Why do we have this page on our website?
To honour the individuals who go above and beyond by not only donating to Vuyani but also becoming active champions for our programs and campaigns. These ambassadors play a crucial role in supporting our children and staff.
What do we see as important? Ambassadors contribute in person, visiting and interacting with our children and staff. They also advocate for Vuyani on their own platforms, encouraging others to contribute. They believe in our vision and mission and work to promote Vuyani wherever they can.
Ambassadors are more than just supporters; they are friends and loyal advocates who help us reach people and touch hearts that we cannot reach on our own. They exceed expectations and make a real difference in the lives of our children.
We hope that their example inspires others to become ambassadors for Vuyani, joining us in our mission to care for and uplift vulnerable children in Graaff-Reinet and the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality. Vuyani is incredibly grateful for these individuals and teams who drive this partnership with us.
We would love to introduce the following Ambassadors of Vuyani:
SAMARA KAROO RESERVE – AMBASSADOR FOR VUYANI SAFE HAVEN
Samara Karoo Reserve, near Graaff-Reinet, was established in 1997 by Mark and Sarah Tompkins as a passionate conservation project. Over 27 years, they have restored 67,000 acres of land, consulting with ecologists before purchasing 11 farms covering 5 of South Africa’s 9 vegetation biomes. They eradicated alien invasive plants, removed internal fencing, and rested the land for decades. Milestones include reintroducing cheetahs, elephants, and lions after many years. Samara actively restores and rehabilitates degraded landscapes through sound land management practices. In 2022, the Finch and Plojoux families joined the Tompkinses in their journey, equally committed to the future of this Karoo ecosystem.
LATHALLAN SCHOOL SCOTLAND – AMBASSADOR FOR VUYANI SAFE HAVEN
Introduced to Vuyani through the Samara Volunteer Project, a brief connection blossomed into an annual visit for S5 and S6 pupils from Lathallan School of Johnshaven. This opportunity, to take part in a volunteering trip to South Africa during their summer recess, started in 2011.
After a 3-year interruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic the program was resumed in 2023 – the reason is explained very aptly in the words of Craig, a S6 pupil who visited Vuyani in 2023 and is fundraising again in 2024: