A day to remember
On the 9th August LIV Durban turned 10 years old, and we had a joyful day of celebrations with our families and staff. It is incredible to think how far we have come since we opened our gates in 2011, and we have appreciated taking time together to reflect on all that has happened. In the weeks leading up to the birthday we asked some of our long term supporters and ambassadors to share some thoughts and memories with us.
“Thank you for 10 years of amazing service to the local communities, you guys have massive hearts and an amazing cause, and it is such a privilege to be able to support a foundation like yours. I hope the next 10 years are as fruitful as the 10 that have passed.”
Ruhan Straeuli- Lions Rugby Team
Our birthday was a joyful and fun filled day, and we feel so blessed that we could organise celebrations with the current level of covid restrictions. We met in groups to share a braai together, and the staff and mothers all brought an amazing selection of food and cakes. With plates piled high we sat around tables as family and enjoyed the opportunity to be in each others company. It was lovely to be able to come together as staff, volunteers, mums and children, and share stories from the last 10 years.
There was music and dancing and games, and in the afternoon we had an extra special treat. We gathered everyone in the main hall and waited with anticipation for the promised surprise. The delight was tangible as Noncebo Zikode came into the room and started singing “Jerusalema”. The children were so excited and it was amazing to see them jumping up and down and singing along to a few of her songs. After her performance she wished us a happy birthday and shared her heart and support for LIV. It was such a pleasure to have her come, and the children will remember her visit for a long time.
A journey to reflect on
We have also been able to spend some time reflecting on the last 10 years and how far we’ve come. The vision Tich Smith, our founder, had back in 1997 has really come to fruition, as we see children find a home with a mum who loves them, a school giving our children an education for their future, and community members finding purpose and passion either through job creation or training. It is also so amazing how many people over the years have sacrificed their time to serve here both short term and long term and as a result we have not only grown so much as a village here in Durban, but also to other locations in South Africa.
A future to look forward to
It brings us great excitement to think where the next 10 years will take us, and we expect LIV to continue to grow, reaching more and more of our nation’s vulnerable children. We are so grateful for those who continue to parner with us in seeing the LIV vision spread throughout our nation.
“What an amazing 10 years, I want to say thank you to everyone who has been involved in getting the village to this point. It’s been an incredible journey and what you guys are doing for those children and those mothers is truly special”
Grant Twiggy Baker
“We just want to take this time to say congratulations. We thank the Lord who has been with you on this journey. I know it has not been easy but we are grateful and thankful to all the mothers who have sacrificed a lot to take care of those children. To see them growing and loving Jesus and being sold out to The Lord blesses our heart. We are praying that the good God will give you strength, the Bible declares that you will not grow weary in doing what is good, and we pray you would continue to do the great work as we continue to pray for you and support you.”
Phindi, LIV board of directors.
