Mr and Mrs Ethembeni

A fun filled afternoon took place in November when Ethembeni hosted a Mr and Mrs Ethembeni dress up show. There were 3 "modeling routines" judged by three teenages who attend the family centre. Routine one was "funny dress" = routine two was sporting/cultural and routine three was smart! The winner of Mr Ethembeni was Xolani Ngubane and Miss Ethembeni was Thembelihle Mkhize and Mrs Ethembeni was Ellen Mthalane! See the pictures and see there will be a video!

11th year Ministry celebration

In November 2011, Ethembeni celebrated God's faithfulness in 11 years of ministry. A yummy cake was cut by Louise Stobart symbolising this milestone. See the picture. New staff management positions were also announced and "anointed" in prayer. Please pray for the following people in their new ministry responsibilities:
- Zwelihle Sokhela = Family Centre Manager
- Thembekile Mkhize = Assistant Family Centre Manager
- Londeka Gasa = Volunteer Coordinator

We praise God for the inspiring and servant hearted friends of Ethembeni called Rachel Saxton and Claire Henry. They have faithfully ministered to all in 2011 and we praise God for them! Hamba khale.

Ethembeni Fire Fighters in training! Story by Londeka Gasa

On top of all the crazy wonderful things that happens @ Ethembeni; today we learned how to protect ourselves in cases of fire and had fun doing it. Ten of our staff from all three ministries (Mpophomeni Family Centre, Home Based Care and Care centre) had a chance to actually handle a fire extinguisher stopping the fire.

Now we know what to do and the right way of doing it in terms of fire.

Check out Nonjabulo Ngxabi using the fire extinguisher to put out a possible fire.

Discovery Health and Tshikululu Social Investments visit with Ethembeni

On 30th August 2011, Discovery Health represented by Sandhya Vedalanka and Mandi Mzimba paid Ethembeni a visit. Also visiting was Tshikululu Social Investments (TSI) represented by Juliana Thornton . The day was filled with story-telling about nation building and how partnerships are making significant differences in communities all over South Africa. Ethembeni thanks Discovery Health for funding our primary health care program and TSI for being hope builders through their social investment networks. We look forwards to future story telling days – see the pictures for evidence of what went down on the day!

Ethembeni's Heritage - reflections on who we are in 2011

Ethembeni was born out of a humble beginning in 2000 – a great big desire by special people, to help those families in Mpophomeni that were affected by HIV/AIDS.
Today, Ethembeni serves the people of Mpophomeni in many ways and all for the glory of God:-
• The family centre takes care of the children from families affected by HIV/Aids, by giving them a sanctuary of love, care, food, rest, help and spiritual guidance
• The care centre takes care of those people severely affected by HIV/AIDS, by giving them spiritual support, prayer, medicinal care, personal care, food and “hospice” type care - all this done in the small but effective care centre
• The family support programme takes care of families affected by HIV/AIDS, by giving them spiritual guidance, prayer, food parcels, clothing parcels, social support, motivation to grow their own vegetables, and when possible having them earn some money working on sponsored programmes, like “packing and labeling Wedgewood products” or manufacturing beaded items for sale, etc.
Since the inception of these ministries, we have worked with over 800 HIV infected families, directly benefiting more than 3000 people.
The core values of these three programmes are simply God’s love and hope

Nonhlanhla Nkomo - RIP lady of faith written by Grant Edkins

Dear Friends of Ethembeni

Death is a daily part of life at Ethembeni, yet sometimes we are so surprised by who God takes to be with Him. Nonhlanhla Nkomo was one of these surprises - she passed away on 18th June 2011 after contracting flu! Within one week, this strong community leader who was inspiring others affected by HIV to start their own vegetable gardens, had passed away. Nonhlanhla died at age 41 - yet her legacy was left in all of us i.e. her passion for serving others in need. I'd come to know Nonhlanhla in January 2010 when we visited her as a patient of Ethembeni's Family support program. Her warm smile and hunger for God's word endeared her to us. She was the first volunteer to be recruited to join our home based care teams expansion into KwaHaza in July 2010 - and God used her testimony of faith and perseverance to encourage many living with HIV to trust Jesus with all their fears and hopes! Her funeral was a sad yet wonderful celebration of a life full of hardship yet she keep giving back to her community! Nonhlanhla - hamba kahle mhlobo wam. Sizobonana - we will see each other again.

CAN YOU IMAGINE............

