About the Ashley Kaimowitz Fund
Child Rape
Child Rape remains by far the most reprehensible of human aberrations, but when the many children who fall victims to this heinous crime are pre-teens and, in more cases than are comfortable to contemplate, are the children of the perpetrators, then the entire human species stands accused of not doing enough to combat this scourge.
This particular crime is not peculiar to any one country or cultural group, but because out of ignorance a myth has been born among some in a largely uneducated populace living in the sprawling, poverty-stricken shanty towns of South Africa, that AIDS can be cured if the infected man has sex with a virgin, and because the authorities have had very little success in addressing the personal tragedies caused by this most degrading of all criminal acts, the spotlight must fall on those Rotarians in South Africa who believe that something can and must be done.
In Khyalitsha, the sprawling township on the outskirts of Cape Town, recent events conspired to spotlight the enormity of the problem. It took a young woman with compassion and vision, who decided that awareness and action were required if the dedicated, but amateur, workers who expend time and effort in an almost fruitless attempt to bring comfort to the afflicted and their families, were to touch the compassion of the general public.
Ashley Kaimowitz was a high school student from a middle class family who saw what had to be done and through intelligence, perseverance and devotion made things happen. Working through her school's Interact club and local Rotary clubs she brought the problem to the attention of not only her local community but to interested people throughout the world.
In January 2005 Ashley's young life was brought to an untimely end when the car she was driving was struck by a drunk driver. All who had come to know her were devastated by this tragedy. Those who she had attracted to her banner were determined that Ashley's dream would not die with her. Through their efforts, and in Ashley's name, monies have been raised from corporate South Africa and local and international Rotary clubs. Building of the new Nonceba Rape Counseling and Care Centre will begin in September 2006 and should be completed and fully furnished early in 2007.
More money is needed by the Nonceba Trust to create an amount whose earnings will support professional administrators and staff so that the Centre will continue to bring help as a healing and educational facility in the years to come. What follows is Ashley's story in her own words. You cannot fail to be touched by this story of compassion and love.
We seek your help to help keep Ashley's vision alive. Please click on this link to view Ashley's full story and don't miss the 24 minute video below which was written, directed and produced by Ashley.
Uthandu Labatwana - For the Love or Our Children
The Story of the Nonceba Counselling Centre
Written, directed and produced by Ashley Kaimowitz.
Donate to the Ashley Kaimowitz Fund:
If you would prefer to send your donation by check:
Ashley Fund
c/o PDG Mel Taunt
PO Box 1220
Pinedale AZ
85934-1220
Thank you for your support!