The Pre-Primary School Classes go to Piggs Peak

2011
August
Bulembu Ministries Swaziland
The Pre-Primary School Classes go
to Piggs Peak
On 20th & 21st of July 2011, our two Pre-School classes, the Dragonflies and the Grasshoppers, went on a special educational outing
to Piggs Peak. Their theme is currently based on shopping and they
are learning to have a better understanding of the different types of
shops, the structure and organisation of a shop, and how the buying
process occurs. It was essential that they see it all for themselves!
Both classes had busy mornings as a structured itinerary was created to maximize the opportunity of also exposing them to as many
different aspects of an urban set-up as possible. This was made possible by touring inside the Usave-Shoprite, various smaller clothing
and accessory shops, a hardware store, the fruit and vegetable market, a bank and a petrol station. The trip was concluded with a visit
to the Bulembu Store where the children were surprised with a
doughnut which they were able to ‘buy’.
On both days, neither of the classes could contain their excitement at the thought of their
adventure into Piggs Peak. Thank you to Jono Garner for safely transporting our precious
children on both days.
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The manager of Piggs Peak’s USave-Shoprite, Mr. Vilakati, and his staff, kindly allowed us to take an extensive
tour around their shop. The children were fascinated by the variety of things that could be bought there. USave
-Shoprite generously donated biscuits, drinks and oranges. The students continued to enjoy these in class time.
The students watch as Mrs. Chitate (Dragonflies Class teacher) demonstrates how we pay for our chosen
goods at the shop’s till point.
We looked inside a furniture shop as well as a variety of clothing and accessories shops.
We also took a brief tour in the Standard Bank to discuss the purpose of a bank whilst watching as members of
the public kindly demonstrated how to use an ATM.
The importance of road safety is regularly discussed with the children & where better to practice the principle,
“Look right, look left, look right again”, than at a full-scale pedestrian crossing. Despite the drivers of vehicles
not adhering to the rule of stopping for a pedestrian to cross, we were careful to keep to the road regulations.
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We took the time to have a picnic at the communal park overlooking the small dam. This was a wonderful
way to regain our much needed energy in the sunshine and fresh air.
Mrs. le Roux demonstrated how vehicles rely on petrol stations to fill up with petrol.
The ladies at the fruit & vegetable market gave us a warm welcome as we observed their activities while
strolling through the area.
The students were each given a E1.00 coin which they used to ‘buy’ their doughnut. Their favourite part was
definitely eating them! Thank you to Bulembu Bakery for this donation.
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Firstly, I praise the Lord for the success of both outing days that left the students with a broader perspective of the world around them, and secondly, I also
want to give a big “thank you” to the teachers and all those involved in making
this educational outing such a success.
By: Candice le Roux, Principal of Bulembu Christian Pre-Primary School
What Is Happening Next?
Adult Community Classes
Community Classes beginning soon at the Enduduzweni Community Care Centre!
If you want to know more about
improving your computer and
business skills or if you’ve always
wanted to improve your English,
you have a great opportunity to
do so.
A few ladies ladies in the community have come together to present these different classes to help equip and
train individuals who are willing to learn.
Classes will be as follows:
English - Lee Ann McFarlane will be teaching a beginner class to help you improve your English. (Thursdays 18:00 - 19:00)
Basic Business Skills - Bobbie Bisher will cover the basics in business
(Mondays 18:00 – 19:00)
Beginner Computers - Caley Quinn will teach a class focusing on typing skills
(for BEGINNERS) (Wednesdays 18:00 - 19:00)
All classes will be held at the Enduduzweni Community Care Centre and will begin on the 15th of August.
To register, please go to the centre and speak with Caley by Friday the 5th of
August. Sign-ups are on a first come, first serve basis. So sign up soon!
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Did You Know?
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Tracey le Roux . . . .
I have been married twice before and have 3 illegitimate
kids!!! (not)
Andrew and I met on a blind date and have now been happily married
for nearly 11 years
I did horse riding for many years and represented Swaziland a few
times.
I ran away from home twice when I was younger because I could not
get my own way!!
I hate clowns, actually I am terrified of them!! I don't know why!!
I broke my back in 2002 (riding horses) and was told I was probably
going to be in a wheelchair forever.
I stopped breathing on the operating table when I had my appendix out
and had to be resuscitated.
My front teeth are all false, and I have endless teeth problems.
