In the next four years it is estimated that between 1000-2000 children will be orphaned PER DAY in South Africa, as their parents die of AIDS. Within such communities children are rendered vulnerable in a variety of ways, including the loss and lack of material security (household income, shelter, security of tenure and physical protection), the lack of food security resulting in hunger and an increased risk of malnutrition and vulnerability to exploitation (violence, sexual abuse, child labour etc.)

Many of these children live in mud huts and shacks with leaking roofs, crumbling walls, poor sanitation, no water or electricity, damp walls and poor ventilation.

In the first phase of a pilot project, Habitat for Humanity, in partnership with TCF (Thandani Children's Foundation), plans to build 15 homes suitable for orphaned children to live with their caretakers.

This year Freshfields is sending 3 teams of 20 people out to South Africa to help build these houses. I am in Team 2 so from May 12th until May 20th I will be helping out in the first phase of the pilot project. Jobs will include mixing cement (by hand!), laying bricks, carrying, lifting, plastering, roofing etc, all of which I'm an expert at...well, I'm ready to learn anyway!

Each person going to South Africa is paying for their own flights, accomodation and living costs, so all money kindly donated here will go direct to the charity and is NOT assisting the volunteers with their costs.

All donations are secure and sent electronically to Habitat for Humanity.  If you are a UK taxpayer, Justgiving will automatically reclaim 28% Gift Aid on your behalf, so your donation is worth even more. 

Please think about donating to this great cause. With your help these children can have a decent place to call home and the hope of a better life!

My Team Fundraising ID is: 07VTCP00A