So as the children gather to receive their desparately needed food supplies we could also offer them a chance to see a book, read a book, borrow a book... sounds like such a small thing but from their perspective I have seen tears in the eyes of youngsters there who have never before had the opportunity to have their very own book. Wouldn't it be great to bring such wonders to them.

Guess I'll stop for now but do let me hear from you if I can share these experiences in any way. Thanks... Dorothy