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Three2Six newsletter - October 2024
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Upcoming Changes
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The Three2Six Refugee Children’s Education Project will move from Dominican Convent School campus back to Sacred Heart College at the end of the year. This move marks an exciting new chapter for our project as we continue to support refugee and migrant children through education.
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We are excited to return to the campus at Sacred Heart College and are appreciative of the College’s generosity in offering to host the project once more. The beautiful grounds and facilities at the College will enrich the learning experience of the Three2Six beneficiaries as they participate in sporting and cultural activities.
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Sacred Heart College has allocated dedicated classrooms that we will be using every day from approximately 8:00-14:00 for teaching and learning. The space will also be available for the children to work after hours.
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Currently, the drama therapists are working with the children to prepare them for their new environment. The students have completed their final exams and are now participating in several post-exam activities, including school excursions, prize-giving ceremonies, and a farewell event to celebrate their achievements and resilience.
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Market day
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This month, our Grade 7s hosted an incredible Market Day at school. The students´ stands were filled with a variety of amazing items from handmade bracelets to delicious snacks. There was something for everyone.
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The children enjoyed the experience of buying, selling, and sharing their creations with their peers. Not only did the event allow them to showcase their entrepreneurial skills, but it also gave them a chance to practice teamwork, creativity, and financial literacy in a fun and engaging way.
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The Market Day was a fantastic success, thanks to the enthusiasm and hard work of our Grade 7s. Their smiles on their faces as they interacted with each other and their customers were priceless, and the event was a perfect example of the spirit of learning and community at Three2Six.
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Over the course of two Fridays, some of our children had the exciting opportunity to participate in a clay workshop. The task was simple yet profound: to create items that they connect with their homes.
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Throughout the workshop, the children had a lot of fun experimenting with the clay, shaping it into unique pieces. The process encouraged them to reflect on the meaning of home, while also giving them the chance to express themselves in a creative way.
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The workshop was not only a chance for the children to develop their artistic skills, but also an opportunity to connect with their peers and express their personal stories through art. Each day was rounded off with a delicious lunch.
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We are excited to share the story of Yollande Chikudju, a Three2Six alumna who recently returned to volunteer with us for two weeks. During her time with us, Yollande made a lasting impact by supporting marketing, assisting in the classroom, handling administrative tasks, and researching prospects for fundraising. Her dedication and passion were clear in every aspect of her work, and we are incredibly grateful for her valuable contribution to the project.
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Yollande reflects on her time at Three2Six:
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My experience during my learnership at the Three2Six project was nothing but amazing. The warm welcome and everyone willing to help provided a comfortable environment where learning was fun and easy. Just like my time as a pupil, Three2Six maintains a welcoming spirit, being the foundation of my schooling career. I will always be grateful to them for making it possible for me to have an education. As a child, my fondest moments at the project were the trips and the exposure to different activities which instilled a growth mindset in me.
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Yollande is currently pursuing a qualification in Marketing Management at Boston City Campus.
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I think of myself as an innovative and creative young woman willing to put in the work needed to achieve my goals.
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Her story stands as a powerful example of the impact that Three2Six has on its students, not just in terms of education, but also in fostering personal growth. We are so excited to see where her journey takes her next and wish her all the best for her future endeavors.
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Donations
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We would like to express our heartfelt thank you to Marist Brothers Linmeyer for their generous donation to our project.
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This donation is incredibly valuable, as it provides our children with quality materials for the next school year.
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A sincere thank you to Marist Brothers Linmeyer for their commitment.
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We are also thankful to Checkers for their generous voucher donation.
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This support enabled us to purchase essential food items, ensuring that the children continue to receive nutritious meals.
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Your kindness helps us meet the basic needs of the children while allowing them to focus on their education.
