Shakira Fredericks (15), one of the vulnerable children in Rainbow of Hope House, a place of safety for abused and abandoned children in Goodwood, is set to compete in the International Federation of Sport Climbing Youth World Championships in Korea.
It all started with a maths tutor at Rainbow of Hope and his name is Shaun Markham. After he had finished tutoring a matriculant he decided he wanted to do more fun things with them and took them to Rush, an indoor playground, a few times. After that, he asked if he could take them rock climbing in Paarden Eiland at Bloc 11.
“None of my kids had the faintest idea of what rock climbing is all about, but they were up for the adventure. They went with Shaun and for the first time Margaux Ratts, the chair of Dream Higher, an NGO that coaches children from various homes in the sport of rock climbing, asked Shaun who they were and the rest as they say is history, Alison Alexander, the mother of the Rainbow of Hope explains.
The first competitions were held in the Western Cape and Shakira started performing. “During this time I failed a lot, but told myself to work harder,” Fredericks says.
Rainbow of Hope is her family
This had her competing in provincial championships and later in nationals. She soon realised that she had a passion for climbing. Fredericks, who has been at the Rainbow of Hope House since the age of three, feels this is an amazing opportunity; she is so grateful, and excited, but also scared. “I never imagined that I would get this far from where I started,” Fredericks says.
According to Fredericks everyone is happy for her and excited. When she participated in Johannesburg for the finals, her family, friends and coaches believed in her. And a week after her performance she got the good news that she is going to Korea.
According to Fredericks, her mother, who is involved in drugs, was not always there. “She showed up when she felt better, so I started realizing who was important to me, and who is always there for me. Then I decided to stay at the Rainbow of Hope House.
“I grew up here, they are a family. It feels like my real home.”
Alexander, who is proud of Fredericks, says she is a hard worker.
Fundraising
“I always ask the kids, if we raise the money for you to participate on that level, what’s the returns? I don’t want my children to have a handout mentality. Nothing in life is free; with every right, privilege and talent there is a huge responsibility. I want my children always to know life is not a handout, it should be a hand-up and a partnership with any giving. We are having to raise funds, but that’s okay,” Alexander says.
The fundraisers include:
- A Disney Themed Picnic, invitation attached, on Saturday 27 May, with Disney Songs sung by One World 5 at the NGK Hall, Church Street from 14:00 till 17:00 and will cost R80 per adult and R50 per child.
- A Praise and Worship Session in June Date to be confirmed. With various Praise and Worship Teams in attendance. Costing R60 per person.
- Christmas in July, featuring the same group on 13 July. R400 per person which includes a three-course meal, as well as a gift.
When making a donation or purchasing tickets then please reference your payment Shakira/Korea.
- For more information contact Alison Alexander on 082 202 0720 or via email at rainbowofhope49@gmail.com
