Rotary Rotaract AIDS Hike 2007

Day 21

2007-12-20T10:38:00.000-08:00

Day 21- We made it! Trying to upload everything and will have the final days posted shortly

Day 20

2007-12-20T10:37:00.000-08:00

Day 20- Project Day Westville and Umlazi-Durban area!

Day 20- Project Day, Durban Area
This day was a rather packed day as we ended up seeing three projects, as well as visiting the family of Ernest in Umlazi Township.
One of Westville Rotary’s largest projects is a community centre called Jabulani. The centre serves children and adults, providing everything from daycare and aftercare programmes as well as crafts and technical skills for adults. All of the people coming to the centre are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, but it was wonderful to see once again what local initiatives are doing to empower their communities. Unfortunately due to the holidays the centre was not official opened and thus we were not able to see it running as it normally would, however seeing what we did see, we can only imagine the great work being done.
Our second visit was to Streetwise. Westville Rotarians have also been involved with “Streetwise” which takes street children and tries first to reunite them with their families where possible, and where not possible houses them while educating them and attempting to give them a home and a type of family. For more information on Streetwise in Durban please follow the link.
Around midday we headed out to Umlazi to visit our last Noah Ark site. We had started this whole journey at the Noah site in Daveyton and it was nice to be ending with a Noah site on our last project day. The Ark is one of the very first Noah sites, and serves hundreds of children in primarily an aftercare programme. The CEO of Noah, Pat Sullivan, as well as other head office Noah staff were at the Ark to meet us as well all spent the early afternoon being entertained by drumming and dancing the children had been working on. As the guests of honour we joined the Noah staff and children for lunch. Seeing the children at the Ark reminded all of us what it is to truly be a child. Yes there is AIDS, but all of those kids where just kids at the end of it, and on our last project day on a warm afternoon in front of the sea all of us felt a since of accomplishment. The walk taught us a lot about ourselves and about HIV/AIDS in South Africa, but watching the boys dance we also remembered the faces behind the horrible HIV/AIDS stats and even more important we were reminded of the fact that every child deserves a chance to be a kid. After visiting the Noah site a surprise visit was made to Ernest’s childhood home. Drinking cool drinks in front of Ernie’s childhood home we spoke about what we had just done, could it be that we really did it? I don’t think it will truly set in till much later.

Day 19

2007-12-18T12:54:00.001-08:00

Day 19- Inchanga to Westville

Day 19 Inchanga to Westville
Saying goodbye to our fantastic hosts from the Inchanga 1000 Hills Rotary Club, we set out on the last day of official hiking into the Durban suburb of Westville. The Westville Rotary Club, which is also the home club of Rotary district 9270 District Governor, Richard Fisher, became our hosting club in the Durban area and were also responsible for organizing the last “hike” walk to the Durban City Hall. While the amount of kilometers to be covered was much less than previous days, navigating the city traffic through residential areas and making sure not to get lost added a bit more time to the walking for the day than had been anticipated. Despite a few missed turns and a bit of craziness in the end we all arrived in early afternoon to the Westville Country Club where we were met by Jenny Flowers the Westville Rotary President.
The afternoon was left open, and the hike team seized the opportunity to go to the beach. For some of the hikers this was their first time to the beach, and seeing the ocean was for all of us a sight to behold as it confirmed that we had actually arrived, although our official “arrival” was still a couple of days later. That evening was once again spent at a kind Rotarian’s house as we all feasted on various homemade lasagnas.

Day 18

2007-12-18T05:26:00.001-08:00

Day 18- Project Day in Inchanga 1000 Hills

Rotary Inchanga 1000 Hills is involved in a great number of AIDS related projects, but one that is near and dear to their hearts is the 1000 Hills Community Helpers, http://www.1000hch.charishealth.co.za/about.html. 1000 Hills Community Helpers is sponsored in part by Rotary, as well as having a staff member who is actually a Rotarian herself. At present they are building a large community centre which will have a daycare and aftercare centre for children, a health clinic, a chapel/meeting area, infirmary for sick children, and well as overall resource centre for the surrounding area. It is a huge undertaking, but all involved are committed to their community and the people in it. HIV/AIDS has so greatly affected and infected people in this area, and it is impossible to ignore the impact it is having on the children and the very make up of families. We got to see the buildings being constructed, and look forward to seeing the finished product in March. For more information please check the link above.
In the evening we were once again treated to a lovely braai put on by the local Rotarians. Inchanga 1000 Hills meets at "Arthur's" at the Camelot Country club, and we would like to send a personal thank you to the owners for their personal donation to the AIDS Hike fund!

