Crowdfunding Campaign for Khiphinkunzi Primary School in South Africa
Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.
Ryunosuke Satoro
It takes ONE to change the world: one voice, one story, one vision. For the 657 children of Khiphinkunzi Primary School in Dukuduku Village, Mtubatuba that powerful voice is Nontuthuko Mgabhi.
Earlier this year, Nontu made history by being the first African female to run 7 Marathons on 7 Continents in 7 Days. You probably remember her inspiring story, as she was my special guest in TEYXO Lifestyle.
Brave, determined, and committed to her goals, Nontu brightens up the world with her joyful spirit and vibrant character. She has a heart of gold and empowers everyone to rise beyond any limits they can imagine. Her project Go Beyond For A Child started from the wish to teach children that they can dream big and that the sky is the limit!
Whilst learning from diversity enhances us, learning from someone who is overcoming or has overcome the odds that you are trying to overcome is truly transforming. It gives you the Courage and wings to fly.
Nontu Mgabhi
However, achieving greatness is harder when the basic needs are not fulfilled. Nontu ran the marathons to raise funds for the 657 children of Khiphinkunzi Primary School to improve the school structure and build new classrooms. But now, the children from Dukuduku Village are facing a greater threat.
COVID-19 has deeply impacted everyone all over the world. While some were more fortunate to spend time at home, educate themselves online, and enjoying a full refrigerator, many communities from remote areas didn’t have this opportunity. Without proper internet access and with little food to rely on, the children of Khiphinkunzi Primary School need our help.
Most children have absent fathers and mothers, no one at home has a formal income, some families are child-headed.
Nontu Mgabhi
Inspire Hope in 657 Children
657 beautiful and talented young people with big dreams and hopes have to put their aspirations on hold so that they survive this pandemic. Most of them relied on the food that was given at school, so now their families have to struggle with less. Local markets have narrowed their offer and face masks are nowhere to be found. While our brand, TEYXO, has donated part of the masks, still 3,200 face masks are needed for their families and community.
Along with these, 657 food parcels are to be procured. Nontu has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for these needs. You can help too! Donate below to inspire hope in the children of Khiphinkunzi Primary School:
Donate For ‘Go Beyond For A Child’
To get to know better these amazing children full of life and joy, I got to talk with Nontu about how she met them, so she shared a glimpse of their world. It is a true honor to have Nontu as a special guest for the second time and present to you a cause that can change lives.
I was asked to take a video while I run so that young children from these rural villages can see someone like them (a Girl who is Black) doing amazing things – and perhaps they will be inspired and motivated.
Nontu Mgabhi
Dear Nontu, it is great to have you back! I admire so much the work that you are doing! How did you meet with the 657 children from Khiphinkunzi Primary School in the village of Dukuduku in Mtubatuba, South Africa?
Nontu: Thank you so much, dear Lara! Great to be here! In 2018 I was inspired to celebrate my 32nd birthday by running far and almost beyond my – then thought and set – limits. I signed up to run 100 Miler in Karkloof.
The Karkloof 100 Miler trail run race was also done to support needy children in deep rural villages and schools by providing them breakfast at school. Each runners’ race entry fee contributed to feeding children. I was asked to take a video while I run so that young children from these rural villages can see someone like them (a Girl who is Black) doing amazing things – and perhaps they will be inspired and motivated.
I loved this idea – we learn better when we see ourselves reflected in the people we are learning from. Whilst learning from diversity enhances us, learning from someone who is overcoming or has overcome the odds that you are trying to overcome is truly transforming. It gives you the Courage and wings to fly.
After the race, I was asked to visit this school – Khiphinkunzi Primary School – to meet the children and inspire them through sport. On my arrival at this village and school, I was struck by the hardship and struggles of this community.
Young children at the school (age 5 -15) are subjected to extreme poverty. Most children have absent fathers and mothers, no one at home has a formal income, some families are child-headed. Some homes have 21 family members living in a 2 room shack. Children go to bed without any food. Their main source of food is the free food served at the school.
In some classrooms – there are over 100 children in one classroom.
I believe in empowering girls and educating boys to address gender-based issues.
Nontu Mgabhi
Did this determine you to run the marathons?
Nontu: Yes, this is how I decided to run 7 Marathons on 7 Continents in 7 consecutive Days to raise funds to build 5 classrooms and administration offices and renovate the school.
I also decided to start a Mentorship Program for girls at the school. I know this program will contribute to reduced teenage pregnancy and will enhance the self-esteem and confidence of girls. I believe in empowering girls and educating boys to address gender-based issues.
The building project was set to commence the end of April, unfortunately, the plans have been delayed by the current pandemic as we are on a lockdown in South Africa.
Is there any particular child that caught your attention?
Nontu: While I don’t have any personal pre-existing relationship with the school, I have however informally adopted a beautiful young girl by the name of Selu.
Selu embodies so much Courage and Zeal regardless of the challenges she faces. She inspires me.
I have therefore started a Go Beyond for a Girl Child Program where the sole purpose is to empower girls to connect with their truest self and to own their story. When you own your story, no one can use it against you – No One!
When you know; “I Am Enough”, you will be grounded and solid, you won’t be shaken by who is around you and or what is happening around you.
I do this with the girls through both formal and informal education. I take them into the world and let them explore the wonders of the world and enable them to Dream without Fear. We have done boat cruises, Nature Reserve Visits, and visiting some interesting cultural centers and the zoo. I also focus them on reading books and on storytelling.
To empower girls to connect with their truest self and to own their story. When you own your story, no one can use it against you – No One!
Nontu Mgabhi
Nontu, this is so beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing! You are such an inspiration and everything that you are doing for the children will go a long way! I am happy to be part of this!
Nontu: Thank you so much for being a Big Part of this. Thank you, my dear!
