The Reason Why

When people ask me why I continue to fundraise for the children at the HOKISA orphanage, it's easy for me to answer.  I instantly remember the kids' smiling faces, laughs and a genuine appreciation to be alive.  These kids own little but run around as if they are the riches kids on earth.  I have learned a lot from them, most importantly, to live life simply.  Happiness doesn't cost much.  I feel that many of us take for granted the opportunities that we have.  I have reflected on my own life and realize how lucky I am.  I was able to notice my fortunes because of the experiences I've had with HOKISA.  The children have made a lasting impression on my heart.  I want to continue to assist them financially because I've grown to care for each of the children and cherish the memories that we share.

Hanging out at Noordhoek Farm with Panana, Lebo and Fundiswa.

Miracles

My Messenger Dolls Project has grown to become much more than I could have ever imagined. I have always been outgoing and concerned about what's happening in the world, but I never thought I would be recognized and awarded for my actions. In the spring of last year, I was nominated for the Cox Conserves Hero Award. This award went to individuals who improved their community by helping the environment and creating awareness about environmental struggles. I was interviewed, publicized on television and voted by the public to receive a $10,000 grant, in which I chose to benefit the Chula Vista Nature Center (who had recently lost funding). As a result, my project exploded into the public and everyone started to hear about my award and my project. I was on the front cover of our district newspaper, awarded Inspirational Student of the Month and was recognized by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors for my good deeds. My passion for helping people sparked miracles, that toppled over like dominoes, one after the other, helping to spread kindness through my Messenger Dolls.

Thus The Title

One year my mother brought home a decorated bottle, fashioned to look like an african woman. She received it as a gift for a donation she made to a non-profit group called Tias Arms. At that time, we already had our first fundraising banquet to benefit the HOKISA orphanage. I wanted to do more for HOKISA. The "doll" my mother brought home that day inspired me and I ended up creating one of my own. I asked for donations of materials, such as bottles (for the body), old clothes and remnant fabric (for the clothes and headdress), beads (for the jewelry) and recyclable bottles/cans (revenues used to purchase foam heads and glue). Many friends were willing to help. I created around 50 dolls for our next fundraising event. Each of the dolls carried a bag that held a special message from one of the HOKISA children. Thus the name, "The Messenger Doll Project". 

The Story

Six years ago, I started this incredible journey. I remember everything like it was yesterday. My mother and I traveled to South Africa  for the first time to visit some friends. When we stepped off the plane at about 8:45 p.m., after 30 hours of traveling, we (for some bizarre reason) decided to read the local newspaper. On that day, we read about a man named Cecil Bosman, who at the time, was cycling through every country in Africa to raise awareness about a small orphanage, Home for Kids In South Africa (HOKISA). HOKISA is an orphanage that cares for kids that are affected by HIV and AIDS. This home houses 20 children, ranging from new-borns to 18 year olds, provides them with a highly nutritious diet, supplies them with medicine, and encourages them to go to school. After our fun filled vacation, when we returned home, my mother and I chose to help Cecil and fundraise for this life-saving home. Our first fundraiser was a dinner with friends and family at a local restaurant in Chula Vista. That year, surprisingly, we raised a little over $5,000 dollars. Now, after 6 years, the story still continues...

HOKISA is located in a township outside of Fish Hoek called Masiphumelele.