We have a connection to the Duke and share the sadness of
his death.
In 2001 the Milimani Game Sanctuary (now part of Somkhanda) in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, was approached by the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Programme to participate in a community project.
This humble building became the starting point in education for many young children in the community. It also freed up mothers, enabling them to continue with their daily chores. Children receive a daily meal during school terms.
In 2001 we welcomed 20 youngsters from the UK who assisted with the construction of the creche. They split their time between living at Milimani in a rondavel, in tents in the bush and in the community. It was the bridge that forged a lasting relationship between us and a community that had previously suffered a brittle history. The Milimani Educational Trust was born out of this relationship and 20 years later is still going strong.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme was founded in 1965
by Prince Philip. It has since expanded to 144 nations. The awards recognise
young adults who complete a series of self-improvement exercises modelled on
Kurt Hahn's solutions to his "Six Declines of Modern Youth".
The Milimani Educational Trust now supports three creches in Kwadla-Kuse, Sovane and Maphambeni. We have funded teacher training for seven ladies, ensure that the schools receive food and stationery, constructed St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Sovane and distributed food parcels during Covid to struggling families. The Trust’s main supporters are St. Michael’s Anglican Church in Umhlanga, The Graham Caritas Trust, MarbleTech, Beletha Foundation and the Oldham family in the UK.
For more information follow us on Facebook: Milimani
Educational Trust.
Lois Kuhle
