STATEMENT BY MARILYN MICHAU, PRESIDENT OF THE HOUSE GROUP, NOV 2003

What an honour as well as an awesome task to accept such a role.  To represent the ethos and passion of what our project stands for is not an easy task.

I got involved with this project for the very reason that I am still involved, which is to strive to give the women of South Africa their dignity back.  As a mother I cannot believe that any women would willingly sell her child into prostitution or watch while her little girl is sexually abused if she herself was in a position of strength.

At The House we strive to give the girl children her dignity back.

This is not always an easy task as many have been badly abused since a very early age and self respect is not foremost in mind when they come to us.  Through many hours of counseling, much love and hard work a glimmer of hope will appear.

Our well trained staff and dedicated Board of Directors all have the same goal in mind which is to re-integrate the girls into society as whole well functioning girl children.

Our challenges are many from moral, ethical, and health, social, educational to financial.  Our team each carries a portfolio which they embrace with passion as you will see by their reports.

As president I will try to guide and spearhead this organization to new heights this year.

Our farm for skills training, Kulula, has taken a new turn with great projects underway.

The attached reports will highlight the exciting happenings.

Many innovative fundraises have been planned and we look forward to a great year ahead.

Thanking you