Often organisations like the Balule Outreach Trust move and work under the radar and do not get the publicity that they deserve. This organisation does some unbelievable work within the community at large. This briefly outlines five of the supporting programs that it is involved in on a day-to-day basis.

S.A.M.E. (South African Medical Expeditions) after school childcare centre in SIgagule

Currently the Trust funds the purchase of basic nutritious food for carefully selected destitute families, with food parcels distributed on a weekly basis. They are also involved in ensuring access to educational books for supplementary daily afternoon, after school, lessons in English, mathematics, and environmental studies.

  Added to this, and courtesy of some amazing donations that have been received, the trust is able to dispense of clothing, blankets, and toys – all donated by members and friends of the Olifants reserves.

  The Trust has also funded the construction of three classrooms, the clinic, and an eco-friendly ablution block at the centre.

  Maseke Drop-in Centre

  The Trust finances the purchase of a daily meals for the orphaned and disadvantaged children who attend the centre, for five days a week after school.

  The borehole pumping system at the centre broke down and for over a year there was no water, and they could only afford to purchase the absolute minimum of water which was carefully given to each child daily. The Trust, through Robyn Reid of ONGR, organised the funding and installation of a new pumping system, and thanks to that, water now flows again to the kitchen, the showers, latrines, and the vegetable garden.

  Lizvic Cleaning Services

  Last year the plight of Lizzie Mohlala, who had suffered vicious physical abuse, was brought to the Trust’s attention by Ian Nowak, Warden of Grietjie and Chief Warden of Balule.

  Lizzie has an extremely good reputation amongst landowners in Grietjie for the excellent cleaning and gardening services she offers. However, she had purchased an unreliable vehicle from an unscrupulous individual and through her recovery time and the repair downtime on her vehicle, her business suffered. The Trust financed the vehicle for use by Lizzie to transport her staff, and her business is now thriving. She is also getting sound financial planning advice from Trustee, Al Pearce.

  This is a one wonderful example of the Trust empowering our local communities.

  Enviro Training Africa

  Having funded the construction of the lecture room for Enviro Training Africa, the Trust provides bursaries for young men and women who wish to pursue a career in field guiding.

  The Trust funded three bursary students last year for the site guiding course, which qualifies them to become site guides in all national parks. Subsequently, one of the students was accepted for further studies at the More Community Foundation in the Sabi Sands.

  The Trust will again be sponsoring a further three bursary students this year. They are all from the Acornhoek area and will all be selected on merit.

  Bursary students at Southern Cross School

  For some years now the Trust, in partnership with Klaserie Eco Schools, has been sponsoring deserving young students at Southern Cross School in Hoedspruit.

  Presently they have five bursary students who are all progressing well, two of whom – Appreciate Mugabe and Vusi Chiloane – were awarded scholarships last year, effective until they matriculate.

  Southern Cross School writes the IEB matric, and bursary students have the rare privilege of receiving an outstanding education which prepares them well to be future leaders in whatever field they choose after leaving school.

  The Trust is in touch with several of their past bursary students. Last month Trustee John Anderson received a letter from past bursary student, Leonie Wiltshire, in which she advised that, “I am currently still studying BEng Civil Engineering at the University of Pretoria and I am going into my 4th year this year – only one more left after this one. The degree is quite challenging, but I knew this when I began, and I am enjoying the challenge”.

  When it comes to education, the Trust supports the late Nelson Mandela’s belief that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.

If you would like to know more about the Balule Outreach Trust, or if you wish to donate please contact John Anderson on the email address: john@afgen.co.za