The 2007 Hummingbird Project revolves around Thembalethu Children's Home in Kwazulu-Natal district, Harding, South Africa.

In 1982, Zulu couple James & Dorothy Sarjou (photo at right) donated a substantial portion of their farmland to open doors for multitudes of children abandoned or orphaned due to special needs, a death in the family (often by AIDS) or simply because their parents had no means to care for them. Some children were known to be living in woods, resorting to eating dung for survival.

Initiated with the assistance of a Norwegian missionary and Zulu church worker, the organization was founded, and James Sarjou took on the reigns of Director. Continually turned down by international agencies due to political unrest in the area (apartheid), a group was finally found that would accept the job. The home was raised and nearly 60 children moved in.

Since the first modest building (photo left) was erected, Thembalethu has proven worthy to the cause. Under the guidance and care of James & Dorothy Sarjou, Thembalethu has survived and grown under political unrest and with no set monetary commitments. The home has struggled during lean and difficult times, experiencing relief during moments of great giving, to continue to improve the lives, even provide employment, to the people in this rural and poverty stricken area.

To date, Thembalethu has been able to address the following:

• Caters to the needs of 50+ children year round
• Provides shelter, food, clothing, and recreation facilities
• Ensures children receive integrated education and training
• Ensures children receive medical and other care to function within the parameters of their challenge, and develop the required skills to be re-integrated into the community.
• Facilitates contact between children and their families (for those who have families, alternatively host or foster families)
• Provides childcare workers to look after the needs of the children

In addition, Thembalethu is working on Job Development (still in conception) and a Youth Center to encourage physical activity, mental stimulation and community integration and awareness. This Center is partially built. This is possibly the last project the Sarjous will direct first hand.

Since 1984, the Sarjous have overseen the day to day activities of Thembalethu Children's Home and corresponding projects. Without this land donation and life commitment to the project, it is safe to say there may never have been a Thembalethu.

The Sarjous are now approaching their 70s and in less than robust health. The need is great to find a suitable hire to assist in, and possibly take over, the day-to-day operations of the home to continue the work that has been done. Thembalethu's location is somewhat remote. Located six miles from the nearest town and 70 miles from the nearest substantial city, the position will require someone dedicated to the task. The requirement is a 3-year commitment.

The Hummingbird Project seeks to raise $50,000 to secure a promised salary for a new hire. Fundraising will be benchmarked per year. When funds have been raised for the first year, it will be possible to secure and begin training personnel.

We are pleased to join the efforts of Friends of Thembalethu in Sweden. Founded in 2005, the group now boasts approximately 50 members. Bjorn Sodahl, Chairman, is the nephew of the Norwegian missionary who helped spearhead Thembalethu with the Sarjous. Ulf and Hannah Sodahl and their children spent a year at Thembalethu, returning May 2007.

The members of the board of the Friends of Thembalethu Childrens Home shown at right, from left to right in picture:

Annida Högemark
Anders Jonsson
Marie Stjerna-Jonsson
Jan Ivarsson, treasurer
Björn Södahl, chairman
Ulf Södahl
Ingela Hakberg-Kjörk

Not present:

Hanne Södahl, vice chairman
Jan Lindsten, secretary
Ingela Jensen
Mats Jensen

Activities have included bazaars, lotteries and participation in public events in order to spread information about Thembalethu and raise funds to cover the needs of the home and its children.

They have most recently upgraded the water purification system, converting polluted water from the nearby river into potable. Additional projects include everything from school uniforms, to furniture replacement. We applaude their work and are excited to help and enhance everything that has been put into motion.