Nathi (11) and his father used to live in an apartment building in Killarney, Johannesburg, where his father had worked as a security guard for over 20 years. When the building decided to get rid of all of their employees and subcontract to a security firm, Nathi and his father had to move to a shack in Soweto.

Although Nathi’s father managed to get a short-term contract with a security firm, Nathi’s future was looking bleak. He was going to be sent to a substandard school in Soweto, he would spend his afternoons unsupervised and his nights alone while his father was at work. His mother died when he was two years old.

Boarding school became the best solution. Now the child is going to a good school, has his homework supervised, eats three balanced meals a day and has his clothes washed. I was amazed when in early January he said: “I cannot wait to go to boarding school! I’ll be safe!” Clearly his nights alone over December were frightening.

The challenge with boarding school – even Bophelo Impilo, a community based school – is that it’s expensive. The total cost for this school year (2010) is R19 000 by the time all the extras, including monthly supplies of washing powder and toilet paper, have been bought.

Cloud 9 is supporting this fund raising initiative to make a difference in the life of this lovely young boy, and we would love to have your help. Just drop off your jumble with us when you are in the area or are visiting us, and we will turn it into a decent education for this special boy.

If you are on Facebook, please join Bronwyns new group Jumble 4 School Fees. Thanks!

Kind regards

Bronwyn's book club and the Cloud 9 team

082 818 3860 Bronwyn