SOME VERY INTERESTING FAMILY CENTRE STATS:

FOR COOKING:
• There are 70 children at the family centre – 5 days a week
• There are 14 Ethembeni staff members at the family centre
• 30kg’s of maize meal is used in a month
• 12kg of mince meat is used per month
• 35 kg of chicken portions is used per month
• 14 kg of sausages is used per month
• 20kg of potatoes are used a month
• 5 kg of carrots are used per month
• 90 brown bread loaves are used per month
• 12 litres of diluted juice is used per month

FOR FOOD PARCELS:
• 146 tins of baked beans are given a month
• 73 Soya mince packets per month
• 40kg of maize meal per month
• 60kg of rice per month

CLEANING MATERIALS:
• 5 litres of dish liquid per month
• 5 litres of toilet cleaner per month
• 48 rolls of toilet paper per month

HOURS SPENT BY STAFF AT THE FAMILY CENTRE: 1450 per month

HOMEWORK HOURS SPENT: 15 per week

Having read the above, running the family centre takes some doing – SUPPORT is clearly needed – contact Grant Edkins: 083 347 3977 if you can support this ministry in any way.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE ETHEMBENI FAMILY CENTRE

by Shân Cade

Not having 70 children to watch over one’s self, it is very hard to comprehend the logistics involved in the running of the Ethembeni Family Centre. To mention a few functions or tasks that take place daily, that may get your mind geared to understanding what an enormous task it is:

• Looking after 70 little children – a huge responsibility
• Ensuring these children’s spiritual well being is taken care of
• Ministering to these children with music and song
• Cooking for and feeding these children
• Assisting the older children with homework
• Taking care of developing the children’s skills
• Handling social problems
• Entertaining and ensuring these children have some fun
• Purchasing food and cleaning requirements daily
• Keeping these children healthy
• Seeing that they get the correct medical attention when they are sick
• Sharing in these children’s emotional ups and downs
• Keeping these children positive
• Keeping these children warm when it’s really cold
• Taking care of building maintenance issues as they arrive,like blocked drains
• Coordinating volunteers help
• Fetching and carrying volunteers, staff, children as required
• Reading and doing other activities for the children
• Re-scheduling staff when a staff member is off
• Handling crisis’s –like elect.failure & you still have to cook
• Refuse removal
• Gardening and playground maintenance
• And a thousand other items......

To the Ethembeni Family Centre Staff – may the Lord continue to give you strength, wisdom and knowledge in the running of the Family Centre, and the serious task of looking after 70 children daily. You do an amazing job, with dedication and compassion – we salute you.

KEEP ON KEEPING ON

Isaiah 30:15 “In quietness & confidence shall be your strength”
Isaiah 40:29 “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength”
Isaiah 40:31 “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength”

INGRID ROBERTS - WOMEN'S EVENT & ETHEMBENI

Saturday the 30 July 2011 found the Liberty Mall in KZN, South Africa,vibrant with the Ingrid Roberts Women's Day celebration, and who was there? None other than Ethembeni's Zwe and Mandisa.

The following piece is from Ingrid's email to Grant the Director of Ethembeni....

"Just to say how much we loved having Zwe and Mandisa with us on Saturday evening - and I think they enjoyed the event just as much! Thanks for all you did to make it possible.
Zwe won a Nikon camera, we were able to raise R3075 for your wonderful charity and Mandisa had some additional funds donated to her personally - Graemor accountants engineered this idea and will be looking after the money raised for her - allowing her to spend as and when she requires (over R3000 I am told!)
Hertz car rental - also at the event - will I believe be facilitating her trip/s to the mall for when she wants to use her money.
In all - a fabulous event and another well done to you all for the amazing work you're doing out in the impoverished communities. I felt privileged to put a "face" to just one of the many stories in your community!"

GOD IS TRULY GOOD Support from businesses and volunteers is critical to keeping Ethembeni running. Thank you Ingrid.

VOLUNTEER STATISTICS

Family Support Team
From: Howick Community Church
15 people
•Weekly family visits – prayer, clothing and food parcels

Family Support Team
From: Mpophomeni Community
10 people
•Family visits – prayer and support

Family Support Team
From: Private Sector
1 Person
•ID document processing

Ethembeni Ministry
From: Overseas
5 people
•Specific activities for Ethembeni:
o Gardening
o Family Centre support
o Special skills elec
o Family support
o Maintenance
o Devotions

Ethembeni Ministry
From: Azusa Pacific University
20 people
• Community engagement
• Devotions with staff
• Devotions with kids
• Team building
• Home/school visits
• Building improvements
• Afternoon activities
• Nursing

Ethembeni Ministry
From: CERI
10 People
• Gardening
• Afternoon activities (games)
• Devotions

Ethembeni Ministry
From: Tearfund
28 People
• Gardening
• Holiday Club
• Home/school visits
• Activities with the children
• Devotions with the children
• Medical support

Family Centre
From:Private Sector
1 Person
• Teaching computer skills

Family Centre
From: Private Sector
2 People
• Playing music with the children

Family Centre
From: Private Sector
3 People
Reading groups

Family Centre
From: Heritage Christian Academy
20 People
• Building relationships with MFC youth

Family Centre
From: Hilton College
40 People
• Gardening
• Sports with children

Visit the website to see the stats in table format

TOP PEOPLE DOING A TOP JOB

CLAIRE HENRY“A top person doing a top job”

Claire is an amazing, motivated and sincere volunteer. In her official capacity as ‘Ethembeni’s Resource Coordinator’ she does an outstanding job of getting it altogether - schedules, activities, visits, training, etc are handled timeously and her interaction with overseas and local volunteers, as well as Ethembeni Staff, is done with enthusiasm and joy.
Claire’s desire is to serve the Lord in such a way that whatever she does, shines for Jesus - CLEARLY, THE LORD SHINES THROUGH HER AT ETHEMBENI.Claire’s website scripture says it all……….

