Now that you know how to pronounce themba, you should know what it means. The short answer is "hope"; themba is the Zulu word for hope. The longer story comes from afar, is the selfless vision of one guy connecting an otherwise disconnected community to great opportunity.In 2006, Josh Wrinkle was volunteering for a Non-Government Organization in the Amangwe Village in South Africa. Caring for 40 bright and beautiful Zulu children, he noticed an empty building on the grounds and decided to put it to use. The village had no modern technology--much less an awareness of such prospect, so Josh began a desperate plea to connect the community. After many phone calls, Josh had six computers and two printers donated to Amangwe Village NGO.
Early in the program Josh says "I began teaching six teen and adult students. We were working first on the parts of a computer, how to turn it on, etc. and after, moved on to typing in Microsoft Word, creating resumes and working with spreadsheets. Soon after, a local Internet provider donated DSL Internet service." This was every one of his students first experience with the Internet.
"What a fun time!! Eventually I had a list of around 35 students of all ages. Some, we worked on typing skills while the younger students played educational games to help get them started."
Though Josh has since returned to the States, he continues to fund the cost of the program out of pocket, now run by former students. He has recognized a similar need in the township Pietwe Maritzburg as such programs help create coveted job skills only the most fortunate can obtain. "My goal is to create a similar program in my good friend Sam's township. This community of wonderful, vibrant people has no access to computers. They do however, have the drive and passion to learn something new... something that can help create not only job skills, but a sense of confidence."
The authentic, beaded jewelry available at House of Dang are pieces sent by members of the township, that includes our good friend Sam. With the money raised from the purchase of a Themba Bead, we hope to fund a computer center in Pietwe Maritzburg as well as much needed school uniforms.
We hope that Themba Beads brings the same sense of hope each intricate and vibrant piece displays and encourages you to help others in literally connecting an otherwise world set apart.
Please visit the Photo Bucket slide show featuring Themba Beads here.
Questions can be directed to jmarguijo@gmail.com
