Well done Hoërskool Monument!

 Last year Marlinée Fouche, a grade 12 learner and ex-FSA participant, took up my challenge during my bike ride from Germany back to South Africa and started a fundraising campaign on behalf of Operation Smile at her school.

I was somewhere in Zambia when I received an email from Marlinée, giving me some good news. The learners of Hoërskool Monument in Krugersdorp managed to raise R 11 500,00! I remember that day so well. I had to sit down as my legs were shaking as if I had fever! R 11 500,00!

On the final fundraising dinner during September I had the chance of thanking Marlinée for her energy and initiative. She received an Africa trophy on behalf of her school.

Marlinée, now a first year student at UJ, sowed a seed at her school that continued to bear fruit. This morning I received an sms from her. She wrote: "You better sit down. The school raised funds again for Operation Smile. R 27 500.00!!!!"

What can one say except Thank You! Thank you Marlinée for starting the project. Thank you learners of Hoërskool Monument for opening your hearts and pockets for those children with cleft lips and palates.

Here is a photograph of Marlinée at my bike when I visited their school  on my final stretch home after travelling 17 000 km from Germany back to South Africa last year.