Carol Taylor

The last week

Mon, 12 Oct 09 09:09:55 +0200

It has come around so quickly, apologies for no photo's I left my camera lead at home! Will post some when I get back. The last week has been quite low key, we weren't in on Monday and didn't have time to organise an outing for the littel ones, perhaps next months volunteers could do that. The leaving/combined birthday party was fun - they all know how to sing happy birthday very loudly. As we leave, the younger children are in a nice routine of organised play, fruit time then singing in a circle - they know the order of the songs already and love joining in and dancing about.
Homework class needs constant supervision - like any teenagers homework is the least favourite thing to do so volunteers need to come with ideas to keep it interesting.
This has been a great experience and I have learned a lot about South Africa and myself - not least the art of patience as everything runs on Africa Time which is the same as whenever!
I have not yet made a decision on how to spend the money generously donated by family, friends and colleagues, I think I will go home and think about my experiences and the various needs that I have recognised within Agape and the wider community and take my time so that the money is used in the most effective way. A small amount was spent on the days out for the older children which they did enjoy.
I will put a final post on the weblog when it is confirmed how the money will be spent.
See you soon
Carol

Heritage Day

Fri, 25 Sep 09 12:20:32 +0200

It's the end of the 2nd week already, yesterday we celebrated Heritage Day, it's a national holiday so not all of the children were in, some had gone to visit extended families, but the older kids were off school so we had a party. Some of the girls sang a song and several of the children danced for us. Gogo (grandma) sang a lovely song and then the volunteers did a dance. I use the term dance loosely but it made the kids and aunties laugh.
Fridays are nice because the youger kids come to the volunteer house in the morning and splash in the bath and the older kids come in the afternoon and if the weather is ok they go for a swim in the pool- it's a nice way to end the week
That's all for now
Take care
Carol

week one over

Mon, 21 Sep 09 13:08:34 +0200

hi it is start of 2nd week- it has come so quickly. last week we spent mornings with the creche children, singing, playing, helping with snack time and then with dinner. even the small children know what to do when which is more than we do! we then go for a long lunch and chat about what we are going to do in he afternoon with the older children. last week we had homework class but a lot of the kids are on holiday this week so we have to think of lots of activities. thurs (24th) is heritage day so we hope to celebrate with a small party. i think that some of your donated money may be able to go towards a small treat for each of the children and the aunties who work so hard.
we are going to visit other projects on wednesday and to meet other volunteers so it should be a good day.
time is nearly up so i will say bye for now
take care
carol

First day

Tue, 15 Sep 09 14:21:19 +0200

Hi
Just a quick update on my first day. have had a meeting giving lots of info and then met the younger kids in the creche - very noisy!
After lunch older children to return from school ready for homework club so it's time for me to start thinking about times tables again!

See you soon
Carol

Not long to go!

Wed, 09 Sep 09 16:51:43 +0200

My flight leaves on Sunday and after 10 months planning and fundraising I will be on my way.
A big thank you to all family, friends and colleagues who have supported me and made such generous donations. I will do my best to keep you all updated and informed.
I hope to continue fundraising upon my return so anyone who hasn't got round to donating but would like to there is still time! Just log on to www.justgiving.com/caroltaylor2
I am really looking forward to meeting all the children and staff at Agape and hope to be in touch soon with lots of news and photos

Love
Carol

Charity Dinner

Fri, 22 May 09 14:05:52 +0200

Had a great time at the Charity Dinner at Jabula - a South African Restaurant at Ellesmere Port Wirral.

Annemarie provided a delicious selection of South African food - a taste of the good things to come I think! The music from Afro Roots added to the atmosphere making the evening a great success.

We raised £330 in total so I would like to say a big thank you to all those who came along and to our sponsors for their generous donations.

Thanks also to Annemarie and her staff for a lovely evening.

Proceeds of Virgin Vie Party

Tue, 19 May 09 22:55:59 +0200

Had a lovely night at my Virgin Vie Party, consultant Clare did a roaring trade in mini facials and hand massages and donated the money received. By the end of the night we were all relaxed and she was worn out! Thanks Clare and everyone who came,it was a lovely evening and we raised £65

Carol

Spirit of South Africa

Mon, 27 Apr 09 11:13:04 +0200

Hi
Just to let you know about the next fundraiser. I am hosting an evening at Jabula, a wonderful South African Restaurant at Ellesmere Port.

We are celebrating the spirit of South Africa with an evening of traditional food and music at the only South African Restaurant in the North West.

More details to follow but if you live in the area and would like to join us just let me know and I will arrange for tickets.
Click on the link on the bottom right to look at Jabula's website.

Hope to see you there
Carol

Girly party night!

Thu, 23 Apr 09 10:05:53 +0200

I'm hosting a Virgin Vie cosmetics party on May 7th - 10% commission on sales will go towards my fundraising.
If anyone would like to look at the catalogue or order but can't make it to the party just drop me a line.

Big thanks to party organiser Karen for lots of good fundraising tips.

Will let you know how we get on.

Carol

Update

Fri, 17 Apr 09 09:34:36 +0200

Been fairly quiet recently but I am working behind the scenes! Contacting local schools to see if they would like me to come a give a chat about my project or volunteering in general and have had a response from one 6th Form College so hopefully I will be able to interest them in perhaps volunteering in the future.
Also hoping to arrange a social event in the near future - watch this space!

Thanks to everyone for all the donations and good wishes so far.

Love
Carol

We did the Walk!

Sun, 08 Mar 09 20:37:20 +0100

Hi, we've just finished our six mile fundraising walk. 34 hardy walkers (the youngest only 4 years old) braved wind, rain, hailstones and some sunshine on a typical British Sunday afternoon stroll! They were then treated to an delicious array of refreshments courtesy of Mark and Julia (many thanks to them both for making so many muddy walkers welcome in their home).
Once again people have donated generously and I will post the final total when all of the money has been collected.
Many thanks to all those who took part and made it a most enjoyable afternoon.

Charity Book Sale

Fri, 27 Feb 09 18:31:29 +0100

Hi
I've just donated the proceeds from the charity book sale held at work. It raised £141.64 and there are still books left to sell at a later date.
Thanks to all friends and colleagues for generous donations of books and happy reading to all those who bought some.

Speak to you soon

Carol

Book Sale

Fri, 06 Feb 09 14:44:12 +0100

Just received the ok to organise a book sale at work so am looking for donations of books. Sale should be at the end of Feb so will let you know how it goes.

Charity Walk

Thu, 05 Feb 09 17:21:21 +0100

Just to let you know about the next fundraiser - a charity walk followed by refreshments organised by Mark and Julia (many thanks to you both - keeping fit,raising money and eating, what a combination!).
It is taking place on 8th March and I will let you all know how much we raised as soon as my feet recover
Bye for now
Carol

First Message

Fri, 28 Nov 08 18:53:30 +0100

Hi Everyone
I have just had confirmation of my placement at Agape and my employer has agreed to the time off so I am all ready to start my fundraising.

I have set up a page at www.justgiving.com/caroltaylor2 so feel free to have a look, leave me a message and, if you are able, please donate!
I have to say a big thank you in advance to family, friends and work colleagues for all of their support - whether that be donations, ideas for fundraising or just a shoulder to lean-on I could not do this without you all.

Christmas cards this year will be e cards from Be More so the money I have saved will be my first donation

My first fundraiser at work will be "mince pies at coffee time" on Monday 1st December - World Aids Day - a fitting time to start.

Bye for now

Carol