Day 17

2007-12-17T06:52:00.000-08:00

Day 17- Pietermaritzburg to Inchanga 1000 Hills 50km

On this journey we have met some pretty incredible people working in their communities making the impossible possible. We have continuously been amazed by the generosity and kindness shown to us by Rotarians and their families. In Pietermaritzburg we stayed with two families, and while the rain might have been coming down none of us were bored! Their hospitality will never be forgotten. Leaving Pietermaritzburg on yet another rainy day we set out through the mountains that make up the "1000 Hills" region of KwaZulu Natal right outside of Durban. The beauty of the area is truly unmatched and make for a most incredible beginning of the end of our journey. In the afternoon we were met in Inchanga by the Rotarians from the Inchanga 1000 Hills Rotary Club, and went off with off in four groups with four different host families. Tsholo and Des were hosted by the President and his wife (and apparently had their best meal thus far), while the others stayed with other Rotary and community members and their families.

Day 16

2007-12-17T06:36:00.001-08:00

Day 16- Project Day in Pietermaritzburg
Visit to Walk in the Light Ministries- Local Rotarians have been working with Walk in the Light Ministries, a Christian based outreach programme working just outside of Pietermaritzburg. Walk in the Light seeks to take on one township community and look at their problems holistically. Rainy and wet we were all still able to see first hand the work that was being done. We joined in on Zulu lead worship service and were later able to help in delivering a wheelchair to a 32 year old man, left paralysed by a HIV/AIDS induced stroke.

Our Sponsors!

2007-12-16T03:24:00.000-08:00

Thank you to OUR SPONSORS!

Day 15

2007-12-15T09:25:00.003-08:00

Day 15 Mooi River to Pietermaritzburg 70km

Well we once again had rain, but luckily the rain was never so heavy that we were forced to stop walking. A bit wet we stopped in Howick at the wateralls for lunch, before making the final push into Pietermaritzburg. Arriving into town, Rotarians from the Pietermaritzburg Azalea club were there to meet us at City Hall. The evening was then spent presenting and discussing our trip thus far, and enjoying a meal with the local Rotarians.

Day 14

2007-12-15T09:17:00.000-08:00

Day 14
Project Day- Khazimula Children’s Home
At 8am we joined the children for breakfast before meeting up with John Tangay, Rotarian from Mooi River Rotary Club. After eating, John, staff and children from Khazimula showed us around. Khazimula aspires to be a large “model” farm, with many animals, and resources for not just the children at the home, but for the children in the surrounding areas. At present there is one dog, one cat, and two pigs. There is an extremely large food garden, with everything from watermelon to squash. The children take pride in showing off their garden, and the “seed bank” which actually gives out seeds to anyone in the local community.
Not too far down the road from Khazimula is a 5 star hotel with Rotary connections, and as a very nice surprise, the hike team was invited for tea. Taking a much deserved break the hike team enjoyed tea, muffins and scones with John before heading back to Khazimula for a soccer match. Brighton scored the winning goal before we all ended the game and washed up for lunch. The afternoon was spent relaxing, visiting a local waterfall and being entertained by a special performance of singing, gum boot dancing, and poetry put on by the children. Rain once again started to pour, and like the night before hikers and children alike spent the evening laughing and playing inside.

