Investing in the leaders of tomorrow by investing in their education is one of our primary focuses. Our aim is to supply young students with the tools they need to succeed. The quality of their education will directly impact the quality of their future. Books, educational toys, stationary, and schoolbags are provided through our back-to-school programme.
2023
It’s so important these days that young people get computer knowledge and training. Yet in order to gain that, equipment is needed. What a joy to bring these various electronics – laptops, desktop, screens, printer, router, keyboards, headphones, software, office chair, and more – to this youth home and training centre in Phillipi. And right before we went to them, a dishwasher was donated as well, which they received most gladly!
When we arrived and opened the van, the two house leaders exclaimed “computers!” and then shared the most amazing story…
Two of the young people at the home had applied for a business course, been rejected, then finally accepted! And then, they found out having zoom classes WITH STUDENT VIDEO was a requirement for the course. And they didn’t have the computers or webcams, so were on the verge of forfeiting the course access. How amazing that not only were there laptops, but also a high quality webcam for them to use!
We visited two large schools in Wellington and Worcester, speaking to the learners on the importance of education and also giving a Gospel message, then handing over school supply packs to 200 of them!
We were blessed to have packs of cereal for them to take home and fresh mealies (sweetcorn) to leave with the school kitchens.
Another lovely event was with a very underfunded creche in Worcester, at which we gave out lunchboxes, water bottles, cups, crayons, paper, bananas, cereal, and children’s Gospel material for over 150 kids!
And then supplies and a special message on education for over 70 children at our Sunday School!
2022
At a local creche, the 37 children each received two DVD’s to take home – with lessons on healthy eating, exercise, and getting along with others! Then a variety of character building books in Afrikaans, complete with activity pages and scriptures to memorize!
For our Sunday School kids, Amy gave a talk on our nation, diversity, and 1 Corinthians 12 (we are all different but parts of the same Body). Then the kids took turns placing coloured handprints on a large template, till the South African flag was created! While learning the important lesson of all working together they also had a lot of fun!
All wonderful and blessed events, with a special focus on the future – children!
At our Sunday School, we presented our faithful attendees (ages 6-15) with an educational kit consisting of exam pads, notebooks, calculators, colour pencils, pens, rulers, sharpeners, erasers, pencils, pencil cases, lunchboxes filled with treats, cups, and a character building activity book!
And for the youngest children, a colouring book, a box of wax crayons, and also a special snack!
What a joy to be able to fulfill a great need for “Mama” Rosie and the school-aged children at Baphumelele Home in Khayelitsha township. One hundred children were given school supply packs, lunchboxes, and a message of encouragement to keep learning and keep trusting in the Love of Jesus! So many smiles and “Thank You’s”!
50 children in these communities received learner packs, kid-focused Gospel material, and lunchboxes with treats! And for the younger children a colouring book and a box of wax crayons!
Our deepest thanks to those who made this project a reality, both through support and gifts in kind.
We passed on 16 boxes of books to a community library newly set up in Khayelitsha! What a help this new place of learning will be to young and older alike!
2021
Here is an under-60-second video, showcasing the Back-to-School projects and events of February – at which over 450 children received basic supplies, Gospel material, and foodstuffs!
At this school project we gave 100 packs for learners at the school + general office supplies for the admin side – envelopes, glue, paper, organizer trays, and more! This school was previously a beneficiary of sports equipment, and we were now able to hear updates on their use and enjoyment of all the items! The principal also proudly shared that their school had a pass rate of 83% this year – well above the national average! Such a privilege to be part of all this, and supplement the principal’s and teacher’s faithful efforts.
This very impoverished community just outside Mitchells Plain has no electricity or running water, and their “hall” is a makeshift, old building which they multipurpose for Sunday School, church, and a community gathering centre. We had been looking forward to doing something for them again, and this time, it was Back to School focused!
As the children sat in rows, we explained to them the reason for the event, the importance of hard work and study, and how much Jesus cares about each of them. One by one they came up to receive a pack of school supplies, plus a treat bag with chocolates, cereal, and fruit!
Most wonderfully, 72 older children/teenagers got their OWN BIBLE (choice of Afrikaans or English) with their name and a note inside.
The event was such a success and the children so well-behaved. We are so thankful to be able to enable all these little lives to continue their much needed education, as well as spiritual growth and a knowledge of the Gospel message!
PS: During the event, one of the ladies told us a heartbreaking story, of a preteen boy who had been horribly violated just days before, and was too scared and ashamed to leave his shack. Angela took time to write a special note of encouragement and comfort in a Bible, and left it for him together with the school pack and an extra portion of treats. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.
We were able to provide 100 school packs for the school-aged children at Baphumelele Home! From grade R to Matric aged, all were SO grateful, as were the teachers and Mama Rosie, the founder. These basic items are making these children’s return to school so much smoother and more exciting!
For the children regularly attending our Sunday School in Morningstar settlement off the N7, we had a special event! From grade R to 12, each child received a pack of school supplies, plus a bag of treats, cereal, and fruit! All were thrilled! Something that really stood out to us was how one boy C (often a bit of a rascal) thanked us over and over, really appreciating the gifts and expression of God’s Love. Day by day, heart by heart, change is made.
2020
For 50+ children at our weekly Sunday School, we brought all the things needed to start off their school, and gave a message remanding them that they are loved by God, by their parents, teachers, and others who gave the supplies, and that we believe in them! They were so thankful!
To help disadvantaged students enter the 2020 school year with self-worth and needed materials, we held an event presenting 450 children with pencil cases, pens, pencils, and stationary, as well as lunchboxes!
A surprise call from a local businessman resulted in a second hand industrial printer being donated to an underfunded school. (with over 700 pupils) This will make such a difference for them going forward!
