FoC AGM Chair's report

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Friends of Chintsa

Chair’s Report 2010

Year in review:

A small group of individuals sat around a table 18 months ago and decided to mobilise the community. Two large preparatory meetings were held and the FoC was born.

18 months later a few mobilised community members sit at one of the many, unbelievably successful FoC partnership initiatives. I have often been disillusioned by the slow uptake of residents to get involved and embrace the opportunities to have an impact on their piece of South Africa, but then this is quickly over run by the absolute amazement and inspiration I have for those of you who have unconditionally embraced the Friends concept.

Remembering Friends is about volunteering your time, your energy, your expertise and your desire to see positive change has made me realise that the group is not about numbers, mass membership nor hundreds of good ideas, but it is about you taking an idea, a desire and a passion and driving this into a reality. Should others become inspired, all the better. Thanks to WESSA for creating an NPO affiliate framework for people like ourselves to work with. Being associated to South Africa’s oldest and largest membership based NGO is obviously an enormous strength as we grow as the FoC.

The FoC has brought enormous benefits into our area and, at times beyond our immediate footprint. We can boast close to 20 successful projects. These have spanned our core objectives of addressing environmental/conservation initiatives, education related projects and encouraging social transformation opportunities.

A sincere thank you to the committee who have kept their heads around the growth of FoC. The number of projects currently underway, coupled to those that have reached conclusion, are evidence of an enormous amount of time and commitment to the area. We might not always appear as the most structured and organised bunch of Chintsa residents, but then the old saying about never judge by appearance but rather actions, is only too true.

A special THANK YOU to Marjorie for coming over from Wales to attend the AGM. Marjorie, although living far away, has become one of these great influences in changing Chintsa lives through her commitment to the Feeding Scheme programme at Chintsa School.

The rest of the chair’s report will be shared by a number of us as we briefly run through each project. Please feel free to comment or have your input at any point during the presentations. Thank you for making the effort to be here and we look forward to seeing the group grow over 2010 with a number of exciting things already underway.

Our formula: Have a good idea, make it happen!