Aadila Lulat

Aged 7, Johannesburg, Al Aqsa Primary

Although still only waist-high to most adults, Adila is a gifted reader and consumes everything from newspapers to novels to the Quraan with glee. She has been able to read since age 3, and has put her skill to good use in her school and her community. She spreads her love by reading to younger kids, helping older learners with their reading tasks and generally evangelising the written word – including on local radio stations when given the chance.

Her Wish

No surprises, Aadila’s wish was for more books! So, we surprised her at home with a huge book voucher and encouraged her to go wild at CNA. Her whole family was very pleased, and her very proud mother was delighted. She, and Aadila, say this will fuel her passion for reading, studying…and, one day, teaching.

Menzi Mphambo

Aged 12, Soweto Lukholweni Primary School

Menzi stood out on a visit we made to his school because he was known as the kid who washes up after others. Well, in a very specific way. To avoid his teammates’ soccer gear being lost, stolen or damaged, he washes the team’s kit weekly. By hand. It’s a small expression of how selfless he is.

His Wish

When asked, Menzi simply wanted a new pair of soccer boots. We obliged, but we also thought this was great opportunity to provide him and his family with a 7kg heavy-duty washing machine to assist with his “duties”. Much of the elated neighbourhood gathered around to wish Menzi well. He and his mother are now considering using their windfall to start a small business doing laundry for their community.

Lewis Wynne

Aged 5, Johannesburg, Carter Primary School

Lewis’s story made news headlines when a tree collapsed on his container classroom and resulted in the amputation of both of his legs. We visited Lewis in hospital to find out how we could make his situation a little bearable by making his wish come true. Lewis’s family live in a one-bedroom home which means that Lewis sleeps under the kitchen table at night. Even though only 5 years old, none of this stops Lewis from smiling.

His Wish

Lewis and his family simply asked for a bed (and linen) of his own. His parents also received grocery vouchers. On his return from hospital, Lewis and his family will have to deal with a lot of challenges as they adjust to their new way of life, but, hopefully, one or two obstacles have been removed.

Jarrod Michael

Aged 10, Johannesburg, Hurleyvale Primary School

Giving is something most people do sporadically, when something spikes their interest. But for 10-year old, animal-lover Jarrod it’s a way of life. Since he’s been old enough, he’s been collecting blankets and money for the SPCA: he gardens, fundraises and washes people’s cars to help the cause. He says he wants to be an entrepreneur when he is older to find different ways of making money.

His Wish

Jarrod just wanted to keep giving, so HDI made an additional donation to the SPCA on his behalf. He also asked that we gift his good friend, Mason, for his help in the fund-raising. But to give Jarrod a chance to put his feet up occasionally, we bought him his own flat-screen TV for his bedroom…because even animal-loving philanthropists need a break sometimes.

Dhiya Rangasamy

Aged 9, Midrand, Halfway House Primary School

She’s not yet 10 years old, but Dhiya is already making her voice heard. She was recently awarded first prize at her school’s annual speech competition. This determined young girl has big dreams for herself and we were thrilled to make a contribution to her future success. We visited her just before she rushed off to an exam, after which she had dance practice for her aunt’s wedding. Dhiya on the go!

Her Wish

Dhiya’s wish of “something to help me get further in life” was granted in the form of a laptop and software. Now she can prepare properly for her school projects and write her speeches. Dhiya’s proud dad came to her school for the hand-over, and promised to check in with us next year to keep us posted on her upwards ascent.

Wiandri Meyer

Aged 8, Pretoria, Boeresort Primary School

Animated little Wiandri is a dancing super-star in the making: acrobatics, disco, hip-hop, lyrical or modern dance, her talent shines through. But Wiandri’s journey has not been easy; an illness left her without a lung and kidney, but she perseveres and succeeds regardless.

She competed in ‘SA’s Got Talent’ but her illness forced her to pull out of the competition, and though invited to a dance competition in the USA, she could not make the long trip. When she is too sick to go to her dance classes, her mom goes to film the session so that she can watch it from bed. This remarkable little girl recently received a distinction for her acrobatics exam.

Her Wish

HDI was honoured to make a contribution to Wiandri’s dance ambitions with a selection of new outfits and an upfront payment for her 2012 dance classes. Jumping into some of her new gear immediately, she said, “I can’t wait to show them off at my next dance class”. Go, Wiandri!

Nkonzo Majozi

Aged 16, Johannesburg, Forest Town Special Needs School

It’s common for teens to complain about feeling short-changed, but happy-go-lucky Nkonzo is upbeat and determined to achieve big things despite being confined to a wheel-chair. He is excited about having been chosen to go to Durban in March 2012 for the national youth Boccia championships. Nkonzo has a proper wheelchair at school, but has to make do with an old, collapsible one at home.

His Wish

Members from his community were present when HDI arrived to grant him his wish: a new bed and a sound system (“with a USB port, please”) for his room. Nkonzo’s mom, who had asked us not to provide a fancier wheelchair as the conditions where they live are not well-suited for it, said: “I am speechless. Nkonzo’s so happy. This was such a wonderful surprise and will encourage him to do better and keep carrying on.” We received a very touching thank you letter from Nkonzo which he typed himself in the computer centre at school.

Viwe Klaas

Aged 13, Cape Town, Blackheath Primary

Viwe Klaas lives with her mom who is unemployed. In 2010, the family home burnt down leaving them in an even more destitute situation. Viwe is reliant on her school's feeding scheme for her daily meal. However, she has not let her circumstances get the better of her and makes an effort to arrive at school every day neatly dressed. In the face of adversity, she is still a diligent and committed student looking forward to high school next year.

