Geberit partners with LIV-Village to ‘turn scars into stars’

In March 2013, Geberit was introduced to the powerful and visionary venture at LIV-Village in KwaZulu-Natal by Mike Horn, and immediately sprung to action to be part of their solution to restore the family unit and create a safe community. Geberit recognises the significant work of LIV and are proud to be involved with such an honourable socially responsible programme.

Recent statistics reveal that there are over 5 million orphaned children in South Africa and it is against this background that Lungisia Indlela Village (LIV) launched their initiative in 2010 to help deal with the crisis and leave a legacy for future generations.

Many of us have big dreams of making a difference in the world, and entrepreneurs, Tich and Joan Smith are doing just that. It was in 1997, when the seed was planted with Tich, to create a safe haven for children. The calling grew louder and in 2009, together with his wife, Joan Smith, they purchased land, and the dream began to become a reality. “LIV focuses on the solution and is evolving all the time and expanding very quickly,” shares Joan.

LIV provides holistic residential care for orphaned and vulnerable children and exists to raise the next generation of leaders in South Africa. They place these children into a family environment with a trained foster mother to love them, a school to educate them, and facilities where all their physical needs are met. LIV understands that if these children are equipped with essential moral values and life skills, they will grow up to be a generation that will influence positive change within South Africa, Africa and the World.

The property boasts 96 eco-friendly homes, a well-equipped school, library, computer lab, art and music classes, a rugby field and tennis court as a balanced life is crucial to a child’s holistic development. There is also a state-of-the art medical centre and soon there will be a multi-purpose Church and hall.

Geberit has to date, donated R 1,200,000 with a further CHF 50,000 planned for 2015, towards rebuilding the new accommodation facilities for volunteers at LIV. The block will incorporate 8 bedrooms, living and dining area, bathrooms, kitchen and patio which will accommodate up to 16 volunteers who come to LIV from across the globe. Joan explained, “It was one of our wishes to incorporate some of the original farm buildings when constructing the volunteer accommodation block. Knowing this to be somewhat of a challenge, we are thrilled that together we have managed to achieve this.”

“Education is one of the fundamentals in Geberit’s CSI projects. Another is sustainability and respect for our planet. We hope to continue being part of growing leaders across the country.” says Dorianne Isaacman, National Marketing and Retail Sales Manager for Geberit Southern Africa.

Geberit Worldwide is committed to continued and sustainable community upliftment.

Geberit, as a pioneer and world leader, is well known for its water-saving, advanced plumbing and sanitary technologies. Founded in 1874, Geberit has built a reputation for sustainability, innovation, quality and reliability.

He who builds responsibly, builds sustainably and creates quality of life.

To find out more:
? www.geberit.co.za ? sales.za@geberit.com ? 0861 FLUSH 1

Find out how you can be part of this venture, by visiting www.liv-village.com.

Author: Jodi Karpes from GreenQueen Communications.
Twitter: @GreenQueenComms
Images: For high res version/s of Three image/s please contact: GreenQueen Communications.

Joan Smith (co-founder) standing on the bridge leading to the classrooms Photo:

A view of the village Photo:

Volunteer accommodation currently being renovated thanks to Geberit donations Photo:

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