I grew up in a caravan. Still sleep there when I visit my
parents!
I am a certified scuba diver and snake handler.
I had a very successful sales business which I gave up
for Bulembu.
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Inside Information
Sivikelo Vilakati
from the Bulembu lodge had
this to say:
What is your full name?
Sivikelo Eugene Vilakati
What work do you do in Bulembu?
I’m a waiter at the lodge.
Where were you born?
My home area is Zimbonel in Ntfonjeni constituency.
How old are you?
I turned 20 on the 2nd of January.
Do you go home a lot?
Not really. I work at the lodge full-time. Normally, I go home when we get 2 or
4 days off.
Any Siblings?
I have 3 siblings. I am the middle one. My older brother is working in South
Africa. He is in maintenance and has two children. I see him once or twice a
year. I have a sister who is going to school in Piggs Peak. She turned fourteen
on the 28th of February.
Where did you go to school?
For my primary schooling I went to Hhohho A.M.E. then I went over to Mswati
2 Methodist High where I completed my O levels (Form 5).
What were you doing before you came to Bulembu?
I was schooling. When I finished school I came here.
How did you hear about Bulembu?
My parents work here. My dad was employed in 2005 when I was doing my
Form One. I used to come and visit. My mom also joined in 2006 and still
works here. She is at Enduduzweni Care Centre and my dad works as a
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Do you see your parents a lot?
I live with my dad and my mom lives just below Dvudvusi.
What do you do in you spare time?
I visit friends. I like being a part of people’s lives. That is why I enjoy working at
the lodge because I meet a lot of people from different countries.
What countries have your visited already?
Just South Africa. I would like to visit Brazil.
Why Brazil?
There are lots of nice ladies there. I also want to visit Canada.
Who have your most interesting guests been?
Joe Horvath and the Canadian Tenors.
What is your favourite food?
You know what?! I don’t have a favourite meal. Any delicious meal I enjoy.
What is your favourite movie?
‘True Love’ by the Nigerians.
Are you married?
No, I’m not married.
Do you have a girlfriend?
Not really..
Maybe?
(Laughs)
Survival Tips:
(The answer is on the last page)
How To Safely Set Up Camp In The Wilderness
1) Make camp away from rushing water, so you can hear any rustling that
may take place around you.
2) Make camp near a river or stream, so you have
fresh water readily available.
3) Make camp near still water only.
Words From The Heart
I came to Bulembu with very few expectations, knowing
the outline of its vision but lacking the detail, willing to
be flexible and hoping for something amazing. Even on
my arrival I began to hear the heartbeat of the town:
the quiet morning prayers, the slow shuffle of feet up
hills, the echoes of the sawmill, the laughter of the kids,
and as I had my tour of this place and began to understand the sheer magnitude of its accomplishments, I
knew I had come to work in a place where God was
moving mountains.
From the outside, it floors you, the sheer amount of
work that has been done here in childcare and industry.
From the inside, seeing the daily lives of those who live and work here, the challenges and discouragement they face and overcome, it's unbelievable. How often do you get to experience a place where vision has become reality? How often can you look into the eyes of a vulnerable child and say, "You have been
saved, because the Lord brought you to this place He has built"?
During my time here, not only did I have a blast helping the English teachers
with some of their classes, but I had the privilege of going up to one of the baby
houses to play with the toddlers in my afternoons, and there I experienced a real
reminder from the Lord of what it's all about. At first, the tiny things were intensely curious, some apprehensive, but in no time they were all clamouring for
my attention with little cries of, "and me, Aunty!" Seeing those children so welltaken care of and happy was joyful, considering where some of them came from
and where they might otherwise have ended up. However, my heart still broke
that they must be here at all, that each did not have a mother and father of their
own, that the reasons ABC and Bulembu exist were there in the first place.
Then we started singing "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" with all their
little voices joining in, and all of a sudden I was overcome with a great tide of
peace for those little ones, an intense and overwhelming joy. This was a peace
that only comes from knowing that God is our Father, greater than any earthly
one, who knows us and loves us, and has a special plan for each one of us.
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What filled my cup in that moment though was remembering the scriptures that
made so evident the special heart God has for the orphans, and that He will
never release them from His hand. This certainty, this peace and joy, happened
as we sang the second verse, for you remember that it says so simply:
He's got all the little children in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands.
