It is now almost 8 years since the death of my beloved daughter Caitlin. The Caitlin Fund has kept her name and her memory alive and the contributions received by friends and friends of friends have been used to make a real, positive and lasting difference to the lives of some young women and girls in South Africa.
Gumboots continues to administer the fund and all funds go directly to the young women. I am extremely grateful to Gumboots for their help and continued support. The work they do in South Africa continues to benefit many people and really does make a difference to both young and old.
The fund is still supporting 3 young women and having a real and positive effect on their lives. Whenever I travel to South Africa I meet them and catch up on their lives.
It is with great pleasure that I am able to report that Vuyelwa (the initial Caitlin Fund recipient) has graduated in journalism from Rhodes University and is now doing a post graduate diploma to further her skillset. Without the fund, university would just not have been possible. Although she has received a loan/bursary, the fund pays her accommodation, travelling expenses to and from home (about 600 miles), books, toiletries, sports equipment and day-to-day living expenses. She is a remarkable young woman who is dedicated to her studies and an accomplished sportswoman. I have witnessed her change and grow from a shy girl who lacked self esteem, to a vibrant and confident young woman.
Kamvelihle Mkihze (20) who we supported to finish school and extra curricular activities, is now in her first year at Durban University of Technology, studying agriculture. The fund is helping with travel, food and general expenditure.
Zinhle Jabulile Kolle is now in her final year at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in Pretoria, where she is studying Entertainment Technology, specialising in drama / theatre. We visited her at college and were impressed with her commitment and the obvious affection and regard from her tutors, fellow students and the head of the department. She has developed into an incredible artist and has already been scouted to do some part time scenic art work in Johannesburg..
Zinhle was struggling to pay for her transport to and from university. We have agreed to pay her basic fees, transport, food and sundries for the year.
We are delighted to be able to help these lovely, promising young women who have worked so hard.
There are so many other young woman like Zinhle, Vuyelwa and Kamvelihle who are desperate to continue their studies, but do not have the means to do so. With your help, our aim is to assist these and a few others to reach their full potential. We would love to be able to expand the Caitlin Fund and support as many young woman as is possible going forward.
If you have any other questions, suggestions or thoughts please email: margzgreen@googlemail.com
