Basic HTML Version
16 HASHALOM August
2016
August 2016
HASHALOM
17
T
he Victor Daitz Foundation perpetuates the spirit of the man
who established it – an humanitarian who supported a wide
spectrum of causes and uplifted the lives of so many. His
legacy is the opportunity to establish a better life for those South
Africans who are the recipients of his bounty. It is therefore no
surprise that The Victor Daitz Foundation has become involved in
the Vula Project and has donated so generously towards this very
effective programme.
“VULA” – the Zulu word for “open”, was started with grant funding
at Hilton College. The Programme has opened the minds of over
16 000 children in the Midlands of Natal to the joys of mathematics
and science by teaching the teachers, from poor government
schools, how to instruct their pupils in South Africa’s most under-
resourced subject areas. The director, Lloyd Smuts, and four retired
teachers who help to run the project, bring a wealth of experience
to the project and play a critical role in its success.
The programme was started in 2001 with seed funding of
R5 million by Hilton donors. It is housed at the school which
absorbs much of its costs. The programme has become more
refined over the years – to the point where it now takes in 20
teachers a term, selected by the Department of Education from
government schools in the Umgungundlovu educational district.
During the term, the teachers are placed at Hilton and their
school positions are filled by bursary-funded Durban University of
Technology final year student teachers. Until a few months ago,
the Umgungundlovu teachers travelled to Hilton, every day, from
areas across the district – some as far afield as Winterton and
Mpendle, leaving their state schools to take lessons.
But now, thanks to a R2.5M seed donation from The Victor Daitz
Foundation, Hilton College has built Victor Daitz House, the
first house of the Vula Lodge project. The Victor Daitz House
accommodates 16 teachers who will live on the school campus
for a term. The Lodge project was conceived as Hilton plans to
extend the programme beyond the borders of Umgungundlovu
and will need to accommodate teachers from further afield.
In his speech given at the opening of The Victor Daitz House,
part of Vula Lodge, Sam Abrahams, the chairman of The Victor
Daitz Foundation, gave an address on behalf of the foundation.
He gave credit and honoured the Hiltonian Society for recognizing
that it is critical to tackle the educational weaknesses in South
Africa in mathematics and science. He mentioned how excited
The Victor Daitz Foundation was to be a part of the opening of
Vula Lodge which is an integral part of the Vula programme; as
well as being an ongoing donor to the programme.
Abrahams went on to say “Victor believed that the only sustainable
way for society to create jobs and therefore reduce the abject
poverty which faces so many of our fellow citizens is to tackle
Mathematics and Sciences which will enable the participants to
be financially self-sustaining.”
And this is exactly what the Vula Programme aims to do. The
training of these teachers, using up-to-date technologies,
innovative teaching methods and experienced facilitators is what
has made this project sustainable and successful. The quality
of the teachers who run the programme are exceptional and
therefore make the project the success that it is.
Closing his address, Abrahams said: “Our Foundation says a
‘thank you’ to the Hiltonian Society for its efforts and assures it
that The Victor Daitz Foundation is very proud to have contributed,
in some way, to this project”.
THE VICTOR DAITZ HOUSE
OPENED AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE VULA PROGRAMME
Sam Abrahams at the opening of the Victor Daitz house
Victor Daitz house, Vula Lodge at Hilton College
COMMUNITY NEWS
COMMUNITY NEWS
By Sylvia Collins
T
he floors on the Hotel sections have been carpeted
and beautiful wooden flooring has been fitted in our
Activities Centre and Frail Care Section.
New curtaining
is in progress and all the semi-clinic rooms have had lovely
new curtains fitted. This has transformed the rooms and made
them look lovely. So a huge thank you to our donors who have
made this possible. Our residents have been fantastic during this
transformation and we are all happy that it is almost completed.
Our residents loved going to the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra this
season and a big thank you to our sponsor who made this possible
for our residents and to Mrs Jo Fourie, our Activities co-ordinator.
Residents have enjoyed their Bingo mornings with the UJW and
the Sisterhood, which is always well attended.
Beth Shalom has received lovely books and clothing for our
Library and our Clothing Shop so a big thank you for these kind
donations. Our sincere thanks to the ladies who give their time to
volunteer and assist in these areas.
Our yearly community Oneg Shabbat Dinner will be held at the
Home on the 15th July and this should be another outstanding
evening celebrating good wholesome food and great company.
Beth Shaloms next Fund-raising project will be our Gala Concert,
which will be held at the Jewish Club. Save the date, Sunday
21st August at 2pm for a delightful afternoon of world class
entertainment. Tickets will be on sale soon at the Home for R100.
This includes a delicious tea. This concert is not to be missed, so
book early to avoid disappointment.
We have had some lovely entertainment for our residents this
month namely Kevin Burden who does rock and roll and classics.
Residents have lots of fun singing and dancing to this wonderful
music.
Arthur Zimmerman remains a huge hit with our residents who love
his classical music evenings. Now that the renovations are almost
complete Ernie Aaron and Rolene Lyons will get back to their own
musical appreciation mornings. Lots of wonderful movies have
been shown by the UJW and have been thoroughly enjoyed. Also
a big thank you to Lynette Sterling who also shows movies on a
Sunday evening.
BETH SHALOM IS PRESENTLY UNDER
RENOVATIONS AND THE HOME IS LOOKING
RATHER SPECTACULAR.