And that is the power behind Bulembu, not of itself or its individuals, but as an
instrument of the Most High and an extension of His will, one which He is so
clearly blessing with grace and strength and peace, and protection against the
Enemy.
I want to end on a note of encouragement for those living and working here in
the heart of the mountains. We recognize the hand of God moving in the upward
struggle of this ministry, but remember that the transforming vision of Bulembu
is a battle against this world, a climb, like trying to walk up an impossibly high
hill with the weight of so many souls on your shoulders, the destination somewhere in the atmosphere where clouds hide the side of the mountain. Step by
step, though often almost beyond your strength, remember to do two things.
Look away from the gravel at your feet and be astonished at how far you have
come, and remember you do not walk alone. Your brothers and sisters in Christ
and the Lord Most High are with you. And when you look up at the long way
ahead, don't lose courage but listen when the still, small voice in the wind whispers, "Take heart! I have overcome the world."
- Naomi Johnson, Volunteer
Bizarre But True:
1) A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds.
2) An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.
3) Donald Duck comics were banned from Finland because
he doesn't wear pants.
4) In Tokyo, they sell toupees for dogs.
5) In 1983, a Japanese artist made a copy of the Mona Lisa completely out
of toast.
6) A walla-walla scene is one where extras pretend to be talking in the back
– ground. When they say "walla-walla" it looks like they are actually talk-
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Guess who?
Win a pizza at the lodge by submitting your answer to Bianca@bulembu.org
or sms your answer to 76020717.
Last month’s winner was Leigh-Anne McFarlane. Congratulations!!!
2011 Winners of the ‘Guess who’ competition will not be able to re-enter in
2011. You will have to wait until 2012.
Thank you!
little boy opened the big and old family Bible with fascination, and looked
at the old pages as he turned them. Suddenly, something fell out of the
Bible and he picked it up and looked at it closely. It was an old leaf from a
tree that had been pressed in between the pages.
"Momma, look what I found," the boy called out.
"What have you got there, dear?" his mother asked.
With astonishment in the young boy's voice, he answered: "I think it's Adam's
suit!"
http://jokes.christiansunite.com
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Community Update
HP Youth Come To Serve
Where are you from?
We are from His People church in Johannesburg. I am a youth pastor there. We handle
the children from 18 months to 12 years old.
When the children turn 13, they transition to
the Youth department that has its own youth
pastor.
What are you guys doing in Bulembu?
We are running a holiday programme. We
split it up. In the morning we went to Dvudvusi and then ran the same programme at Persimmon. We will meet every day
with the children at each location, but we will alternate mornings and afternoons so that each location has a morning off. We will do the same thing on
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. We are leaving on Saturday at the end of
the holiday programme. On the first day of the programme we looked at the
love of God in loving us and caring for us. We were really stressing the relational aspect of God because the kids have a lot of Christianity but you really
have to get to the relational side. Yesterday we looked at their identity.
Today we spun it more to “we’ve ministered to you for two days now and there
is a world outside of Bulembu. God has called you to the nations as well. You
have got to look not only in this little valley, but there is a Swaziland, there is
South Africa, there is the world out there.” How do we do that? Through
prayer at this stage. They can’t go off and be missionaries but we can sink into
them a heart for nations and teach them that Christianity is about getting out
and serving others.
We came with a team of predominantly kids. There are 14 on our team, 4
adults and 10 kids. Seeing other kids ministering and leading groups, praying
and worshiping, I think models something in a different way to the Bulembu
children.
Who cooks meals?
We are fortunate. We have someone on our team that came mainly to cook.
She prepares the food and gets the kids working. We have 2 teams, one helps
prepare and one cleans up for every meal, so they are actually working well.
What Objectives do you have while in Bulembu?
We have 2 objectives. One is obviously to serve Bulembu and minister to the
Bulembu children. The other side is “what is it doing for my team?!” We have a
strong leadership process even among the children between the ages of 10 and
13 in our children’s ministry. Some of our kids are co-opted onto what we call
‘disciple workers’ and they get onto that team by merit. There are kids that are
really faithful, really passionate for God, who serve and are committed, so the
mission trip is only open to them. They are the cream of our crop, but we are
trusting that God deepens their relationship with Him when they come here and
that they get a heart in a place like this.
There are so many people who could be here and should be here or in places
like this, but it’s hard for them to give up all they have. We need to raise kids
with that missions mindset and drive right from the start. Success for them is
serving others and the other things are a by-product.
