[BREAKING NEWS] Fifty SA teachers trapped in China are coming home!
But what about the money that has been raised for them?
The parents of the 50 teachers trapped in China are overjoyed to be able to announce their children will be returning home soon.
Liza Bold told the News that the Chinese government is sending the teachers home in three groups. The first group is expected to land safely at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, 26 June.
Although the time of their arrival has yet to be confirmed, Liza said the return of her daughter will move her to tears.
“When they told us this morning that our kids are coming home, I couldn’t do anything but cry,” said Liza.
To top it all off, the Chinese government will be paying for their return.
But what about the money that has already been raised for them through BackABuddy?
There’s more than R40 000 in the kitty that generous community members have contributed to get the youngsters back on home soil.
Read the initial article here: [WATCH] 35 of the 50 ‘teachers’ stranded in China are Krugersdorpers
Charl Venter, whose son is one of the teachers who has been stuck in China, said that he would like to make it clear that the fund has been stopped and they are no longer accepting donations.
“We have called a meeting with all the donors who contributed to the fund. The meeting will take place during the weekend and their inputs will dictate what will happen to the money. We have a great idea about what to do with it, but we can’t do anything without their approval,” said Charl. “It must also be made clear that the money cannot be transferred into a personal account. We have no access whatsoever to the money.”
The parent group will inform the public of their plans as soon as the donors have approved their idea.
SASSAS, the foreign teachers’ group that has been supporting the 50 in China, also had a fundraiser to help them get back on home soil. Since they no longer need the funds to return home, the group has decided to possibly donate all the money to Guanghau University. This university took care of the teachers and gave them a place to stay – a selfless deed that the parents are forever grateful for.
Read more: Teachers stuck in China: “If only they’d known these things”
The Don De Dieu café in Krugersdorp North had also said they would hold a breakfast on Sunday, 1 July to raise money for the children in China, but since this is no longer necessary, the breakfast has been changed to a welcome back event for the teachers.
Liza said she’ll be eating there on that day, because she couldn’t be more thankful for their willingness to lend a hand.
The News will keep the public updated on what happens to the money raised for the young teachers and when they will be landing.
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