The Oyster Box
Project
Statistics reveal that over 5.2 million children in South Africa are parentless (UNICEF 2007) and more than 12,000 children are being orphaned every month.
It is against this background that Lungisisa Indlela Village (LIV) has launched an initiative to help deal with this challenge and leave a legacy for future generations.
To date, 38 environmentally-friendly homes are now completed, with 28 house mothers and 80 previously-vulnerable and orphaned children in residence.
Emphasis is being placed on a level of excellence in education. Margo Reid (former Durban Girls College and Umhlanga College Headmistress) is leading the LIV School.
The Junior and Senior Primary School are established, as well as the Creche, with the most dedicated, talented teachers guiding and instructing our children.
Needs
General School Supplies:
Book Bags, Chalk, Colored Pencils, Compasses, Crayons, Erasers, Glue Sticks, Handheld Pencil Sharpeners, Markers, Pencils, Pencil Cases/Bags, Pens, Protractors, Rulers, and Solar Calculators
Reference Materials:
(English and Zulu) Dictionaries and Age Appropriate Encyclopedias on CD
Flash Cards:
(English and Zulu) Alphabet, Math, and Word
Wall Charts:
(English and Zulu) Human Body, Language, Math, Science, and World Maps
Text/Reading Books:
(English, Zulu, and Afrikaans) Age Appropriate Story Books and Language/Grammar
Art Supplies:
Craft Scissors and Watercolor Brushes and Paints
Educational Games/Toys:
Bananagrams, Chess Sets, Connect Four, Puzzles, Scrabble, and Stuffed Animals/Soft Toys
Music Instruments:
Castanets, Cymbals, Guiros, Harmonicas/Kazoos, Maracas, Recorders, Tambourines, Triangles, and Xylophones
Sports/Outdoor Activity:
Frisbees, Inflation Pumps, Jump Ropes, Netball/Basketballs, Soccer Balls, Team Uniforms/Kits for Soccer, and Tennis Balls
Clothing/Shoes:
New Bras, New or Gently Used Children’s Clothing and Shoes, and New Underwear
Linens:
Bath Towels, Bed Linens, Light Blankets, Linen Sets, Mosquito Nets, and Pillows
Kitchen:
Bowls, Pans, Plastic Serving Bowls, Plastic Serving Cups, Plastic Serving Plates, Pots, Serving Spoons, and Spatulas
Health/Personal Grooming:
Antibiotic Ointments, Band-Aids, Bars of Soap, Combs, Deodorant, Hair Brushes, Hair Pins and Elastic Hair Bands, Hand Cream, Multivitamin Tablets, Plastic Gloves, Sanitary Napkins, Shampoos, Tampons, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Vaseline, and Washing Powder
Initiatives Supported
Listed on this page are the specific needs requested by the community project(s) so you can choose exactly what to pack for a purpose and express your gratitude to the local community with the supplies you take them. If you prefer, you may reach out directly to them to inquire about items which may be available for purchase locally. Arranging visits to community projects is beyond the scope of our mission. If you wish to visit a project, contact the participant and they can let you know what is possible.
Candy and balloons are not on the needs list as they are harmful for the children and the environment for the following reasons:
• Few of the children benefiting from these projects have access to toothpaste, toothbrushes, or a dentist. The candy promotes cavities.
• The balloons once they become deflated are a choking hazard for local wildlife.
Instead of taking candy or balloons, use that space for additional requested supplies, as they are priceless.
