Siyawela Christmas Party Report – December 2007
Compiled and submitted by: Joslyn Walker
Stakeholder Liaison
Noah, KZN

1. The Party

First off I would like to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU to the Josh Groban Foundation for making a Christmas Party possible for the children of Siyawela.

The party was held at the Siyawela hall on 7 December 2007. All children and staff and volunteers were invited as well as community leaders who have made an impact on the operation of the Ark this year. The hall was decorated with a Christmas tree and hanging decorations, the walls were draped in fabric and the place was alive with colour and activity.
The day was a fantastic treat to the 750 children that attended as well as the countless care givers, extended family and community members that came. The staff and volunteers had their hands full keeping order but with the help of a very energetic DJ and super loud sound system somehow we managed to speak over the noise of children having fun!
2. The Presents
In the weeks leading up to the party I had had the pleasure of shopping! We found all sorts of wonderful gifts that will remain at the Ark and be used by the children to improve their sporting ability, had-eye coordination but above all to just have fun!
The toys included a table soccer set, a table tennis set, swing ball, soccer sets, basket ball, netball, volleyball and badminton equipment. We then went wild with puzzles and board games such as twister, monopoly and jenga! I just know the kids will have fund playing with these. For the smaller kids we bought dump trucks, blocks, flash cards, memory games, balls and racket sets and all manner of fun and games. Many of the toys were educational or had a sporting lean as we want the children to develop healthy bodies and minds. But most importantly is the idea that the children will have fun with them
3. The Food
Wow what a treat! KFC was ordered for all those attending and each person got a streetwise meal – something that is considered a real treat for these children whose home budgets rarely extend to fast food! In addition there were apples and cupcakes for everyone, fruit juice, sweets and biscuits and chocolates. The volunteers received a special thank of a box of chocolates and some groceries as without them the Ark would never be able to function as successfully as it does!
4. The Joy
Pictures speak louder than words here!
Children waiting, singing and dancing and generally mugging for the camera!
5. Conclusion
A very big thank you is all I can say. It is the most heart warming thing to see a child given joy and this is what you have made possible. The smiles, the laughter and the chatter are all part of what a child should feel every day. Unfortunately that is not often the case for children in Kwa Mashu who have lost their parents. But you have provided a day out of time for them. And a truly wonderful day it was! We thought of you often during the day and gave thanks for having such a special friend in the lives of the Noah children!
Waiting patiently for the party to start!
Volunteers Preparing for the BIG DAY!