"Let's build a Jungle Gym": About our project

We have been teaching English in Korea for the last two years (2008-2010). While here, we decided to start a small fund-raising project. The aim of our project is to collect enough money to build a jungle gym at a disadvantaged kindergarten in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

This will be part of the work done by "Kindi Projects" the community outreach and development programme of the Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg, lead by Stella Cockburn (Jessica's Mom).

The images below give some details on the general work done by "Kindi Projects".

We hope to raise at least R4000 which will cover the building costs. We would like to build the jungle gym ourselves, but will need to raise a bit of extra money (another R2000) to cover transport costs and to employ someone to help us with the heavy labour.

The 2nd Braai: June 26th 2010

We held our second "braai for a good cause" on June 26th 2010, in Sangju. It was quite a bit easier to organise since we'd done it all once before. We decided to laugh off the lamb chops for this one and just have boerewors rolls and chicken. Of course with the usual 'acoutrements': salad, garlic bread, marhsmallows.

At this braai we also had a raffle to supplement our fundraising efforts: Julian's parents kindly donated some delicious South African treats (chocolates, rusks, etc.) Funny thing happened though: Julian won 2nd prize :) And a BIG thanks to Mark for generously buying sooo many tickets!

The weather was ...again...pretty lousy but this time at least we were under a friendlier kind of shelter than the bridge :) This was also a bit of a combo party as the 2010 FIFA World cup was in full swing and Korea played Argentina later that night.

Money raised: Won 253 820

Who was involved: Sangjuites and other friends from Korea. Thanks!

Special thanks to: Whee (the master braaier, of course!), Giovanni, Scott, Sarah, Melissa. Minho & friends, Mark and everyone else who helped.Thanks to Julian's parents, Kay and Gordon Barker, for donating the sweets and treats for the raffle. And thanks to Margaret for her kind donation!

Pancakes! June 5th 2010

On June 5th, 2010 we sold pancakes at my high school's festival. Mr. Kang, my co-teacher at Wooseok Girls' High School and some of the students from his homeroom class to help us make and sell the pancakes.

The students had never had 'South African Style' pancakes - served with cinnamon-sugar and lemon, with an option of strawberry jam - , so there was much excitement and enthusiasm about the pancakes. The lure of 'helping poor children in Africa' also helped of course, as we sold the pancakes at a pretty high price compared to the usual 'street snacks the students buy.

Money raised: Won 51 900

Who was involved: Mr Kang and his homeroom students (Class 1-6).

Special thanks to: Mr. Kang and his students and all who bought our pancakes.

The 1st Braai: March 20th 2010

We had our first fundraiser-braai for our Jungle Gym Project on March the 20th in Sangju. It was held on the same day as the farewell party for friends of ours leaving Sangju, Kelsey and Marg.

We had a great turnout (around 35 people), but the weather was pretty awful and we had to hold our braai under a bridge - homeless people style!

But the braai was a pretty cool party-starter, and the next part of the party at"Club Shampoo" was memorable to say the least.

Money Raised: Won 158 340

Who was involved: Sangjuites and other friends from Korea. Thanks!

Special Thanks: Whee, Sanggap, Scott and Sarah, Marize, Njabulo for all their help.

Some pics of the event:

This means 'no cooking'...um, we didn't know.

Some Sangju faces!

Group pic of all who attended the braai

Whee the master braaier!

(pic from a previous braai)