Personal message

Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters,

We have an incredible opportunity to make a lifelong dream come true for someone special – Sonja, a remarkable woman who dedicates herself to education, the art of Japanese karate, and the boundless world of architecture. Sonja's journey has been one of resilience, self-discovery, and unwavering determination, and we need your support to take her to the next chapter of her adventure.

Sonja, a mother, architect, and educator at the University of Cape Town, embraced the practice of karate as a young girl, choosing a path less trodden in defiance of the traditional ballet trope. The echoes of Japanese karate weaved in and out of her life during university, and after becoming a mother, the practice took a backseat. Like a moth to a flame, life has a way of bringing us back to our passions when the time is right.

Now, at the age of 56, Sonja has rekindled her love for Japanese karate, undergoing a transformative journey. Shedding an incredible 18kg, she has not only regained her physical strength but has also found a renewed sense of self-confidence. Sonja's recent grading is a testament to the fact that age is no barrier when you have the spirit and determination to pursue your dreams.

What makes this journey even more extraordinary is the intersection of Sonja's love for architecture with her trip to Japan. Japan, a country renowned for its unique blend of traditional and contemporary architecture, offers Sonja the opportunity to explore the rich history that has captivated her throughout her architectural career. The synergy between her passion for karate, architecture, and her focus on improving housing models for Cape Town, is a testament to the interconnectedness of art, culture, and personal growth.

Sonja is not only passionate about karate and architecture; she is also very active. In addition to her karate practice, she engages in adult ballet and cold water swimming. These activities further showcase her commitment to personal growth and physical well-being.

Our mission is simple – to support Sonja in her quest to travel to Japan, the birthplace of karate, to complete her dream of black belt and further immerse herself in the architectural wonders that have inspired her throughout her life. Your contribution will not only help cover the expenses of this once-in-a-lifetime trip but also symbolize the collective encouragement from a community that believes in the power of dreams.

Every donation, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to making her dream a reality. Share this campaign with your network, spread the word, and let's make sure Sonja's journey to Japan becomes a celebration of perseverance, passion, and the indomitable human spirit.

Donate today and be a part of this empowering adventure – let's Get Sonja to Japan!

A special thank you to her Hombu Dojo for the practice and Frank Brandon Shihan for his guidance.

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