I visited Sakhumzi centre for abandoned and orphaned children today, in the centre of a busy and bustling township. It was a humbling and special experience I feel very lucky to have been a part of. Our aim is to create a calender of images of the children to give to the sponsors at the next fund raising event. We arrived at the centre and all the little children (aged 2- 8) waved and said hello to us, sticking out their little thumbs, for us to knock our thumbs against, saying 'sharp sharp.' Their teachers, who are actually mostly just children themselves, who were unable to attend school due to the strikes, shepherded them into the classroom, where I asked them to teach us a song. They sang beautifully, but when they asked me to sing with them I struggled a bit, as unfortunately I don't speak any Xhosa. The teachers translated for us as we asked them questions about their favourite colours, pets, toys etc. Then all of the children sat down and we handed out paper and pens. At first they were very hesitant, they kept opening and closing the boxes of pastels, foreign objects that they were unsure what to do with. So I knelt down next to Stella, a beautiful bright little girl aged 4, and we drew together- I would draw something, then she would look at me and point at it and copy me, and add to the drawing as well. I wish I could have communicated with her better- she kept trying to ask me questions I couldn't understand, but I did know the Xhosa word for beautiful, and when I pointed at the picture and told her how lovely it was, her whole face lit up in an uncomplicated grin. It makes me so happy that the children at the centre seem so unscarred by their traumatic childhood experiences - mostly they seem relaxed and confident, thriving in the atmosphere of love and protection Mama Amelia, the orphanage owner, provides. Greg was the photographer, and the kids were fascinated by him and the camera, one tiny two year old would not stop following him around, trying to get his little hands on the camera lens! Greg was so sweet with him, and with all the children, and he took some stunning photographs. We asked each child to pose with their masterpiece and we photographed them all individually and in groups. At the end of the workshop we gave them all sweeties, and their little faces lit up and I felt the happiest I think I've felt in a long time. I hope I get the opportunity to do this again, each time one of the children reached for my hand or put their thumb against mine it was such a special experience. I really am so proud of what my parents are doing in this community, helping to build proper facilities for the orphans, providing an early childhood development centre, clinic, creche, and a new orphanage where there will be four children to one house mother, with their own room and space to grow. The project needs a lot of money in order to be realized but I believe that when people see these children and hear their stories that they will want to make a difference to their lives, and that the money will come.