Day 13

2007-12-12T12:05:00.001-08:00

Day 13
Ladysmith to Mooi River- 100 km
With another big walking day ahead of us we were sure to start out early. Already by 7am the temperatures were reaching 28 degrees, and warmer temperatures were expected by the end of the afternoon. The girls, having stayed with hosts Pier and Glennis from the Rotary Club of Ladysmith, met up with the guys at the Ladysmith Police Station, and it was from there that we were once again escorted out of town. The day was hot and humid, but the mountains and hills of KwaZulu Natal served as beautiful inspiration to keep on going. By early afternoon dark clouds started to form for what was promised to be a big storm. With only 15 km left to Mooi River the rain started to pour. As time passed with no end in sight, trying to wait out the storm became an impossibility. Left with no choice we braved the storm, and while we were all soaked to the bone, it was probably one of the most enjoyable hiking days thus far. The rain was warm and refreshing, and for a moment all the hikers were reduced to little children playing in the rain. Despite being a bit wet we all arrived safely into Mooi River to meet up with one of the local Rotarians.
Our accommodation for the next couple of days was also the site of our project, Khazimula Children’s Home. Khazimula is a farm in Ligetton, that houses 29 children, most of which were street children and/or were left orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Mooi River Rotary sponsors the home, and Rotarian John Tangay has put his heart and soul into Khazimula, often spending his days playing with the children and assisting in the operation of the site. Only having been in existence for a year, Khazimula has been able to accomplish quite a lot, creating a family and a sense of belonging for these children. Tired and wet the hikers showered before sharing supper with the children and staff. In this very remote area of KwaZulu Natal where there is little to no cell phone reception and no cities close by, the hike team stayed inside as the rain continued to fall sharing good conversation and laughs with the children.

HOW TO DONATE!

2007-12-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

How to Donate In South Africa:
Name: Rotary Club of Johannesburg
Account: 62022435699
Bank: First National Bank, Main StreetBranch code: 251705
Reference: Hike07
Please email us when you have made a donation at
Rotaryaidshike2007@gmail.com

Internationally:Visit our partner Rotaract Club of San Francisco or contact us at
Rotaryaidshike2007@gmail.com

Day 12

2007-12-12T11:14:00.001-08:00

Day 12- Project day around Ladysmith

The Rotary Club of Ladysmith, working together with KwaZulu Natal's East Coast Radio and the Gift of the Givers, has been distributing literally tons of food throughout the rural areas hardest hit by HIV/AIDS.
Visiting Mhlumayo, the hike team helped to distribute food parcels, including nutritional supplements for people infected by HIV/AIDS in 3 communities. The programme is also dependent on local women volunteers who take the food parcels to the sick and needy grandmothers caring for AIDS orphans and vulnerable children. The local tribal chief is also quite involved, giving buildings for children feeding schemes and for office space for the local coordination of volunteers.

After a powerful day in the rural mountains we returned back to Ladysmith to give the Rotary Club a presentation on the hike thus far. Thank you Ladysmith Rotary!

Day 11

2007-12-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

Day 11- Walk from Dundee to Ladysmith
This day was our first sunny day in over a week. With temperature reaching 35 C, it was important for us to start early. Estelle, the President of the Dundee Rotary Club joined us for the first couple of kilometres and then wished us on our way. Finishing by 13:00, and with each one of us dripping in sweat, we were greeting by Max, the Ladysmith Rotary President. Max was nice enough to allow us to use his house to relax and clean up, and we were later treated to a braai with local Rotarians and their families.

Day 10

2007-12-12T10:36:00.000-08:00

Day 10- Project Day in Dundee Area
Project day was quite exciting as we ended up visiting two Noah projects in Nyanyadu, and area close to Dundee, Inqaba ka Noah and uJabulile ka Noah. As it is the holiday time many of the children do not arrive until midday, and so most of the morning was spent talking to the Noah staff and volunteers. Two local Rotarians joined us, and we were once again able to create a local Rotary partnership with Noah Ark sites. Local caregivers and parents turned out to meet the hikers and it was important for the all of us to be able to talk and understand the reality of the people in the area. We left the Noah sites with promises from the Rotary Club of Dundee to sponsor seeds, sewing machines and other resources to develop more income generating projects in the area. To find out more about more about Noah please visit, http://www.noahorphans.org.za

The hikers had the afternoon "off", and it turned out to be an opportunity to visit a local museum on the Anglo-Boer war (The Great Africa War). We also had a chance to spend more time with our local hosts before going to the Dundee Rotary Christmas party. Spending time with local Rotarians and their families has been an extremely important part of our trip, and all of can say that our lives have been forever changed by the kindness shown to us along our journey. Thanks to Estelle, President of the Rotary Club of Dundee for a great couple of days!

