intsikelelo
Intsikelelo means “blessing” in the Xhosa language, but for the small town of Langbos, South Africa, it also means hope.
South Africa is home to over 3.7 million orphaned children—a staggering number that nearly matches the total population of Los Angeles. Half of these orphans have lost one or both parents to AIDS, and many live in abject poverty.
American Chris Grava witnessed South Africa’s orphan crisis firsthand while studying abroad in 2012. His brother, Nick, came to visit and saw the opportunity to help a struggling orphanage. He skipped his flight home to stay in the community, working alongside the local team for several years.
In 2014, Nick and Chris founded their own nonprofit, Intsikelelo, with a mission to improve the lives of orphans and vulnerable children in the region. Unlike many foreign-founded aid organizations, Intsikelelo provides a platform that empowers local, community-driven initiatives in South Africa and connects them with resources around the world. Everything the organization does begins and ends with the community.
Today, Intsikelelo is raising $80,000 to build a new orphanage in Langbos. The design is influenced by local culture and style and incorporates sustainable design elements such as earthbag building, rainwater harvesting and renewable energy systems. The construction will teach new skills, create jobs, and bring hope and pride to the local community. Most of all, it will create a safe and nurturing home for the children in Langbos who need it most.
Join GoPro in supporting Intsikelelo's efforts to help the children of South Africa learn, grow and follow their dreams.
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