2025 Easter Newsletter

Dear BCDT Family, 

As the autumn sun warms our village and the first whispers of Easter remind us of life’s capacity for renewal, we reflect on the profound truth Nelson Mandela once shared: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.” For 35 years, BCDT has upheld this ideal—a sanctuary where despair transforms into dignity, and where your support gives hope for generations.  

“Leave no Child Behind”

Easter - a season of contrasts

Easter’s Promise: Custodians of the Next Generation 

Left: This Year’s Easter Queen, Mapule, and Right: “I Can Fly” - photo courtesy of Trevor Romain

Easter at BCDT is a time of celebration tinged with reminders of the struggles that remain. A time to honour the resilience of the human spirit, even as we navigate the challenges of financial instability during the early months of the year, awaiting government funding to carry us forward. Having two large sponsors moving onto other projects and filling that space with stretched resources.  

This year, Easter arrives with a mix of renewal and sorrow. We grieve the loss of cherished members of our community, whose absence leaves a deep emptiness in our hearts.

In Memoriam

Rodrick - a dedicated teacher
Rodrick who stood with us through two decades of hardship and triumph, lost his battle with cancer. His unwavering commitment to education and justice remains a guiding light for us all. 

Rodrick’s unwavering belief in education as a transformative tool was a cornerstone of his life’s work. He reminded us that knowledge elevates and liberates, regardless of one’s starting point. He encouraged  countless students to dream beyond their circumstances, and convinced them learning could be the ladder to a brighter future. He demonstrated that education is more than a means to personal advancement—its ripple effect touches families, communities, and generations yet to come. His legacy of imparting knowledge rewrote destinies. Thank you to all the people who contributed towards the funeral costs. 

Queen

Also passed is Queen (Lerato, Owen, and Stokies' mother, and Kessie's grandmother). Her departure was sudden and heart-wrenching— just as she and her family were preparing to move into their newly granted RDP house.  Enduring life in a shack, she had dreamed of this for years. The tragic grief collided with the joyous news that Lerato is expecting a child—a symbol of life's ceaseless rhythm of endings and beginnings. 

Perhaps this is what Easter truly stands for: a delicate balance of mourning and renewal, of pain and promise. A testament to enduring unity and hope. And so, we continue, strengthened by the memories of those before us and the dreams of those in our community who will follow. 

In our village, every life—no matter how brief—is seen as a gift. When someone departs, it is a legacy we honor. Even in our grief, we grasp onto the messages etched into their lives, their struggles, and their triumphs. Queen’s entire life, though steeped in poverty, was an object lesson in grace and resilience. Her gentle smile and indomitable spirit defied expectations. She taught us to flow with life—gracefully, humbly—a strategy not of surrender but of finding happiness amidst the turmoil. Queen showed us that every challenge is a lesson, every hardship a testament to human hope.  

In our journey of renewal, there are moments of shared grief that reveal the profound beauty of community. One such moment unfolded on news that Queen had passed away. Her granddaughter, Kessie Grade 4, was inconsolable.  We allowed her to stay home from school, joined by her closest friends, Nandi and Kea, whose presence brought her comfort. 

As Kessie wailed in her sorrow, Nandi—a delicate child with an angelic face—was overwhelmed by her own grief. Nandi’s anguish seemed to stem not just from the loss of Queen but also from the vulnerability she understood all too well. Her mother, having survived two major brain surgeries, remains precariously fragile. Kea, witnessing her friends' pain, stepped in with quiet grace to console both Nandi and Kessie. Kea’s own mother is battling a serious brain tumor, yet Kea’s empathy shone as she sought to provide solace. 

Left: Kea Right: Nandi

 The scene of these three ten year old children supporting one another in their shared grief was profoundly moving. Their bond and compassion went beyond what adult intervention could offer. Watching them, I felt humbled and reminded of how friendship and community can be a powerful antidote to adversity. In their expressions of sorrow and care, they showed us the beauty of humanity’s interconnectedness—a lesson rooted in love and resilience. 

