A Connection to Africa

Nicola Breytenbach

April 15, 2009

As a South African living in America I was very aware of the political, economic and humanitarian issues that faced my homeland. None of these problems has a quick fix solution. They are not problems that can be fixed by writing a big check, nor by commenting on what we feel should be happening. They can only be solved by getting involved and pledging time, knowledge and of course a hands on approach in order to give back to the country in which I was born and shaped who I am today.

I had been searching for a while for a charitable project that I would like to become involved with but something that had a connection to South Africa. I had been approached on many occasions to support charities which I was happy to do but really wanted to find something that I could connect to and something I really felt was perfect to get behind.

Well I did and now it finds me on a plane from New York to Johannesburg. A few months earlier I had met with Russell Simmons, the founder of Diamond Empowerment Fund. I couldn’t believe I had found an organization that fit what I was looking for so perfectly. Living in New York I had the opportunity to help an organization with an extremely deserving beneficiary in Johannesburg.

The Community and Individual Development Association (CIDA City Campus) in Johannesburg, South Africa is a beacon of hope in South Africa! CIDA is South Africa’s first free university for students who can’t afford the exorbitant fees of regular university.

I was joined in Johannesburg by my father Richard who accompanied me on my first visit to CIDA and the new building, The Maharishi Institute. To be very honest we had no idea what to expect.

The day following my arrival in Johannesburg we set out to visit The Maharishi Institute followed by CIDA City Campus. I think the first thing that struck me was how proud and dedicated the students were. They were proud of where they had come from and proud of where they were. They were so dedicated and I soon learnt what they all hoped to become, doctors, lawyers, accounts and veterinarians etc. Aspirations which are very within their grasps thanks to the DEF.

My father went off and spoke to the guys while I met with the girls. They were amazing! So bright and confident, I had a great time with them. They are so interested in the world and all the opportunities that now are available to them. After I spoke with the girls the boys joined us and we had a session of Q&A and as much as they wanted to know from me I wanted to know so much more from them. Many of their stories brought tears to my eyes!

I learned that very often improvements and maintenance of the property and buildings is actually undertaken by the students themselves. It’s their way of giving back and having pride in the institution that is affording them the opportunity to attain their goals.

We were totally blown away! I can’t put into words just how passionate I am about these kids. I wish we could replicate CIDA a hundred times over. It’s a visionary concept that gives much needed funding to an institution which is helping those who want to help themselves but just do not have the financial resources to make their dreams a reality.

I can’t wait to go back and visit them all and see how they progress.

Given enough funding though I know we can build more schools and open a world to thousands of deserving students who have the potential to soar regardless of the economic background from which they come.

I left with a feeling of great gratitude that I was able to visit CIDA, the students inspired me to do whatever I could to benefit CIDA and the DEF. It’s a remarkable institution and something worthy of your support.

-Nicola

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