Day 9

2007-12-08T22:38:00.000-08:00

Day 9- Newcastle to Dundee 75km

Day 8

2007-12-08T22:04:00.000-08:00

Day 8- Project Day in Newcastle
Although the weather was still cold and rainy we left in good spirits to the Madadeni Noah (Nurturing Orphans of AIDS for Humanity) Ark site. The Rotaract Club of Johannesburg has been greatly involved with Noah sites in Gauteng province and it was exciting for us to visit a KwaZulu Natal site. Not really sure what to expect we arrived in Madadeni, a large township outside of Newcastle, with Morne the President of the Majuba (Newcastle) Rotary Club, as well as Phumzile, the Ark Development Officer for the Newcastle/Dundee/Ladysmith region. We were greeted by all of the Ark staff and volunteers, and were told about the community, the things they are doing, especially with regards to home visits for the children, and the challenges they face. Noah sites are not institutions, and the children come afterschool to get a meal, help with their homework, counseling, and to participate in other activities ranging from singing and dancing to working in their food garden. The children said that they wanted to sing for us, and so for the next half hour we actually all ended up singing and dancing together, especially Ernest and Bongane who both showed off their Zulu dancing. After the dancing had concluded the guy hikers, joined by Morne, played a game of cricket with the boys from the Ark while Desiree cheered and spoke with the girls on the side. By mid-day one of the older children suggested that we have a large discussion to talk about issues of HIV/AIDS as well as other major linking concerns for the community. It was a bit unexpected, and while some of the hikers were a bit nervous at first, we all agreed that since the teenagers from the Ark wanted to talk that were should let them. This turned out to be one of the most amazing experiences of our hike thus far. For almost two hour we all sat together speaking on issues from condoms to sex, to violence against girls and women to hopes and opportunities for the future. Many of the hikers have come from communities just like Madadeni, and it was extremely important for both sides to share their thoughts and stories. By the end the children and older teenagers agreed that they wanted to try and organise a discussion group once a month with the Ark. We all went away feeling refreshed. It will be the moments like these that we will tell our own children about. Also wonderful, and part of our hike is that we were able to foster new ties between the Rotarians and Rotaractors of Newcastle and the Madadeni Noah Ark. Morne pledged to involve the Rotary and Rotaract clubs, and we are eager to see what things will come from this newly formed relationship.
-That night we were once again treated to Rotary hospitality as the local Rotarians invited us to their annual Christmas party.

Day 7

2007-12-07T11:24:00.000-08:00

Day 7- Volksrust to Newcastle- A little tired and a few blisters later we arrive into KwaZulu Natal! We cannot believe we have been doing this for a week now. The day started off a little later as we were all staying with different host families in Newcastle. We had to drive back to Volksrust to complete our last 55km into Newcastle. Taking it easy and enjoying the scenery we arrived into Newcastle around 16:00, and then waited for the Newcastle Rotaractors to join with us the last bit into town. At 16:30 the other Rotaractors arrived with traffic police and we were set to make our "official" entry into Newcastle. The day was very cold and rainy and each one of us was cold and wet but overall in good spirits when we were joined for the last strech. The day went by quickly, but along the way we were continously surprised by the beauty of KwaZulu Natal. Passing houses with no running water or electricity, boys playing soccer and women fetching water we were once again reminded of how remarkable this journey was. There are so many stories to tell. The day concluded with a fantastic braai hosted by Morne, the President of the Rotary Club of Newcastle. Nothing like good food and discussion to end a day.

