Limpopo: Limpopo region raise their hands for children

By Marianthie van der Walt (regional organiser for Limpopo)

People raise their hands for something when they believe in it, like it and want to be part of it.

Solidarity Helping Hand’s vision is ‘uplifting through training’ and in 2012, we want to show communities in Limpopo once more how this approach creates hope for our future.

The inspiring talk of Lindie Strydom, project coordinator of Helping Hand, about the way in which we can raise our hands and become involved, motivated our region to inspire people in their own communities to take hands even more and to stand together for a cause which can present solutions in the struggle to break the cycle of poverty.

This year, the Limpopo/North-West region, in cooperation with the artists the Juba Broers, presents the Steek Jou Hand Op Roadshow. We want to visit as many towns as possible with this roadshow and present a real, authentic Boere dance in support of needy children.

To miss out on sport tours and cultural activities time after time, causes a disadvantage. To walk daily with the shame and pain of school funds that are in arrears, causes a disadvantage. To have to brave difficult circumstances without a strong support network or counselling, causes a disadvantage. This disadvantage is, in turn, the cause for potential that is not being developed and our children become helpless and discouraged.

We strive to establish a support fund for children in as many towns as possible. This fund can present opportunities to needy learners and can play a crucial role in their development and emotional well-being.

On the other side, we want to raise funds without expecting charity. We want to present our donors with an entertaining event that gives them value for their money and makes them happy to donate. Of course we can enjoy something and mean something for someone else at the same time!

The Steek Jou Hand Op Roadshow starts in February and lasts till June in our region. We are very excited to work together with outstanding artists like the Juba Broers to make a valuable investment in the future of our children! The Juba Broers even wrote a special ‘Steek Jou Hand Op’ song for us, which will also be introduced during the roadshow.

If you want to raise your hand with us and are interested in attending one of our functions, or want to organise a similar function yourself, contact Marianthie van der Walt at 082 741 7858.

Please visit our website at www.helpendehand.co.za if you want to become involved in the organisation, or SMS the word ‘hand’ to 34388 and an agent will contact you to determine the way in which you want to become involved.