Sibuniso Kunene
is one of the first students that
have been sent from UNISWA (University Of Swaziland) to
Bulembu to do his internship. This is what he had to say:
What is your full name?
Siboniso Kunene
How old are you?
21
Do you have any siblings?
I have seven siblings. Four brothers and three sisters.
How did you hear about Bulembu?
My field coordinator informed me about Bulembu. We came here for orientation
and I liked it here so I applied to come and do my internship.
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How is it going so far?
It’s just been hard work.
Where have you worked?
I started at Bulembu Honey for two weeks and then went to the lodge for two
weeks, the Creativity Centre and now the bakery.
What is your ideal job?
I want be a nutritionist and work in Swaziland.
What would you really like for Christmas?
A new phone. Maybe a Blackberry.
How many guys are you staying with in the volunteers house?
Four.
Are you OK with living with quite a few people in one house?
Yes I’m, OK. I’m used to it.
What are you studying at the University of Swaziland?
Consumer Science. I still have to do one more year and then I am done.
Where do you live when you’re back at university?
I live in campus residence.
What countries have you visited already?
I have been to South Africa and Mozambique.
What countries do you still want to go and visit?
I would like to go to Canada and do my Masters degree. My neighbour has gone
over to Canada to study there.
What is your favourite movie?
I like watching the black American movies. Specifically ‘Set It Off’.
Your favourite food?
It would have to be braai, meat and pap.
What do you still want to do one day?
I would like to buy my mom a car.
Vegetable Garden Competition
The prize of the Vegetable Garden Competition has
been won by Mr. Moses Mgabi. He has won a brilliant
garden wheelbarrow that was delivered to his house
on Thursday. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
The next round of the vegetable garden competition
will start in August and will run until the 25th of November, 2011. A free wheelbarrow will be given
away to the person/family with the best vegetable
garden! So, Bulembu residents, sign up for the competition!
To enter your garden in the competition, write your
name, cell number and house number on a piece of
paper and place it in the box at the bakery that says:
GARDEN COMPETITION.
The last week of November, judges will visit all the
entered vegetable gardens. The winner will be contacted after all the entered
houses have been checked!
Milestones
The ‘milestones’ section of the newsletter is dedicated to celebrating achievements attained by a select department within
BMS. Department achievements will be monitored and one department will be selected each month according to goals
achieved.
This month’s milestone award goes to the HTC and lodge staff
for doing a brilliant job at catering for the first official HTC. The
SRA group had a team building function in August and the HTC
and the lodge catered for 80 people. Well done! You did an exceptional job.
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Need To Know!
Mighty Men Cell Group every Wednesday at 19:00 at Kurt Puttkammer’s home.
Church services take place every Sunday at the Bulembu Community Hall at
10:00.
Community Netball every
Tuesday and Thursday
from 17:00 - 18:00 at the
netball courts below the
Creativity
Centre. All
ladies welcome!
1st Youth Group meets at
the cinema every Friday
from 14:30 – 16:30
2nd Youth Group meets at
19:00 - 21:00 at the Old
Club House.
Prayer meetings are on Wednesdays and Sundays from 17:00—17:30. Don’t
miss out!
Community Classes beginning on the 15th of August at the Enduduzweni
Community Care Centre!
English - Thursdays 18:00 - 19:00
Basic Business Skills - Mondays 18:00 – 19:00
Beginner Computers - Wednesdays 18:00 - 19:00
Hatfield pastor will be coming to preach every second week at the Bulembu
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Community Church.
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Bulembu Ministries Swaziland
Purpose
Spiritual, physical, emotional and economic transformation.
Vision
Restore Bulembu to a vibrant, self-sustaining community by
the year 2020.
This vision for sustainability includes fostering the development
of a new generation of emerging leaders through orphan care,
education, health services and commerce.
Mission
Bulembu is a not-for-profit organization serving Jesus Christ
by restoring hope to the people of Swaziland through
community enterprise and community care.
Values
Transformation, Sustainability, Community, Accountability,
Respect.
Help broaden the menu at the Bulembu Lodge by
adding your special recipes.
If you have any great recipes, especially starters
(soups, patés, crepes), please email Colin@bulembu.org
or drop the recipes off with Bianca
at the administration office.
Thank you so much.
ANSWER TO Survival Tips: A