Thank God for Good, Friday: The Papillon Foundation

Many of us are so happy to see Friday roll around. The workweek ends, the weekend begins. We have time with our families, friends and all those things that just seemed to slip out of grasp during those other boring weekdays.

It has even coined a saying, "Thank God It's Friday".

There was even a TV line-up commemorating this wonderful feeling.

Oh and not to mention a popular franchise of U.S. (maybe international) restaurants, who claim "In here, it's always Friday"



So Friday, for most of us, something to shout, yell or even dance about.

Well I thought I'd change it up a bit.




Don't get me wrong, I thank God for Friday's (it's the end of my workweek too!). It's a nice day. Sometimes you skip out a few minutes early from work, there may be a concert going on that night or maybe a good sports game. Whatever it is, Friday's usually hold something good.

And that's just it, something good.

So excuse me ABC, and Tgi Friday's, I'm going to make a little change for Friday.

How about we Thank God for Good, Friday.

I'm going to take Fridays, and point out people, causes, ideas, NPOs, NGOs and whomever else is doing something good in today's world. I hope you all don't mind. It's a minor thing really, you can take a read here, see something good and maybe it will just make your Friday that much better.

The Papillon Foundation

I met Steve and Marian Smith a few weeks ago. There great people and by far some of my favorite Afrikaners so far!



Look at them, what's not to like?

Well I'll tell you, a WHOLE lot.

Steve and Marian founded The Papillon Foundation in 2002 out of the need to feed the hungry, serve the poor and give hope to the down-and-out. Since then, they have have a 7-page list of highlights and accomplishments, testifying to their beliefs.

As I walked into the building, Marian was helping Dr. MZ Thabile Msibi of Mission Society Care load up boxes upon boxes of household items like soap, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner. (I didn't have my camera out, but it's amazing how much can fit into a little pickup!)

Distributing goods to meet the basic needs of people has been one of Papillon's greatest charges. To date (April 2009) they have given of 73 TONS of goods to various NGOs, Churches and Mission Organizations.

But that's not even what gets me about Papillon.

They are building up their community through education.

Since 2002, they have held English Language Classes for Adults. For about $150 U.S. students can receive 12 weeks of English Education. Oh and did I mention this was accredited? Yes, so $150 buys you a semester of college credit (books, tuition, exams, everything) which is accredited by The University of the Witwatersrand.





In 2004, Papillon began a computer training course. There is a basic course (Windows, Excel, Powerpoint, Word, Expolorer ) that offers introductory computer training for abot $60 US. Oh yeah, this is accredited too.

Papillon also offer ICDL (Intl. Computer Drivers License) training as well. The ICDL is a internationally recognized, and offers students the opportunity for better job placement or preparation in IT and Accounting Majors. The ICDL has adopted Papillon as its Social Outreach Partner is South Africa and now houses its regional office on the Papillon Foundation's grounds. From registration to exams, this one only costs about $175 US.

I could go on and on, but I think you should check it out yourself.

I hope this dose of good sweetens your weekend.



If not, that might. :D

Best

Jerome
www.jeromelovesyou.com
jeromelovesyou@gmail.com