The Corona Virus is bringing out the best in people around the world as we experience unprecedented acts of generosity and a demonstration of our shared humanity. Indeed, we at Londolozi are experiencing first-hand an outpouring of generosity and offers of support from many of our friends around the world. Whether it is to assist us in protecting the wildlife in the reserve until global travel and tourism recovers, or ensuring that Londolozi continues supporting its various outreach edu programs – the goodwill from the friends of Londolozi has been heartwarming. We can’t quite believe just how many of you have been in contact to help; each of you I am sure are facing your own tests and trials and so we are deeply thankful for your concern.
Here is a powerful idea of where you could help…One of our major integrated social investments which Londolozi regularly support is the Good Work Foundation. It’s in their DNA to be agile and to reimagine, particularly during this difficult time.
Currently over 9000 young learners are meant to be attending weekly digital literacy classes, either at the Good Work Foundation Hazyview Digital Learning Campus or at one of the four satellite learning centres located in the villages adjacent the reserve. The loss of income from tourism due to the Corona Virus has placed many families in our area in financial difficulty and therefore it occurred to us that we could use the existing GWF management infrastructure and logistical capabilities to ensure continuous learning for students whilst also distributing nutritious food parcels to the attending students and their wider families during this difficult time (students are returning to school in June).
Good Work Foundation’s CEO Kate Groch
In response to this, the GWF Open Learning Academy facilitators are reimagining how they can support schools once they reopen. Reimagining how we can support teachers and principals.
“As many of you know, all we need is a tree, a tablet and a gang of children. The learning is sure to be wonder-filled,” says GWF CEO Kate Groch. For so many of their adult students after the March 26 South African lockdown, learning never stopped. GWF are there: on Whatsapp, Zoom, and Google Classrooms, innovating and learning. Reimagining. Young people are out there in the most remote of homes learning. They immediately collaborated with partners to create a low-res shareable Covid-19 education video in seven South African languages. It has been used on multiple civil society and government online resource platforms and shared with thousands of South Africans of all backgrounds. And now, together with incredible non-profit partners around the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, they are part of a team bringing food supplies to the most vulnerable people in the communities where we work.
Preparing for the future
Help us continue the relief work that we are doing now.
Help us unleash the important work that has been many years in the making.
Help us continue to take a stand for access to wonder-filled learning.
Click here to add your support and make a donation.
Lastly please when possible come and visit us in Africa!!! We really don’t mind where you choose as long as it’s Africa (okay and mostly Londolozi).
With gratitude always
Bronwyn
Thank you for directing us on how we can help – we are certainly thinking of Londolozi at this time and worrying about how you are doing (and you meaning the Londolozi Family of staff, the reserve itself, the animals and all).
Thank you for this important reminder that the pandemic has far reaching consequences due to the loss of tourism. We all are dealing with loss of jobs and income in addition to the stress of venturing out to grocery stores, etc. not knowing if you may encounter someone carrying the virus. This being said, we also have to think of those that have fewer options to get by by obtaining the necessities for providing their families with healthy meals and to continue their education. My donation has already been sent… I wish I could do more.
Thank you so much for your very kind donation Denise – we so appreciate it and wish you health and happiness.
Bronwyn, Thank you for the reminder of how far reaching this challenge is. We enjoyed the wonderful image of your family too! Hope that Boyd is getting excited about finishing his 40 days – or maybe not! 😉 We did make a donation to send some love your way!
Thank you so much for the very kind donation Michael and Terri – as always so incredibly generous to our Londolozi and GWF families.