Greetings RISE Supporter, 

We want to give you a brief update on how we are doing in our continued support for the children of Agape.

Most urgently, you should know that RISE has been nominated for the Orange RockCorps You Decide competition, which recognizing effective charities around the world. We are in second place right now and a win would be a tremendous boost in our support for the children of Agape. Vote for RISE on Facebook or on the Orange RockCorps website here. You can vote as many times as you like. 

Please vote today and as much as possible before voting ends on Thursday, 24 November, 2011. Help us increase our support for the children of Agape by taking us into the winner’s circle in the Orange RockCorps You Decide competition.

Here is an update on how some of our learners are doing as they close out their 2011 academic year.

Zakhele is receiving all A's and B's and progressing well at Hillcrest. His teacher wrote on his report card that he has "worked steadily this term." 

Zodwa "works sincerely and is keen to learn." She is also getting A's and B's, also at Hillcrest High School.

Lungelo, despite needing help in Maths, is coming along well in Language, Literacy & Communications as well as Economics & Management Studies and Arts & Culture. Lungelo is at Hillcrest with Zodwa and Zakhele.

Lungile, at Forest View, is doing well in Afrikaans, Zulu, Maths, Computers and Music. Her report card says that she has wonderful manners and self-confidence and her attitude towards her peers is good. 

Mbali, also at Forest View, is reportedly very tidy and polite in the classroom. She does good schoolwork and is a great listener. Her behavior in class and reading and Maths skills are improving steadily. 

We are excited to announce that Sinegugu is now living at Makaphuto Home and has been re-admitted to Forest View School, where she was attending last year. It has been a tremendously active year for the children of Agape and we are so excited that Makaphuto has welcomed Sinegugu AND that Forest View has been able to welcome her back. 

Zakhele, Olwethu and Aphiwe are presently living at Makaphuto Home. They all arrived in April and are doing well. Zakhele is at Hillcrest in the 8th grade. He just finished football season and is about to try cricket for the first time. Wish him luck!  Olwethu is attending Wilderness Training Programme and doing well in this smaller environment. There are only 9 students and it is situated in a beautiful garden not far from Makaphuto. We are currently looking for a sponsor for Olwethu. If you would like to help, please get in touch with our office andcheck out our sponsorship page here.

Nqobile and Sphiwe have been moved to Lake Haven Children's Home. The Foundation tried for many months to find a home for them at Makaphuto Home. However the Department of Welfare and Social Development has decreed that they are to live at Lake Haven. We are grateful Ocean View Home for helping us ensure that Nqobile and Sphiwe are safe and doing well.  We are pursuing opportunities for them around the Sea Cow area. If you would like to help, please contact us.

Slindile has given birth to a beautiful daughter, Minehle this past summer. She will return to Elangeni in 2012 to complete her course in Master Cookery. 

Mbali won all of her racing events at Athletics Day at Forest View this past term. 

Sphelele and Nompunelo are attending Celubuhle Primary. Their teachers say that Sphelele is doing very well in Zulu, Science and  Art & Culture.

Mthobisi and Thembalani are at Dirkies Uys. Mthobisi has improved in every subject, but needs a little help with maths. His teachers are keeping track of his progress. Thembalani improved in every subject accept life orientations.

Snethemba, a 9th grader at Interfellowship, is doing well and improving in every area accept maths, where there is room for improvement. 

Thobile is at Gillitts Primary and is really progressing, according to her teacher, Ms. Rugburchial. We are extremely proud of her. 

Andiswa (Gillitts Primary)  has been reported to be a slow learner, yet talkative and energetic in class. 

Sbonelo has completed his first aid course through Netcare and is poised to begin his paramedic training. 

As you may know, Agape was closed in January of this year and RISE is committed to continuing our support for the children of Agape. We pay educational institutions directly, so we were not effected by the closing of the orphanage. However, your continued support is needed now more than ever. You can easily become an education sponsor for just £5 per week by clicking here. Find out more information on our website and stay connected with us on Facebook. 

Don't forget to VOTE for RISE. Vote Early, Vote Often. And please spread throughout your communities. You can vote as often as you like before Thursday, 24 November, 2011. 

Thank you for your continued support for the children of Agape.

Best Regards,

Jason

Links:

• Orange RockCorps You Decide (VOTE FOR EDUCATION, RISE)
• RISE Foundation
• RISE on Facebook (We Are Together Education Programme)

As we approach the end of a school term in South Africa, our students are progressing nicely. We are also excited about a few students who are getting professional training in other schools, like Khumbalani who is attending Dee's Driving School and is almost completed his course. The We Are Together Education Programme supports the education and related fees of 50 students from the Agape Orphanage in Durban, South Africa. We are proud of all of the students in the Programme and wish them good luck for the remainder of the academic year. You can see pictures of Khumbalani and his progress, as well as other student updates, on our website at www.risefoundation.org.

Links:

• The Rise Foundation