Her Wish

We granted Viwe’s wish for her school fees to be paid for next year, and she also received a grocery voucher for her family. “I will be attending Malibu High next year and I am very excited. Thank you so much for investing in my future!” she said. Viwe really is an example to her friends: hard work and rising above your circumstances pays off.

Andile Lushaba

Aged 16, KZN, AM Moolla School

Andile’s life has involved a lot of heartache. He lost both his mother and his right eye in a home burglary. His teacher, Mr. Lalchund, says that despite his tragedy, Andile is whole-heartedly devoted to helping those less fortunate. He helps his friends with transportation and ensures that all the other kids in the hostel have their meals before he sits down to eat. He takes it upon himself to wash the cutlery and crockery of the very small, disabled kids unable to do it themselves.

His Wish

Andile asked us, simply, for food and clothing for himself and his family. So we bought him a Pick n Pay grocery voucher and clothing. Andile’s father lives some way away in Port Shepstone, and only sees Andile during holidays but he made a special appearance at the special assembly held in his son’s honour…glowing with pride for his special, tenacious son.

Mukelisiwa Sithole

Aged 11, Durban, Briardene Primary

Mukelisiwa came to our attention as the girl who gave her jersey to a classmate who never had a school uniform. Because she thought this wasn’t enough, she asked her father to buy her friend a full uniform.

Her Wish

‘Muki’ was given a bumper bag of girlie goodies and a gift voucher, because, when asked, her wish remained a new school uniform for her friend who still never had one (she got that too ; ) ). She is a ray of sunshine at her primary school, so her principal gathered the whole school to watch Muki’s wish hand-over. Mr. and Mrs. Sithole attended the event and were extremely proud of their daughter, as they should be.

Gizelle Griffiths & Tiffany Paul

Aged 5 and 8, Durban, Greenwood Park Primary

Tiny stepsisters, Tiffany Paul and Gizelle Griffiths, from KZN, were hard-hit by when their family’s home burnt down and they were left without any possessions. Their minister, Father Grant, has found them and their mother, Katie, modest accommodation and the whole community has pulled together to help them.

Their Wishes

Gizelle and Tiffany asked for a toy each, so we took a taste of “early Christmas” (as their mother called it) to the girls. The look on their faces while opening their gifts was priceless. They each received a package filled with girly goodies and a gift card to send on themselves and their mom.

Uminam Unako Magadla

Aged 6, Phoenix, Natest Primary

Uminam is a little girl with a stutter. This could have marred her enthusiasm to read and learn, but this first-grader has shown remarkable resilience and her efforts have paid off. She outperformed all other learners in her grade in the school’s reading programme this year. Kudos to Mr. Premchund, whose special reading programme has been pivotal in helping Uminam on her path to success.

Her Wishes

Uminam’s wish was for “pink clothes”, so HDI compiled a wardrobe of that colour for her, and a gift card voucher to spend on accessories and treats.

Vanessa Ncobo

Aged 16, Durban, West Park Special Needs School

Industrious Vanessa tirelessly sells vegetables with her mother at a roadside stall, every day after school, to ensure that her younger siblings do not go hungry. West Park principal, Mr. Pather, is unwavering in his commitment to recognise something special in each and every one of his learners, but ensured that we knew just how special Vanessa is when we visited to grant her wish.

Her Wishes

When asked what she wished for, Vanessa said she would like more seeds to grow a larger vegetable garden. So her wish parcel included 17 packets of different veggie seeds, but also clothes and vouchers to make her year-end a happier one!

Lee-Ann Groenewald

Aged 18, Cape Town, Brackenfell High

Lee-Ann Groenewald, president of Brackenfell High’s Interact Society, is a true model citizen. Committed to making a difference in her community, under her leadership her team has planted a vegetable garden at school; headed a collection drive for Andrew Murray House; raised funds for the Tygerbear Lollipop Project and helped organise a clean-up of Bloubergstand. Lee-Ann has been selected as an exchange student, and goes to Germany in 2012 to represent South Africa.

Her Wishes

Lee-Ann has always helped the Anti-Animal Cruelty League and wanted them to benefit from her being selected too, so we made a donation to them on her behalf. Lee-Ann was given a toiletry bag with vouchers to fill it, as she prepares for her big 2012 trip! “I’m so excited for next year and I can’t wait to buy all my travelling supplies. Thank you so much,” expressed Lee-Ann.

Weber Gedenk kids

Teacher, Roeléne Loots and kids aged 7-13, Stellenbosch, Weber Gedenk Primary

Roeléne Loots has an extraordinary job as the special needs class teacher at Weber Gedenk. Her learners might have severe learning disabilities, but they are not short of enthusiasm and vigour. Their inspiring teacher creatively looks for ways to upskill them. These ‘can do’ kids can now produce bird feeders, hammocks from wine barrels, cookies, home-grown vegetables and cars made from wire.

Their wish

A shared dream of the class was to go in the cable car up Table Mountain. They had been actively saving for months for such a trip. Many of the kids have never been out of their town. Needless to say, this is exactly what they asked for when HDI stepped in to grant them a wish. When we visited, they were excitedly looking forward to their trip on 1 December. They were hand-painting matching t-shirts for the outing which will also include lucky packets, a picnic and educational tour. Roeléne was so delighted that her “little ones’” dream was soon to come true!