Review of 2020
2020 started off just as beautifully as 2019 ended, we enjoyed serving the kids a daily healthy meal. But Covid-19 threw a spanner in the works. Everything changed. Our kitchen had to be closed. No more breakfast at school or lunch at Ubuntu Mundo for the kids. And we were no longer allowed to enter South Africa. Understandable to curb the pandemic, but heartbreaking.
Feed the children of the world
Fortunately, the team on the ground continued full of energy. They tended the gardens. Harvested the vegetables and, together with local organizations, distributed the produce to families in need. This way we could help in some way. By the end of July, we were allowed to re-open serving take-out meals by implementing strict safety measures. This to great joy of all involved. Step by step the children came back to our kitchen. The smiles returned to the faces of the children and also to us. We loved that the beautiful and important work of Ubuntu Mundo – nurturing children – continued. At the beginning of September, we were even able to open a second kitchen in the nearby Rooikboklaagte. 250 children now enjoy a healthy meal every day. And this is just the beginning. Our ambitions go much further. Ultimately, we want all the children in the world to have good food. That is why we are steadily building on our ambition despite Covid-19. In 2021, we hope to serve 400 meals a day to children.
For the love of kids
We went to South Africa 5 years ago and feel lucky to have found the children of Bodlayabongolo. We were able to make a small contribution to their daily happiness. Out of love. This year, we missed their laughter and happiness. We also learned how important our work is and how much joy the children bring us. A child’s smile is priceless. It motivates us to realize our ambition together with you. We have been thrilled to have the support from all around the Mundo to create a sustainable program to feed children. While Ubuntu Mundo was formed in 2016, our New York friends created Ubuntu-USA in 2019 and received 501(c)(3) approval in spring of 2020. It has given us the courage and spirit to continue with our work, feeding the children. And of course, we hope that we can continue to count on your support in 2021 and beyond. For the love of the children.
A healthy 2021
2020 has been a special year. It shows how unpredictable life can be. But in difficult times there can also be great joy, beautiful acts of unselfishness, and sources of tremendous inspiration and growth. We wish you a beautiful and above all healthy 2021.