Through five months filled with frustration and success, tragedy and joy, Dollars for Change has returned to the States with a greater knowledge and understanding to move forward with its mission of bringing positive change to communities in need. Collaborating with South African NGO’s and investing in common goals has become the backbone to progress in Kurland. Though there is no quick fix, determination remains as the driving force in this uphill battle.
As challenges continue, here are some updates on what has been done and what lies ahead.
Classroom – Crags Primary
Dollars for Change linked up with Born in Africa, a Belgian non-profit organization to build an additional classroom at the primary school in Kurland. The purpose of the classroom is to accommodate grade R (kindergarten) which the primary school currently lacks. We are also planning to use the classroom for extracurricular activities organized by local NPO’s for the pupils as well as the community. These include sewing classes, art classes, parent working workshops, holiday programs, fire fighting courses and many more that are on the drawing board.
With money from DFC and Born in Africa, funding is about half-way. Building approval has been granted by the municipality as well as the Department of Education, and architect plans and budgets have been completed.
As challenges continue, here are some updates on what has been done and what lies ahead.
Classroom – Crags Primary
Dollars for Change linked up with Born in Africa, a Belgian non-profit organization to build an additional classroom at the primary school in Kurland. The purpose of the classroom is to accommodate grade R (kindergarten) which the primary school currently lacks. We are also planning to use the classroom for extracurricular activities organized by local NPO’s for the pupils as well as the community. These include sewing classes, art classes, parent working workshops, holiday programs, fire fighting courses and many more that are on the drawing board.
With money from DFC and Born in Africa, funding is about half-way. Building approval has been granted by the municipality as well as the Department of Education, and architect plans and budgets have been completed.
Career Fair 
Dollars for Change also collaborated with Masizakhe, another small non-profit that works with Kurland, to host a career fair. University representatives from all over South Africa were invited to the village to help teach the children of Kurland and surrounding communities about education and career opportunities that may be available to them. Guest speakers from various career paths were also invited to present to the children and over 800 students were transported to the career fair over a three-day period.
Dollars for Change also collaborated with Masizakhe, another small non-profit that works with Kurland, to host a career fair. University representatives from all over South Africa were invited to the village to help teach the children of Kurland and surrounding communities about education and career opportunities that may be available to them. Guest speakers from various career paths were also invited to present to the children and over 800 students were transported to the career fair over a three-day period.
School Holiday ProgramDollars for Change purchased a high-resolution projector that is being used to show educational videos to adults and children of all ages. Kids’ movies were shown during the school holiday program as part of a schedule put together by all the local NPO’s working with Kurland.
DFC also funded a community mural project. Local children were asked to paint pictures that focused on education and their community. The mural was then given to the local preschool and hung on the outside wall to be visible to the entire community.
Solar Water Heater
Dollars for Change built and installed a solar water heater for Chrissy, a close friend and hard-working woman from Kurland. It was hooked up to a shower built under the banana tree next to her house and is providing for entire family, including children and grandchildren.
