Caught on GoPro: The smiles and laughter of African orphans whose lives have been enriched by Northwestern graduate who skipped his flight home to help them
- Nick Grava started work at South African children's center in 2012
- Grava and his brother Chris are now raising funds to help the children
A chance encounter has led to a lifetime's work for two American brothers, who are dedicated to helping a South African orphanage.
The brothers first got involved with the center when Northwestern University graduate Nick Grava decided to miss his flight home so he could work at the children's home.
Before long, Nick had become managing director, and his brother Chris had joined him in trying to increase funding for the 30 youngsters, many of whom lost parents to HIV and Aids.
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Joy: One of the girls who lives at the orphanage grins as she is hoisted in the air
Life changing: Chris Grava, left, and his brother Nick who moved to South Africa to run an orphanage
The brothers recently released a heartwarming video, filmed on a GoPro camera, that showed the children greeting Chris after a six-month break.
The delightful video shows the children crowding around the brothers, laughing and smiling as they are thrown into the air or spun around, and dancing in the yard.
The video was released as part of a campaign to try to raise $12,000 for charity Intsikelelo to keep the orphanage running for another year.
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When political science graduate Nick, who studied in Illinois, first visited it in 2012, it could barely cover its basic expenses, such as diapers for the babies, or pay for the caregivers.
Nick, who had been visiting his brother who was studying in South Africa for a semester, saw the challenging circumstances as a chance to do some good.
He now works full time at the center and his brother Chris travels there regularly to help out.
Warm welcome: The children rush to greet Chris Grava when he arrives at the orphanage after being away for several months
Touched: Chris walks into the orphanage, surrounded by excitable faces, as his brother Nick films
Laughter: One of the boys who lives at the South African orphanage smiles as he is lifted up
Fun times: One of the 30 orphans enjoys being spun around in the yard
Partnerships and strong links were made with the local community and towns back in the U.S, and they helped set up the charity Intsikelelo, which means blessing and is the name many residents refer to Nick by.
As well as raising funds to keep the children clothed, fed and healthy, the charity helps provide them with an education.
'We bring in six to ten volunteers on a daily basis to tutor them in school. We also work to bring counselors from Cape Town to work with the kids,' Chris told Ellen TV.
He added that the brothers were also trying to challenge the stereotype of orphans sitting around miserably.
'Every time they talk about orphans, it’s sad and miserable. Meanwhile, you get there, and it’s so much different,' he said.
Cooling off: Chris throws a bucket of water over the children as they play in a paddling pool
Supper: One of the boys shows off his dinner. The Grava brothers are trying to raise funds to keep the children healthy and well fed
Entertainment: The children dance and sing while one of the brothers plays guitar for them
Devoted: The brothers are keen to make life as good as possible for the children
'It’s like that every day. The kids are so pumped to see you and happy. It takes nothing to blow their mind … it’s a party.'
Intsikelelo is currently raising funds to cover the running costs for the next 12 months. Thanks to the video and a Crowd Rise site, the brothers have been able to raise awareness - and much-needed funds.
By Tuesday, nearly $9,000 had been donated to help pay for the basic necessities. The brothers hope that over time other donations can be found to pay for new beds and furniture, and a computer laboratory.
Happiness: The Gravas say the orphanage is always filled with laughter and fun
Growing up: The center cares for children of all ages, from babies to teenagers
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