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Visitors
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We were honored to welcome Br Luis Carlos Gutiérrez and Br Jorge Gaio from Rome, as well as Br Emmanuel Mwanalirenji-Gunduloni and Br John Bwanali to Dominican Convent School. Their visit was part of a broader tour of several Marist schools across South Africa, and we were thrilled to have them join us to learn more about the Three2Six project.
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During their time with us, the brothers gained valuable insights into the challenges our families face and our advocacy efforts to support them. They also took the time to tour our host school, experiencing firsthand the environment in which our children learn and grow.
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We are extremely thankful for the brothers' support and their dedication to our mission. Their visit is a testament to the strong global network that stands behind Three2Six, and we look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership as we work together to create better futures for our children.
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Thank you, Br Luis Carlos, Br Jorge, Br Emmanuel, and Br John, for your time, support, and commitment to our shared vision!
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A visit from the University of the West of England
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We were delighted to welcome Ms. Mian Har Ng, the Head of Global Partnerships at the University of the West of England (UWE), to Three2Six. Earlier this year, the university donated funds to support our initiative, and this visit was an opportunity to explore how we can collaborate further in the future.
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During her visit, various ways in which UWE and Three2Six could work together were discussed. One of the key topics was the possibility of involving UWE students in activities that could directly benefit our children, alumni, and parents. This collaboration could include mentorship or workshops, all aimed at empowering and enriching the lives of those involved with Three2Six.
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She also brought gifts for the children like educational books and stationery. These gifts will support the children’s learning and development, helping them grow in their academic journeys.
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We are excited about the future of our partnership with UWE and look forward to the many ways it will positively impact the Three2Six community.
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Thanks to the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CoRMSA), Three2Six had the opportunity to attend an important meeting in Pretoria with the Office of the Minister at the Department of Home Affairs. The meeting brought together the CoRMSA secretariat along with representatives from 13 member organisations, including Probono.org, Jesuit Refugee Service, Lawyers for Human Rights, and the Catholic Archdiocese of Durban.
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During the meeting, several critical issues affecting refugees and migrants were discussed. Access to refugee reception centres was highlighted as a significant challenge, with many facing difficulties in reaching these essential services. Birth registration was also raised as an issue, with many families struggling to register the births of their children, which impacts their legal recognition. The status of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) was another key topic, as many people are uncertain about their future under this permit and its implications. Additionally, the complexities and delays in the documentation process were discussed, which create barriers to accessing rights and services for refugees and migrants.
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The meeting ended on a positive note, with constructive engagement from the Department of Home Affairs. These ongoing conversations are crucial for improving the lives of refugees and migrants in South Africa.
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HPV vaccine
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Our girls recently had the opportunity to receive the HPV vaccine. This important step helps protect them from cervical cancer and supports their long-term health. We remain committed to supporting the well-being of every child at Three2Six, and this vaccination is just one example of how we are working towards their long-term health.
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Social media collaboration
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In October, Three2Six and its partners, Misean Cara and FMSI, collaborated on another post. Find out more about it here!
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Alumni day
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On this month´s Alumni Day, the Three2Six alumni gathered at Sacred Heart College for a day filled with engaging activities. The session began with a reflective discussion, where various important themes were explored, such as end-of-year fatigue, the pressure of upcoming exams, and the challenges of university applications.
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Following the reflection, the focus shifted to enhancing computer literacy. During the session, they were tasked with finding news articles and summarizing them in their own words. This activity helped them practice both reading comprehension and critical thinking. The second task involved creating a study timetable using Microsoft Word. The goal was to equip the students with tools to plan their study routines and alleviate some of the stress surrounding exam preparation.
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To wrap up the day, the pupils participated in a fun and competitive history and mathematics quiz, reinforcing their knowledge in an interactive way. The session concluded with a prayer and a delicious lunch provided by the Marist Brothers.
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It was an enriching day of reflection, learning, and community – a perfect opportunity for our alumni to prepare for their challenges ahead.
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Each donation counts and helps us make a valuable change in the lives of our learners.
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