Adding Another C for Curry to the 5 Cees.

The annual Supporters' Dinner at the Christ Church Christian Care Centre in Berea is always one of the highlights of the year, and this year it was better than ever, with a sumptuous lamb curry the star of the show.
     It is a humbling experience to see how much is done at the centre in terms of building human spirit with so few physical resources. As Pastor Mike Sunker pointed out, it costs the centre an average of R3 000 per child per month to keep up the good work. For 49 children (soon to grow to 52 with the addition of twins plus one more) it's easy to work out what the running costs are every year. Its not quite so easy to provide it, though.

New Dawn Foundation Officer Paul Kasango, back, with Christ Church Christian Care Centre (5Cees) founder and director, the Reverend Mike Sunker, centre, flanked by Grade Nine pupil Napo Mofobatha, left, and Grade Ten pupil Kwanele Nyembe, wearing school uniforms donated by our club, at the annual supporters' dinner.

     The centre places a great emphasis on academics, not an easy task given that the children, many from dysfunctional and broken families, attend so many different schools in the area.
     It was a privilege to meet some of the volunteers who help with the Saturday morning classes that have recently been introduced. This is made up of four classes of 40 minutes each and includes lessons in art, history, geography, language skills, maths, etc.
     Somebody must be doing something right because, as Pastor Mike pointed out, the center had a 100% pass rate last year. The first matriculant to get university entrance, is presently studying engineering in Mpumalanga.

Tony Kabuye, of the Rotaract Club of Seerta, in Mokono, Uganda, a guest of Paul Kasango, deep in conversation with 5Cees volunteer Nicky Rehbock (whose dad is a past president of the Benoni Rotary Club). Nicky helps teach the pre-schoolers.  

Some of the young girls, led by Kwanele Nyembe, perform for supporters.

5Cees youngsters clap and sing to show their gratitude at the dinner

Lindokuhle and two of his classmates treat guests
 to a gumboot dance.

The young charges have set their sights on becoming doctors, firemen,
 policemen, soldiers and business men when they grow up, with one even
 eyeing the office of the president, they announcedat the annual supporters'
 dinner on Monday night.

 
      Pastor Mike emphasized that it is not easy keeping the centre going and thanked their supporters for all the help given. To supplement funds he's off overseas for two months again this year to elicit donations, something he does regularly.
     He pointed out that the interior of the old hotel building on Louis Botha Ave, which houses the centre, had been renovated and freshly painted during the past year.
     The next big task is the exterior of the rambling old building, he said. This would take an estimated 25 x 20 liter drums of paint and they were hoping work could start soon.
     Any other immediate wishes? Easter eggs! Pastor Mike said without hesitation.
     Any ideas as to how the club can help?

Pastor Mike cozies up to Paul Kasango and the other Mike for help with the mammoth task of painting the exterior of the 5 Cees building ... and for providing Easter eggs for the kids!

     On a final note: Carol Stier has quickly become one of our most active members. She has already taken over the website, the Facebook page, Twitter and WhatsApp, so kudos to Sam and Linda for nabbing her for New Dawn during one of their fundraising efforts outside the Spar in Parkview last year.

     Sam was presented with a special pin from Rotary International for this, which was handed over at last week's meeting by President Jankees Sligcher.

President Jankees handed over a special Rotary International pin to Sam Donet for introducing Carol Stier to the club.

 A Thought for the Week: In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm and three or more is a congress. - John Adams (1735 – 1826)