Kgothatso is a happy child who is determined to live life to the fullest in spite of her disadvantaged background. She is a Grade 10 learner at Makgwahleng Secondary School near Tzaneen in Limpopo Province and has been chosen by the World Vision Kodumela Area Development Programme (ADP) to represent her community.

In this capacity, she is taking me and a colleague around her community to show us the extent of the work of the World Vision ADP.

There are hawkers just outside the school yard. “These mothers benefit from WV’s workshops – where they are taught how to run their small businesses,” she explains. This helps the learners as they no longer have to walk long distances to buy snacks.
Kgothatso’s life has been difficult. Her mother neglected her badly, even abandoning her, and she was brought up by her grandmother. Through World Vision’s intervention, Kgothatso found God and is a dedicated Christian, preaching hope to other children and even adults.

Mamokaile Primary school is our first stop. Through Kodumela ADP’s relationship with the Cholsey community in the UK, the Mamokaile school principal visited Britain to learn about the school models used there, as well as other aspects of education. She is now using this model at her school and as a result, the pass rate has increased from 28% to 58%. Mamokaile has also achieved awards for poultry farming and food gardening in the school, for the benefit of children.

The next stop is Metz Lower Primary School. “Water is a big problem in this area, but children at this school now enjoy clean water both for drinking and washing hands, thanks to Kodumela ADP for donating these water containers,” says Kgothatso, pointing them out. Also at the school is a bakery women’s group which cooks a range of meals throughout the day and enables 10 community members to put food on the table for their families.

Matshangwane Lower Primary is where Kgothatso’s little sister attends school and it’s also where she did her lower primary schooling. She shows us a three-classroom block that was built by World Vision. World Vision subsequently advocated for the building of other classrooms, and now Matshangwane is a big, fully-operational school.

The Moshate Drop-in Centre has also enjoyed World Vision intervention and it is where Kgothatso gets her lunch and assistance with homework. On our way back, we’re unable to cross the bridge because road maintenance trucks are blocking the road. “These government workers are re-building this bridge. World Vision wrote a letter to the Municipality office telling them it was dangerous for us to cross this river more especially when it rains,” explains Kgothatso.

We end our tour with a visit to Lafata Women’s Handwork Project where they make beadwork, clothing and shoes. “From the profit they make out of this handwork and selling chickens, our mothers here provide food for children who are disadvantaged like me,” she concluded.

It was encouraging to see part of the extent of the work done by Kodumela ADP – and the enthusiasm of the community in embracing the opportunities they are being given to improve their lives and the lives of their children.