What happened before

It all started in 2003 during volunteer work in South Africa. Uthando's founders met a number of English and Canadian students, who were so impressed with the singing talent of the children that they decided to record a professional CD with the children: the Simunye Project was born.

Through the CD, Simunye Project got in touch with Keep a Child Alive, an organization that work with Alicia Keys, among others. This organization is connected to the Love Hallie Foundation. Touched by the children's story this latter organization decided to invite ten of the children of Agape to come to the United States.

During their stay in the United States from September to December 2005, the children have raised awareness and money for their situation. They have sung at events (like the TriBeCa Film Festival and the opening of the United Nations council) and met a lot of important people (Bill Clinton, Bono, Paul Simon and Alicia Keys, among others).

Throught the close connection that Uthando has with Love, Hallie, the plan to have the children make a stop-over in Holland was born very soon. During their stay they will, through a busy program, raise money and awareness for their situation and their new home.

After the fire everyone was shocked and upset. For a while it seemed as if the future of the children was blown away again. Initiatives such as these however prove that every small effort helps. Contribute too, and help us rebuild the devastated orphanage!