Something terrible has happened to a small organization in South Africa. A friend of mine Linzi Thomas who’s spent 18 years as the director of The MylifE foundation has received word that funding is not coming in and at a critical point in the village’s evolution. They are now unable to continue building a school (pay labour costs) and provide services to the youth. Reports of drugs have already begun circulating throughout the local villages changing the behaviour of the children and the rest of the community showcasing just how important Linzi and the MylifE foundation’s work are.
The MylifE Foundation has been working tirelessly on the sustainable development of the MylifE Village concept for the past 6 years. They are building a ‘creative community’ for the Next Generation. The MylifE Villages will be a place where, using eco-principles, youth – otherwise trapped in unemployment, poverty and hopelessness – have the opportunity for healing and to be skilled into sustainable and inspired members of society, contributing to economic development and a peaceful society.
The model is a “Train the Trainer” programme based on climate, soil, food, water, shelter and love. It will provide training and skills development for children in all areas of Green Building and Food Production. This will be realized through hands-on-work, practical learning and experience in a real-life, self-sufficient creative community. The MylifE Villages will provide children with the tools they need to change their lives and communities for the better.
Their work is something that I really believe in and I’m trying to raise money for them and so to do this I've written an original song specifically for the situation here called “A long way from home”.
Money raised will be spent on experts on radical sustainable buildings (
www.lwhome.org) who will then be able to transfer skills to rural South African youth.
You can learn more about the MylifE Foundation here:
www.mylife.org.za/blog/