Day 6

2007-12-06T11:25:00.000-08:00

Ermelo to Volksrust/Newcastle-
Today was also a long walking day as we once again covered a little over 100km. Like in Middleburg the Ermelo police escorted us out of town, and we were excited to be heading on to KwaZulu Natal. The weather for the day turned quite cold and bits of rain and construction work on the roads made much of the day slow going and frustrating. Finally around 16:30 we arrived into Volksrust, pilled into the vehicles and made our way to Newcastle where we would be hosted by the Rotary and Rotaract Club of Newcastle. The night was spent at the Rotaract meeting and we were able to share some of our stories on the road as well as plan for the next couple of days in the area. Newcastle area has a very high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and it was heartbreaking to her one of the Rotaractors describe a community in the area that has close to 200 deaths a week due to HIV/AIDS. These realities cannot be ignored.

Day 5

2007-12-05T01:04:00.000-08:00

Day 5
Ermelo- Project day visit to local Provincial Hospital and HIV/AIDS clinic
This day was as inspiring as it was difficult. The Ermelo Hospital currently has close to 2000 HIV/AIDS patients who are receiving ARV medication, the drugs used to treat AIDS patients. In two rooms they work with hundreds of patients a day, and it was heartbreaking to see how understaffed and over worked the nurses are. There are a great many needs for this hospital and others like it throughout South Africa, and while these people are able to get treatment many more are waiting. We were encouraged by the enthusiasm and passion of the nurses who coordinate the programme, and eagerly tell of stories of individuals going about a normal life if they are able to get on and stay on ARV treatment. For the patients it is also no easy task to collect their medicine and see a doctor. Many come at 4:30am and wait the whole day, some having nothing to eat and risk loosing a job for taking a day off. There are also close to 200 children currently getting ARVs, but highlighted was the fact that many children are left to a early death sentence if found HIV positive. Some of the request made by the hospital workers were things like the creation of a soup kitchen, something incredibly important for people taking their medication. We had a long discussion about what we saw after our visit, and while this was just one hospital, all of us were reminded that there are countless others like it thoughout the country. The local media was there to document our visit and we were excited at the prospect that perhaps our visit would help to inspire local members of the community to do something for the hospital and the ARV rollout centre.
That evening all of the hikers attended a local church dinner in which many of the Ermelo Rotarians helped to plan. With good food and fellowship we joked and discussed our further plans. The evening ended wonderfully as the Ermelo Rotarians vowed to donate R2500 to the AIDS Hike Fund! Thank you Ermelo!

Day 4

2007-12-05T01:03:00.000-08:00

Day 4
Middleburg to Ermelo- The day started out early as the Middleburg traffic police met us at the gate of the Care Village to escort us out of town, and on our way to Ermelo. It was quite exciting for everyone to be able to literally block traffic through town as we walked. Thanks to Middleburg and the local traffic police for a great morning!
Day 4 was our longest hike day as we had over 104km to walk. There is nothing like walking to make you stop and appreciate a place. I have driven this stretch of road a number of times, and there were so many things I had never noticed. Out of the city, out of the office, and out of the classroom I think all of us started to pay attention to other people’s lives and concerns. From the road we could see the mama carrying her child, people going about their work and daily lives, and you realize in one moment both how small and how special each individual and their life is.
Extremely tired and a bit sore we did manage to arrive around 16:30 in Ermelo. The local Rotarians arranged for us to stay at the Ermelo Inn so we were all able to shower and relax before our presentation that night. Although small in numbers, the local Rotarians were loads of fun and it was wonderful for each of us to get to know another side of South Africa we had not known before.

