By Nangamso Mabindla
24 July2008

THE Leiden Work Youth Brigade is back in town as part of its on-going project to upgrade the Phand'ulwazi Care Centre in King William's Town.

In 2006 members of the youth brigade started work to restore the units of the children’s home, which is now nearing completion. The third is currently underway.

Their first visit was also part of the celebration of the 10-year twinning anniversary of Buffalo City and then Netherlands city of Leiden.

Welcoming the youngsters at East London airport on Wednesday 23 July were Buffalo City’s manager for development cooperation Darby Gounden, Buffalo City representative Shaun Petzer and Heather Schriber from the care centre.

Schriber said she was very happy the brigade was back in the country. “I know the type of work they are doing and how much they have assisted us these two years; they are like our friends now,” she said.

The youth brigade was doing a great job refurbishing the debilitated units at the children’s center, Schriber added. “It would cost us about R100 000 to fix the units; but the youth brigade are doing a great job helping us.”

Schriber said they planned to build another unit and that the brigade would return to paint the new unit.

Muriel Bosman from the youth brigade said that before coming to Buffalo City, the brigade raised funds to ensure that the tour was a success. “Some of the people here are using their holiday time to come and make a difference to the lives of the children at Phand’ulwazi.”

The team will start work as soon as possible; but will also have some time off to see some African wildlife at the Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve and the Addo Elephant Park.