Kusaidiana Trust, a non-profit organization, recently hosted its Annual Awareness Gathering in March 2023, which was a great success. The event began with the organization's founder, Ilse Terblanche, sharing her journey and the impact Kusaidiana Trust has made since its establishment in 2017. The organization was created due to the lack of skills and financial challenges faced by people in their daily lives in the community. Ilse and her husband, Otto Terblanche, took the first step towards building their dream by having a coffee chat with Jean Greyling, a professor at Nelson Mandela University. Jean was thrilled with the idea and decided to become a trustee and board member, contributing to the growth of the organization.
During the event, Jean Greyling highlighted the costliness of formal education and how a small amount of 7K to 9K can change not only one person's life but also their families' lives. He urged the audience to support and plant the seed, whether with resources or financially, as planting the seed is key, regardless of its size. Ilse and Jean extended their gratitude to Solomon Mahlangu High School in Kwanobuhle, praising Mr Mncedi Mtengwana's critical role in the project and emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving their objectives.
The event also featured testimonials from beneficiaries of Kusaidiana Trust, who shared their journeys and how the organization positively impacted their lives. Adrian Vermaak, a new member of the trustees, expressed his satisfaction with the work done by the organization and its ability to turn dreams into reality.
Before the end of the event, the trust introduced an artwork by Duncan Stewart called "WATER BABY," which shows a mother elephant guiding her baby across a vast river, encouraging the inexperienced to step into the unknown, to trust the wise and experienced, much like us trusting God. Proceeds from the art piece are intended to go directly to the skills training of their students. The Annual Awareness Gathering of Kusaidiana Trust highlighted the importance of education and its ability to change lives, families, and communities.
As a publication we believe Kusaidiana Trust is an excellent example of an organization that is making a difference in people's lives, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
Images by: Johan Wasserman Photography