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In the spirit of "Think Globally, Act Locally," each local Earthdance event donates at least 50% of their profit to a local charity. Glenys van Halter started this year’s beneficiary – ZIZANANI in 1993 with her motivation being that she was an abused child and had to put her pain into action to assist other children in similar situations. Through her hands-on approach at grass roots level, Glenys has gained respect and trust of the community members as well as brought the reality of the terrible socio-economic conditions that people live in to the attention of the authorities, businesses and public at large - if South Africa is to prosper it is essential that the youth in this country are educated and trained in skills. Zizanani has created the Wings of Life Center that contains a youth and training center, kitchen, nursery school and primary school in the Diepsloot Community Settlement as well as having established small crèches throughout the settlement that are run by local mothers, ensuring the young children are not left alone at home and vulnerable while the mother is at work. Zizanani feeds 250 children a hot meal daily and ensures that they are educated. They also facilitate an HIV Home-based Care project, which cares for families with HIV positive members that are too sick to do anything for themselves. A driver delivers hot meals to the 300 patients currently being supported. Any funding received will go towards the establishment of a Rejuvenation Center for victims of abuse and violence where they can go to feel loved, protected and safe and are able to get help and advice from social workers. Also in dire need are seeds and compost for the vegetable gardens, which help to feed the children daily. Plants and trees are also needed for the project as well as a first-aid kit for the crèche / nursery school.
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