Finding Our Inner Strength-Together

Apartheid ended in 1995 which means that many of the children who were born just before that time are now turning 18. Many programs have been created for the young children in this community but the young adults have for the most part been neglected which has resulted in many 18+ young men in particular losing hope for the future. Throughout their life they have been subject to extreme racism, chronic poverty and taught by society that no matter what they do in life, no matter how hard they work they will still fail. This negative life experience has resulted in many of these young adults falling victim to dropping out of school, abusing drugs, disconnecting from the community and sadly even crime.

The elders of this community have requested that this negative trend end today and I am very pleased to announce that we are now in the position to grant this community what they have long asked for, a special soccer team devoted to these neglected young men.

Soccer is much more than "just a sport", it is an opportunity to escape the harsh realities of life in Thembalethu, it is a chance to laugh, and have fun in a team environment, something these boys rarely get to do.

Becoming a member of this team has special privileges as well as expectations. Members of the team will also be required to return to school to finish their education. On a weekly basis the members of this team will also engage in community volunteerism and take on such activities as helping the youngest children with their reading, working in the gardens belonging the elders to ensure that they have adequate food, as well as one on one mentor-ship with well respected adults in the community.

The long term effects of this special team will make an incredible impact on these boys and the community. By learning to love and respect themselves and by helping the other community members these boys will become positive and respected members of this strong community.

Fund Raising is currently taking place, if you would like to contribute to this leadership opportunity please click the Donate button below. Your gift, big or small will make positive and lasting change in this community.

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Catherine Robar
Founding Director
The Themba Development Project
http://www.thembaproject.org/

Donate today, it all adds up to ending chronic poverty! http://www.paypal.com/

One person, One community CAN change the world, we have already begun!

Wow, now that's what I'm talking about!

It's always fun to plan an event, this one though was a big one! Drum, Dance, Celebrate! was more than just an event to raise money for a struggling community; It was an evening to celebrate Nova Scotian culture, including the huge talent we have in this city in terms of musical and artistic talent. It was also an opportunity to show off the incredible talent coming from the African-Nova Scotian community. It was a night to remember for sure as we grooved with soulful Joyce Saunders, jumped and danced with Sudanese-Nova Scotian band, Kojo. Mas Cencerro and the dancers from Jabulani wow'd everyone with their incredible moves and hip shaking rhythms. Afro-Musica, well what can you say, they had us up and dancing with their first beat!

Something happened that night that I was not expecting. As some of you know 2009 has been personally a very difficult year for me and one that forced me to use every last bit of strength I had just to survive. Drum, Dance, Celebrate! was an event to celebrate Thembalethu and all of the people who had helped me to help them. For me though the night took a very different turn and I found myself surrounded by hundreds of incredible people who came out to support me as well. A year ago I lost everything, but as I walked around that night and talked to almost everyone there I realized, I have gained a huge community, a new life and the happiness that my heart knew was just around the corner.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support me and the community of Thembalethu. In total we raised just over $4000 CAD which works out to more than 27,000 South African Rand, 8 years salary for the people who are lucky enough to find work.

May you all be blessed.

Catherine