Laura Garner
Having wanted to do charity work overseas for many years, and over a year planning, I cannot believe it is finally here!
The charity I will be working with over the next few months is 'TOP Banana'. TOP stands for 'Tshesebe Outreach Project' and Banana is the Setswana word for 'Youth'. The charity is based in Botswana, where HIV / AIDS is literally killing an entire generation (aged 18 – 40) that has left behind thousands of children.
In the absence of parents, orphaned children are increasingly being cared for by close relatives. Many households are overcrowded and are struggling to feed this growing number of children. For some children, the only alternative is a life of crime or prostitution in their struggle for survival.
TOP Bananas main focus is to provide an opportunity for orphans & vulnerable children to develop in a drug free, crime free environment that offers shelter, education, skills, positive attitudes and personal qualities through the culture of learning and work. The charities aim is for them to gain skills to become integral members of society.They offer a safe place for children to play, read, do their homework, eat, have a shower and, most importantly, have a childhood.
personal err ok seems cool exept 4 the dam part!!
re: photo from 30 November 2010Dave I recognise that lady
re: photo from 05 February 2011Dave Munn Wicked! Go the bat in the living room! It probably wasn't the same one we found when I lived there though...but you never know. Was the frog still living in the door?
re: Tshesebe, BotswanaBakkie Sheri! pretty- did not know she did a contest!
re: photo from 30 January 2011bakkie Cute ! number seven from left is my sisters little gal!
re: photo from 30 January 2011Philip Garner Hi Laura How are the flying things these days? Hope you're fending them off. It seems a far cry from home - we are due 10-12 cms of snow on Saturday, so we can expect madness on the roads. Charlie has just gone off to Switzerland, skiing with a friend - lucky beggar (quite by chance, somebody dropped out leaving free accommodation and ski kit. Just an Easy-jet fare to pay). Evie is having her birthday disco for all her friends tomorrow night - I'm on the door as a bouncer...smoke machine in place, but looks like there'll be no need for a snow-maker...). Anyway, hope you are finding time to do some chilling in that wonderful African heat. Lots of love Dad xxx
re: Tshesebe, Botswanakatrina smith Hi Laura Hope you are ok?, been reading up on your blogg and looking at photos very interesting!!! its Friday thanks God!!! just whining down at 1.38pm. I am really tired at the moment think its the end of the year and just need a break. Hope you are getting a bit more sleep!!!. I brought a kitten 5 months ago and its like having a baby. It was waking me up through the night but now its only wakes me up at 5am. Its all white and sooo cute I love it. I have become quite a cat lover I really miss him when im at work, he is called charlie. Going to see a dance show at the weekend Cinderella really looking forward to it Better get back to work. when you coming home? Take Care Kat
re: Tshesebe, Botswanakatrina smith hi dude hope you had a good birthday!! and hope you are ok and enjoying your time. Loving your art work and photos the kids look adorable!! take care and look forward to more paintings!!!xxxxx
re: Tshesebe, Botswanakatrina smith thats lovely!!!!
re: My artwork attempts!