Someone in town had promised her an evening gown, but failed to deliver on their undertaking. As time ticked by she became edgy, but she stayed positive that someone would come to her aid, but who? She looked to the heavens and said a word or two in silence, not realising that her fairy godmother was and had been next to her for the last five years. It was George Child Welfare (GCW), or to be politically correct, her fairy godparents, who came to her rescue for the second time in her young life.
As her happy, carefree primary school years in Thembalethu were coming to an end, her teachers who recognised her talents were trying to secure a high school sponsor that would ensure that those talents would be harnessed for her future.
Her potential was blossoming and this had to be cherished and cultivated.
Her break came by default. Sue du Toit, the Director of George Child Welfare was in the reception area at the managerial offices of Fancourt waiting for her appointment with Sabine Plattner, the Patron of GCW, when Sue overheard a conversation between Plattner's secretary and a sponsor from the USA. Mr Homlish was enquiring on behalf of his daughter, Cate who had sponsored the high school education of Thembakazi Mavi, who wrote matric at Glenwood House Private School last year. Cate had decided that from now on, instead of Christmas gifts, her family would sponsor a child's education. Cate wanted to share the advantages of her childhood by making a difference in someone else's life. She encouraged her friends to sponsor a second learner's education.
This was the start of the triangle that was to shape Aviwe's life. She had learnt in geometry that a triangle is one of the basic shapes, simple but strong. The three points would be Cate, Aviwe and Sue who would administer her funds in George.
As Aviwe was watching her matric ball slowly fade away, the natural instinct of the GCW social workers to help came to the fore and they made a plan.
The Bridal Inn in Wellington Street was contacted and came to the rescue with a stunning mauve evening gown. Owner, Caren Ogilvie said proudly "Dreams are our business." Lelanie Peacock, one of GCW social workers spoilt Aviwe with a manicure and pedicure, so that she could step out confidently to enjoy the night of her life.
Lelanie Peacock at work preparing the princess for the ball.
