I'm so very proud to introduce the Santa Shoebox Project to those of you who generously and with open hearts support our beloved Kidz2Kidz initiatives - K2K and SSB are sister projects, both operating under the auspices of the Joy of Giving Trust. I'm certain that, in many cases, the intro is unnecessary, but there is exciting news which I encourage you to embrace along with Dee, Cecilia, the Santa Shoebox Team and I.

 

K2K Cool2BeKind and reading corner activities have been incorporated under the SSB Legacy banner, which will continue to provide support for literacy and Gender Based Violence focussed initiatives. These include caregiver and teacher training, as well as the provision of shelves, books, benches, mats and cushions - the components of a comfy and welcoming reading corner, introducing children to the joy of getting lost in a book.

 

The SSB Legacy is a fund which brings permanent change to the lives of Santa Shoebox beneficiary children and to the impoverished communities in which they live, by establishing new and transforming existing Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDs) in rural South Africa, with the focus on infrastructure & DBE (Department of Basic Education) registration, teacher training, early literacy and water solutions. Under this banner we're in the process of building our 4th rural ECD from the ground up, and training hundreds of caregivers in Learning Through Play, Perceptual Skills and Social and Emotional Learning Solutions. We've also already installed 25 reading corners in Samora Machel outside Cape Town and will be installing another (at least) 23 at existing K2K beneficiary schools this year, as well as 30 at ECDs in Alexandra, thanks to a collaboration with MySchool.

 

If you haven't already done so, I invite you to please register as an SSB Supporter here, as we would love to continue providing you with a meaningful avenue for your philanthropy.

 

Most importantly of all, I extend heartfelt thanks to Dee Boehner and Cecilia Grönwall, who, for 18 years have selflessly and passionately done everything in their power to ensure that the impoverished and socially-vulnerable children of our complicated and beautiful country are seen, in all their value, and empowered to take full advantage of their endless potential. Dee, Cecilia, your mark has been made. My Team and I vow to continue your legacy, as change-makers and women of unimpeachable integrity.