Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people aged 12 to 18 years. Limavady’s Interact Club is made up from the 3 schools of St. Mary’s, Limavady Grammar and Limavady High.

LIMAVADY SCHOOL'S INTERACT CLUB AND THE ROTARY CLUB OF LIMAVADY BEGIN WORK IN ZULULAND SOUTH AFRICA.

A project we are undertaking which furthers international understanding and goodwill is a return visit to South Africa in 2011 to work with Zulufadder. The word ‘Zulufadder’ is Norwegian, meaning ‘Zulu Godparent’ or ‘Zulu Sponsor’ and is an organisation that was set up by Mari Maurstad (a Norwegian actress and author). This organisation helps orphans, vulnerable children and their families who have been affected by HIV and AIDS. Activities include providing meals counselling, HIV and AIDS education, educational assistance (school fees and uniforms), vegetable gardens, pre-school activities, sewing circles, skills training, housing and medical care to name but a few.

On our previous visit in 2009, we sponsored a child called Akhona. He was born in 2003 and his mother died when he was less than a year old. He does not know his father and lives with his brother and cousins. He now goes to Umlalazi Primary School and wants to be a Police Officer when he grows up. We have committed to sponsoring Akhona until he is 18 years old and we are now building a house for him and his family. This little boy holds a very special place in our hearts and we cannot wait to see him again.

Fourteen young people from the three second level schools in Limavady (Limavady High School, St Mary's, and Limavady Grammar School) accompanied by Rotarians Greg Heaney and Glenn Reilly and their wives, Alayne and Ivy arrived in Eshowe South Africa on Wednesday,3rd August after a 30 hour journey to Durban via Dubai.

The group met representatives from the Zulufadder Norwegian Charity and started work to build two houses for Zulu families in the area. The young Interacters delivered educational resources which had been donated in the Roe valley to a local creche and spent time teaching the young children.

The Project will continue for the next two weeks and everyone hopes that this second visit will develop during future years.

What an amazing experience!!!!! These photographs tell the story to date. More news to follow.

Keep up with the story through Facebook on the Rotary Cub of Limavady website.

The Zulufadder Team Leaving Limavady	The Start of building work
The Zulufadder Team with Kids