Ingubo Opening
The official opening of the Ingubo Project took place on the 4 November in the Nemato Township of Port Alfred. This project saw the community development student‟s work closely with Rotary. Colin McLachlan, who has been the Project Manager for the past six months and a Rotarian himself, officially handed the project over to Stenden and the community. The mission of the Ingubo Project is to establish a safe and encouraging environment for the children, serving as a basis for the development of hope and confidence regarding a better future, whilst providing the children with opportunities to reintegrate into society. Ingubo, meaning “blanket,” implies warmth, comfort and security and this is precisely what this project provides for the children of domestic violence and drug abuse.
Gunther Johannsen, Rotary President, mentioned in his speech at the official opening that this is for the children of the dump who have lost hope. He asked the young ones to understand and see what they have at the Ingubo Project and to build themselves and their environment. Sometimes all it takes is for someone to have faith in us for us to spread our wings and soar and this is what Ingubo provides for the lost and desperate children of our community.
There are many unsung heroes behind this project; such as the Nemato Foundation, past Stenden student, Karrianne Boers, Beyond Adventure, Joy Altson of the Benevolent Society, Marge Wilson, Sandy McLachlan, Port Alfred Soup Kitchen and Loek Veldman. Also, a huge thank you to the Stenden students, for their continuous hard work and for making this project the success that it is.
Unfortunately this is a harsh reality for many children living in the local township but the community can make a difference. Ingubo provides a safe and nurturing environment where they can get help with their homework, a home cooked meal and educational activities to keep them busy and off the streets. As Kahlil Gibran says, “It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