Kessie’s love for cooking became a gentle balm amid the sorrow. Armed with flour, sugar, and a sprinkle of hope, she gathered her closest friends and transformed the kitchen into a haven of laughter and togetherness. Leigh generously provided the ingredients, and soon the air was filled with the rhythmic sounds of stirring and the bubbling contentment of batter on hot pans. 

It wasn’t long before an impromptu celebration happened. Singing and dancing with carefree abandon, the kitchen transformed into a space where grief coexisted with joy. Flour dusted faces; sugar fell from clumsy hands.  And resilience shone through. The pancakes were more than food—they became a symbol of creating sweetness from the bitterest moments of life.  I couldn’t help but smile through my own tears, knowing these small rituals reclaimed a sense of normalcy and hope. I stepped away quietly, as the kitchen became their sanctuary and place of solace. 

Supporting Scholars at MGS: A Unique Approach to Emotional and Community Well-being 

Two Special Reasons for Missing School 

At MGS, education goes beyond academics; it embraces the emotional and social well-being of its scholars. Recognizing that life’s milestones and challenges deeply impact young minds, the school has implemented two distinctive practices that reflect its commitment to nurturing a supportive and empathetic community. 

Birthday Celebrations: A Day of Joy 

One of the cherished traditions at MGS is allowing scholars to take their birthday off from school. This day is a celebration of their individuality and growth. Each scholar has the freedom to invite two friends to join them, creating a small, intimate group to mark the occasion in a way that feels meaningful to them. Whether it’s spending the day playing games, sharing a special meal, or simply enjoying time together, this practice fosters a sense of belonging and joy. 

This tradition reminds us that birthdays are milestones worth celebrating, not just within families but as part of the broader community. It enhances friendships, strengthens bonds, and gives scholars a sense of being valued and appreciated. 

The Grieving Pod: Emotional Support in Times of Loss 

MGS also recognizes the profound impact of losing a close family member on a scholar’s emotional state. In such moments of grief, the school allows the affected scholar to take time off and formalizes this by establishing a “grieving pod.” This pod consists of friends—chosen by the grieving scholar—who can spend a day or two offering emotional comfort and companionship. 

The grieving pod acknowledges that young individuals often find solace and strength in their peer group. Whether through shared storytelling, quiet moments, or simply being present, the grieving pod is a safe space to process emotions and navigate loss. 

The Community Impact 

By allowing scholars to miss school for these significant reasons, MGS sets an example of how educational institutions can integrate emotional intelligence into their framework, creating not just learners but compassionate individuals equipped to handle life’s challenges with grace and humanity. 

Lerato lying on her mum’s lap; Lerato, Kessie and Queen

L: Family photo: Joseph, Queen, Kessie (grandchild), Stokie & Lerato; R: Lerato as a child

As we celebrate all those who have passed on, we embrace the balance of grief and gratitude that defines life here at Botshibelo. Every soul teaches us lessons in grace and determination. 

This Easter, as we celebrate the resilience of new beginnings, we extend our deepest gratitude to you, our sponsors, who have carried this vision forward.  

Annual Easter Egg hunt brings joy

 A Tapestry of Gratitude: Honouring You, Our Sustaining Force 

To our sponsors—some walking beside us for over 20 years, others newly joined.  You are the unseen hands that hold this village together. Your generosity is a radical act of solidarity.

Because of you:  

• 900 residents sleep safely in rent-free homes, their children nourished by the school’s breakfast program.  

• +-220 learners at Botshibelo School receive education from Grade R to 9, their futures unshackled by illiteracy.  

• Teen scholars venturing to high schools beyond our village return for afterschool tutoring, their dreams guarded by your belief in them.  

• Lower domestic violence and LGB discrimination by Village Management. 

• Job opportunities as local farmers hire our villagers with confidence, knowing stable housing means reliable hands. 

• Ecological safety for the fauna and flora around us, especially the safeguarding of trees, snakes, birds, and pets.

You – our Sponsors - have funded more than projects—you’ve funded possibility. Whether you’ve sponsored a classroom, a meal, an animal going to the vet, a funeral, transport money, food, glass, or quietly sustained our admin costs, you’ve declared, “No one is disposable.”  

The Unbroken Thread: Mandela, Pope Francis, and Our Shared Fight 

This Easter, we draw inspiration from two global torchbearers who transcended borders to confront inequality. Nelson Mandela, our nation’s father, taught us that freedom is “not just to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Pope Francis echoes this call: “Inequality is the root of social evil.” Though their paths differed, their message converges here in Botshibelo.

BCDT’s work is not charity—it is justice. Like Mandela, we reject the idea that poverty is inevitable. Like Pope Francis, we see housing, education, and food not as privileges but as rights. And like both, we know this fight is not won alone. You, our sponsors, have joined this moral uprising—not with grand gestures, but with the quiet tenacity of monthly pledges, infrastructure grants, and trust in our shared mission.  

Water

Relying on bucket water versus a running tap is hard on everyone, but especially school-age children. Fetching, boiling, and sharing water consumes valuable time. Without running water, no one can wash until someone fetches a bucket, which must then be divided among household members. Children, already late for school, can’t wait in line. Another bucket is needed for dishes, another for cleaning, and yet another for laundry. Often, nearby tanks are empty, forcing children to fetch water from school tanks. The village’s water pipes and tanks are ready, yet the government hasn’t turned on the supply. Despite our inquiries, it’s unclear why water trucks arrive only on Wednesdays—perhaps profit motivates the delays? To those complaining about household inconveniences, consider life in a shack with no water. 

Dog and Cat Day for rabies inoculations 

Leigh, CEO of BCDT, was struggling to secure government-funded pet vaccinations and deworming for poor communities, amid government funding concerns. Leigh forwarded a letter from a local vet warning of a rabies outbreak, urging immediate action. Eventually, someone responded to Leigh and Sissy's incessant pleas. 

Vaccination day was chaotic, full of barking dogs and frightened, clawing cats.  I spent time educating skeptical children who were convinced the vet had “hurt” their pets.  But in the end, over 60 dogs and cats were inoculated.  What a day!

Dogs & Cats for Africa

Containers of Hope

A Legacy Reimagined 

The scrapping of Technikons (South Africa’s technical colleges) left South Africa’s poor without ladders to economic mobility. BCDT’s "Containers of Hope" reclaims this legacy, offering solutions where universities struggle and risk leaving rural communities behind. By supporting this project, sponsors help build a more equitable future—where training is a cornerstone of empowerment. 

BCDT’s "Containers of Hope": Bridging the Gap 

On BCDT property, using refurbished shipping containers, C of H revives the ethos of Technikons through:  

• Trades Training: Offering practical courses in hairdressing, fence-making, appliance repair, and coffee shop management.  These skills align with local economic needs (e.g., agriculture, tourism) and empower communities to create microbusinesses.  

• Job Creation: By partnering with local farmers and industries (as BCDT already does), the project ensures trainees transition into paid work, countering the "jobless growth" plaguing South Africa.

L: Thapelo our trainee cobbler R: Ryan our trainee hairdresser

 Why Sponsorship Matters 

• Sponsors of BCDT are not just funding a project—they are:  

• Restoring Dignity: Providing tools and training to marginalized youth.   With government funding strained (e.g., Wits University’s R1.8 billion financial aid shortfall in 2024), private-sector support is critical to fill gaps.  

• Building Sustainable Futures: Every R50,000 investment in a "Container of Hope" training hub can uplift 20 families through skilled employment, breaking cycles of poverty. 

Left: Michael explains the Easter Egg hunt. Right: A satisfied customer

 A Closing Ode to You 

To our sponsors—individuals, foundations, and businesses—you are BCDT’s heartbeat. As the poet Audre Lorde wrote, “Without community, there is no liberation.” You’ve built more than a village; you’ve built a blueprint for collective courage.  

This Easter, as you gather with loved ones, know that across the ocean or world, a community stands taller because you chose to see humanity in the margins. The road ahead remains long, but with you beside us, we walk it unafraid.  

With boundless gratitude, 

The Botshibelo Family  

“Ubuntu ngumntu ngabanye abantu.” 

“A person is a person through other people.”