We are slowly but surely coming to the end of another year! 2011 was indeed a year like many others that was filled with lots of excitements and unfortunately ends in a rather sad note. The sad note cannot stop us from celebrating the goodness that we enjoyed.
The year started with preparations for the visit of FRIENDS OF BRIDGMAN - the Singapore American School learners and two of the dedicated educators. They arrived at the centre the centre and spent about 10days of serious hard work. Their coming brought a lot of fun and excitement AND plenty face lift at the centre. It was heart waring to see this dedicated groups of special people engaging in physical work, labouring to make a mark. Which they undoubtedly made. Seeing them getting down to mixing paint, getting their hands (and body) messed up with paint - for the sake improving the centre was admirable indeed. SA Flag on the front wall - new paint in the whole centre - hall and offices says it all. Thanks to Michael who assisted in setting up this blog! His dedication is indeed praiseworthy. We look forward in welcoming you all in your next visit again.
How can we forget our FRIENDS OF BRIDGMAN from Hinsdale Illinois? Thom and the team your annual dedication to the life of the centre is outstandingly remarkable. It was heartwarming to have you spice up and inject new life at Bridgman. The manse (cottage) and many parts of the centre look sparkling new because of your efforts. Our Kids talk about going to the US one day and meeting their friends. We look forward in welcoming you in your next visit again.
We are proud that we have managed closing the gap between the centre and the church.
We are also elated at the appointment of the temporary Bridgman Board - Central Regional Officers - which is actually temporary and will see to the appointment of the full board soon. We cannot end this section without thanking the ever committed Ms Zamambo Mkhize who worked as a solo member - in difficult situations to ensure that the work at the centre continued.
Thanks to the commitment of the programme volunteers - who have given of themselves to the work at the centre. Sad to say that we have lost three of our facilitators - Thabiso Montsho, Thabo Mokoka and Phumzile, but happy that Bridgman has built a character in each one of them They have been fortunate to find permanent appointments elsewhere - with money of course. Especially the first two - Thabiso your six years or so at Bridgman is much appreciated. We will forever remember your contributions in building the characters of the kids. (Eyi eyi eyi ! - scream still echoes in the wall. Thabo, my PA. Will miss your your administrative skills and your dedication the entire well being of the work in Bridgman. Phumzile - you short stay is truly appreciated. IN your soft voice you made loud impressions! YES WE HAVE LOST THESE THREE.
Thanks to the remaining staff who have continued to be stretched in filling in the gap left by the three. Keep it up.
Amongst other notable events:
1. Enzani electrical donated a special form of renovation to the centre. They face lifted our bathrooms. Replaced the entire old toilet systems with brand news ones and painted the the whole block. We will be officially recognising this work soon.
2. ABSA bank chose us as a centre to acknowledge the work senior citizens (retirees) have contributed. They held two functions for them at the centre. We hope this is just the beginning of good relationship between the us and them
3. We continue to serve the needs of the community and for this we are delighted.
4. Our relationship with Thulani Primary School is growing in leaps and bounces. A lot is in store. Watch the space.
May I, as the director of the centre wishes all of you a Merry Christmas. May we in all our festivities remember that Christmas is about Christ