Day 3

2007-12-05T01:02:00.000-08:00

Day 3
Witbank/Middleburg- This day was a project day, and allowed from some much needed rest in the morning. A couple of the Middleburg Rotarians had organized a radio interview with Radio Kragbron, a local Afrikaans radio station to discuss the hike. We all had an opportunity to visit the radio station which at present has close to 300,000 listeners. Bogane and Desiree had a great interview which was played later on the afternoon.
After the interview Anthony, his daughter and her boyfriend met up with the hike team to visit their community projects. The first place we visited was Emthembeni Children’s Home, which currently houses 29 children. The main place where the older boys currently sleep is a room with a basic carpet on top of the ground. There is no foundation and the roof is thin sheet metal. There are a great many needs, but it is also amazing to see what the local Rotarians are doing. Bogani made a new friend with Lebo, who during the course of the visit would not be parted.
The second place we visited was a Home Based Care programme run out of a local clinic. Volunteers are responsible for roughly 25 patients, visiting, caring for and servicing the sick and their families.
The final project for that day was a home visit programme for orphans and vulnerable children called Isibindi, also in the Kwaguqa township close to Witbank. The girls showed off a dance to Sarafina that they had been working on, and we had a chance to really sit and chat with the child and youth workers about their lives and the work that they do in the community for their communities HIV/AIDS orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC).
That evening the Rotary/Rotaract Clubs of Middleburg as well as Witbank all came out for a farewell braai at the Care Village where we were staying. It nice evening filled with lots of food and good conversation, as well as our first on the road presentation about the hike. Each club also vowed to pledge money towards the AIDS Hike Fund!

Day 2

2007-12-05T01:01:00.001-08:00

Day 2
Ogies/Witbank- After a fantastic evening with our host Anthony, the president of the Witbank Rotary Club we headed back to Ogies to start the 60 km walk to Middleburg. Since the day was a lighter walking day we really took the opportunity to slow down the pace a bit and to take in more of the scenery as well as each other’s company. Riona was still with us for this day, and that made it easier to cover more kilometers. By 2:30pm we had arrived on the main road into Middleburg and we were met by three members of the Rotaract Club of Middleburg to walk with us into town and to our accommodation at the Care Village for children, a Rotary sponsored programme. The evening was another great dinner as Rotarians and Rotaractors from Middleburg organized a burger braai. According to Bogane the burgers were the best he had ever tasted!

Day 1

2007-12-05T00:36:00.000-08:00

Day 1
Daveyton to Ogies- At 8am there are already thirty children out on the lawns of Daveyton Noah Ark, patiently awaiting their turn to have their faces painted. Under the tent awning, volunteers are setting out small plastic chairs in red, blue, green and yellow, the colours of the handmade South African flags that some of the children carry. By 9am the festivities have begun and an official opening ceremony with all Rotarians, Rotaractors, and other community members has begun. With song, music, prayers and pledges of donations everyone eagerly moves towards the gated entrance of the Daveyton Ark awaiting the start of the Hike. At 10am exactly the girls in the drum majorettes have begun playing, and with cheers from the crowd we head off down the street. The children and the community escort us until the end of the road and from there we say our goodbyes.
For the first 14km everyone is in high spirits, but it is quickly becoming apparent that this is no small task we have undertaken. By midday we have covered close to 40km, and while tired we are excited about getting to our first stop tonight. By 6pm we arrive in Ogies, our first “stop”, but actually stay the night in Witbank.

Rotary/Rotaract AIDS Hike 2007

2007-11-10T03:40:00.000-08:00

On December 1, 2007 (World AIDS Day), we will leave Johannesburg, South Africa, en route through Mpumalanga to Durban, South Africa (roughly 800km/500 miles). As we hike for the next 21 days, we will visit Rotary Clubs and their HIV/AIDS projects which benefit orphans and vulnerable children, including Noah (Nurturing Orphans of AIDS for Humanity) Ark sites. Working together with Rotaractors, Rotarians, and other kind people the world over, we hope to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS, as well as money for HIV/AIDS projects for orphans and vulnerable children. We look forward to learning the stories of those involved with the projects and those who are served within the projects and to gain a better understanding of our part in the fight against AIDS in South Africa and the world.

Meet the Hikers:
Ernest Cele, Community Service Director, Rotaract Club of Jo'burg
Bongani Gumede, Member, Rotaract Club of Jo'burg
Desirée Kosciulek, President, Rotaract Club of Jo'burg
Tsholofelo Monare, Member, Rotaract Club of Jo'Burg
Brighton Ravele, Vice President, Rotaract Club of Jo'burg
Bogane Sibanyoni, Professional Development Director, Rotaract Club of Jo'burg
Shaun van Coller, Member, Rotary Club of Roodepoort Central