Director

As I sit to write this report, I am prompted to revisit the mission statement of RivLife and to evaluate the achievements of the year 2008 against this backdrop which is: to implement visible, meaningful and sustainable change by imparting specialized care, technology and training to the disadvantaged, disenfranchised and disillusioned communities. The ultimate goal of RivLife is to reach, resource and reform these communities and in so doing to produce an empowered and transformed individual, family, city and country.

One has to therefore view developments and progress through the lenses of this statement and critically evaluate whether the accomplishments of RivLife in this year have further enhanced this vision. One may therefore question whether there is a visible manifestation of transformation in the lives of those associated with the RivLife programs. How has the presence of RivLife affected the lives and/or the environment around it?

Much of this can be more explicitly explained in terms of the highlights during this period. There have been several highlights in the past year which includes the following:

     ·RivLife was one of six NGOs who were chosen to receive an amount of R41 650.00
      as a gift from the KwaZulu-Natal Premier’s office on the occasion of his sixtieth
      birthday. Ten children and volunteers were invited to attend the party. This event
      afforded RivLife much media coverage such as radio and newspaper coverage.

    ·A partnership was developed between RivLife and the Human Rights Department in the
     Office of the Premier to further enhance community work in Ward 34.

    ·RivLife was one of three NGOs in the Umgundgundlovu District to be chosen as part of
      Social Development policy review team.

    ·USAID has sponsored equipment to the value of R100 000.00 to commence the RivLife
      bakery.

     ·In partnership with Project Literacy, RivLife will oversee a skills development project
      over a period of one year.

As we examine the progress of RivLife in 2008, we will become aware of how through the multiplicity of projects, both spiritual and social (details in annual report), many have gained knowledge and skills but more importantly hope for their future. Issues that were addressed in the various programs include poverty resulting in unemployment, crime and violence; HIV/AIDS, resulting in the demise of many in the community further entrenching the orphan crisis; improved attendance of school going children and academic performance; power struggles based on gender discrimination. Many have in this way been empowered to reintegrate into a competitive environment and change their lives positively. Among the many challenges, RivLife has to also guard against being used as a forum for political gain and therefore needs to constantly remind the volunteers that our services are to the poor irrespective of race, gender or political affiliation. Further, with the changing funding climate, resources have been increasingly difficult to access. However, RivLife has maintained the principles of the organization without compromising its fundamental beliefs. In a recent survey that was conducted, RivLife stands out as an established organization in Ward 34 that is engaged in community work in an accountable, tangible and sustainable manner.

We thank all those who have supported our work in the community and to our regular donors and sponsors who provide the highly valued financial base which enables us to carry out this work. We place on record our special thanks to the Msunduzi Municipality for affording us the lease on the property, ROLCM for its unfailing support and to the RivLife Board who meet from time to time to help plan and carry out the work of particular facets of our programs.