Sisonke Sakha Ingomsa~Building Tomorrow, Together

A public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Tax Code

Tax Identification Number EIN 33-1145646

"Lift Them Up"

It was on my very first trip to South Africa. A Khayelitsha teacher and I took a group of ten students out to eat after working all day with them in their computer laboratory. We stopped by Sa-Sa’s Kitchen in the Site C neighborhood of Khayelitsha, needless to say I was the only one of my skin color in many miles! After enjoying a traditional Xhosa meal of umnqusho an older man came over and so badly wanted to tell us something but his command of the English language wasn't allowing him to get his point across. After several attempts he finally glanced to the students and drew both of his hands down near his waste then raised them over his head. “Lift them up”, he said. I hope that in our own small way that we are honoring his request.

As I think back to that particular group of South African students I can say for certain that one is a college graduate, and six others are currently enrolled in higher education programs.

We began eight years ago as a school to school partnership program. We have since December of 2006 developed into a not-for-profit organization. In our first produced annual report we are presenting our history for the reader. This document will highlight three key initiatives while detailing the framework of our story.

Whether you are a long term friend to our project or a first time reader we are glad to see that you have located this web site. Although we welcome you to read every page we are more interested in your questions and ultimately your involvement; as the only way that we can continue to “lift them up” is with further support from all of you.

Partners Across The Ocean

My life long dream has always been going to college and I never knew how but always told myself to be optimistic about things like that. When I was told that I was going to receive a scholarship I couldn't believe it. I know I have made my parents proud and most importantly made my dreams come true.
It has been a great year for me, meeting people of different nationalities and making new friends has been a blessing. What keeps me going is knowing that I have a purpose in my life and I have responsibilities. Those things have helped me see that I must take opportunities because they might not come at all or maybe just once in a lifetime!

Sinazo Nombewu

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