Since 2011 Lathallan has supported Vuyani Safe Haven Orphanage in Graaff-Reinet, South Africa.
Why Vuyani Safe Haven?
Lathallan has been supporting Vuyani Safe Haven for over a decade. Vuyani is the only Child and Youth Care Center in the Beyers Naudè district of the Karoo – an enormous rural to semi-rural area around Graaff-Reinet. Graaff-Reinet is a town in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.
Lathallan and Vuyani
Since 2011 fifty Lathallan pupils have visited Vuyani. While on the ground in South Africa, our young people have delivered projects including building toilet blocks, developing playground and sports facilities, interior decorating, resourcing a school, creating vegetable boxes and securing pro bono legal work with South Africa’s largest law firm. A key part of these trips is also the time our pupils spend with the children at Vuyani as positive role models. As a school community, we’ve managed to raise over £30,000 for the charity.
What We Achieved in 2023
In 2023, our Senior pupils raised over £3,000 for Vuyani Safe Haven and volunteered for a week in South Africa – renovating the Jungle Gym, completing painting works and levelling a piece of the ground for a mini football field. Amidst the hard work, they also spent lots of time with the children at Vuyani.
“The South Africa trip was one the best experiences of my life and I am unbelievably lucky to have been able to take part in it. There is no better feeing than being able to help other people and we all took great pride in what we did, and will forever cherish the bonds we formed with the children and people at Vuyani.” – Craig, S6 pupil who visited Vuyani in 2023 and is fundraising again in 2024.
Our Target for 2024
This year, our S5-S6 pupils are aiming to raise £4,000.
S5 & S6s Leading the Fundraising Appeal
Here are some of the reasons why our current pupils are eager to embark on this fundraising mission and visit Vuyani this year.
“Since S1, going on the S.A trip is something I have always aspired to do. I think the work done there is really inspiring and an amazing opportunity to help.
My goal is to make as much of a positive impact as possible during our time there, and learn about different people and environments.” – Izzy
“I’ve heard from previous year groups that it’s a life
changing experience and they found their positive effect on the Vuyani is extremely fulfilling.” – Ruaridh
“I’m going to improve my knowledge of other lifestyles and broaden my horizons. I also want to gain a better understanding of different ecosystems and environments as it aligns with my future career aspirations.” – Rachel
“I want to make a positive impact on someone else’s life and gain an understanding of what it’s like for people in different situations. I know this will be an unforgettable experience.” – Reuben
Events and Activities
As part of our fundraising appeal for Vuyani, we would like to invite you to a Celebration of the Arts Afternoon Tea at Lathallan from 3 – 6pm, on Wednesday 20 March 2024. The event will showcase the arts across our Junior and Senior School at Lathallan, including an art exhibition and workshops, Junior and Senior school musical performances, mini pipe band, poetry and drama recitals. We would love it if you could join us.
Tickets are a minimum donation of £10 which includes all food, beverages and access to the art exhibition, interactive workshops, and all
performances.
This donations from Lathallan will assist Vuyani with many smaller needs to upgrade the facilities and an amount will go towards our bigger building fund. We acknowledge with gratefulness the positive impact Lathallan School has made on Vuyani Safe Haven through the years and again in 2024!”
– Vuyani Team