Zote Worldwide

As the trip nears (13 days of work left, 23 days in the country!!!) I've been corresponding more with my Program Coordinators. I cannot wait to get on the conservation. Also, I've been talking a bit more to Nyawira, who tells me that for sure I will be able to purchase textbooks, books, games, and toiletries for the African charity Zote Worldwide. You can visit their website here.

My email from Nyawira explains:

Thank you for your efforts in fundraising. We have a foundation, called ZOTE Fountain of youth that are running a couple of fundraising activities. We have a campaign for our crèches/pre-school that I believe would be the best fit for your amount. We work with about 8 schools, and they all have basic needs from floor mates, to hygiene materials, to school learning materials.

The most important part is the logistics, as you will be on the reserve program. Should you have time before or after your program we could organize a visit for you ( 4 hours north). Otherwise, we can organize a weekend to purchase items near and around Pretoria as you will not be far from that location. Let me know what you want to do…

I then emailed her back saying I didn't have extra days unfortunately, but that I, no matter what, would be purchasing items for the Fountain of Youth, and she replied:

I suggest you take one of your weekends at the reserve and go to the closest town/city. I believe past volunteers have driven into Pretoria, but you will need to confirm this with the program Supervisor, as things may have changed. When you make this trip, you can purchase the items you want to give. At that point, or upon departure, we will be better able to intercept you in the Pretoria/Johannesburg area. This way the continuity of our schedules and work is not interrupted.

Thanks again, and once you are on your program, you will be able to make the best assessment. Please keep my number and e-mail below for your record.

SO --- when I arrive I will discuss with my own program coordinators. I think there are weekly trips into Pretoria. I will purchase items on the Fountain of Youth's behalf and then distribute to them however I can. So glad that will work out that way...even if I can't get out to the reserve, we're truly making a difference for a GREAT cause. In many ways...on the conservation and in the schools.

So thank you! I also want to shout out to my Uncle Neil & Aunt Janice who are currently on a working holiday in Thailand helping to build houses. Thanks for your contribution to my cause you guys and I love you so much!