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill that cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16

CLAIRE’S MISSION STATEMENT
My Zulu name is Khanyisile. It means ‘One who brings light’. We are all called to be “The light of the world. A city on a hill that cannot be hidden” (Matt 5:14). Jesus also told us to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19). I know the call is different for different people, evangelism starts on your doorstep and there are many ways to help.
But, the way I see it, I am called to get up and go. For me, this is not a gap year project (I’m too old!). It’s a way of life. It’s not about going to a poverty stricken area for a few months and helping out to get a bit of the feel good factor. This is about seeing God’s children who are suffering, and doing everything I can to share His love with them.
I will hopefully be in South Africa for the better part of 2010 to 2013. Based in Mpophomeni Family Centre. I will want to build relationships with people who don’t believe that anyone could possibly care for them. I want to help educate people who have no hope, no dreams and no future. I want to show them how big God is. I want to see their lives transformed by His amazing grace.
My specific role is “Resources Co-ordinator”, which means I organise programmes for local and overseas volunteers; train staff, particularly those teaching the pre-school children; and make sure the Centre has all the physical resources it needs to be as effective as it can be in providing holistic care for over 70 orphans and vulnerable children.
Claire, everyone involved in Ethembeni salute you – may the Lord continue to lead, guide and direct you.
Visit Claire’s website for more details and amazing photos: www.shinethrough.me

ETHEMBENI VOLUNTEERS

DEFINITION OF A VOLUNTEER:
A person who spontaneously undertakes tasks.

Volunteering to do anything for anybody or any organization is a sacrifice by the volunteer. It is something that is done with passion and enthusiasm, for the recipient, by the volunteer. Volunteering generates a sense of caring and community spirit, and shows a strong belief by the volunteer for the organization they are supporting. Without volunteers, especially in NON PROFIT organisations, development of the organization would be a lot slower - volunteers are invaluable.

Ethembeni has a really dedicated team of volunteers, and is also blessed with volunteers from outside South Africa’s borders for time to time.

The statistics table below are an indication of the voluntary support Ethembeni receives locally and internationally, and Ethembeni salutes all the volunteers that give so freely of their time, finance, skills and prayerful commitment. The statistics displayed below are an indication of the volunteer volume that support Ethembeni – we are truly blessed – THANK YOU

Yours in service for Jesus

SHÂN CADE
Sub-Editor

Top 3 Ethembeni computer students

COMPUTER SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

The ETHEMBENI FAMILY CENTRE was donated 6 computers by the Starfish Foundation – part of the Coca-Cola grant. These computers are being put to excellent use by the staff at the centre and the school children. Shân Cade runs a voluntary computer skills development programme weekly for staff and children, and the fruit thereof can be seen.

The first computer class started in March 2011 with 5 lovely children – 4 girls and a boy. We started with the very basic fundamentals of computers like: computer hardware, computer software, the information system, Keyboard fingers.

Each lesson the children are given a one page handout for their files, covering the details of that particular lesson. They have been very diligent in reviewing these documents constantly and can now answer most questions instantly.

We have recently started doing some practical “word and Excel” work and we are learning in a really fun way.

Aligned to being able to use the computer well are the business aspects to computer usage. These fundamental business practices like, a professional finish, letter writing, excel spreadsheet set-up, spell check, logos, signatures, time management, etc, are also being covered, not in great depth but enough depth to get them thinking “business”.

Developing the computer skills of the staff at Ethembeni is twofold:-
1) Empowering them to manage and perform professionally to business standards
2) To assist the children outside of computer lessons

Ethembeni wants to develop the computer training into something worthwhile and accredited – this will enable them to offer the Mpophomeni community training at affordable rates, and generate additional income for Ethembeni –THE PLACE OF HOPE.

Thanks to Coca-Cola and the Starfish Foundation for their invaluable support of Ethembeni in donating these computers.

THE LETTERS FOLLOWING WERE DONE BY OUR TOP 3 COMPUTER STUDENTS, from their hearts... This is very encouraging.

LETTER 1.

Date:23 June 2011

Having computer lessons has made me have more knowledge of the insides and outsides of the computer especially, the basic stuff and the rules on how to handle the computers.
Leaning about computers for me has been much fun, I really enjoy going to my classes but most of all is being with my teacher who takes her time teaching and showing me the correct directions.
I have learned about page borders, how to change your page colour, writing in bold, italic and underlining, opening my own documents and presenting my work in the best of my ability.
Thank you starfish foundation for giving me this opportunity.

Mandisa

LETTER 2.

Date: 23 June 2011

Since I started to came in MPOPHOMENI FAMILY CENTRE I gained many things like clothes food and everything .My father passed away onNOVEMBER 2005. So family centre staff are like my parents and children are like my brothers and sisters. They paid school fees for me since 2006 and that means A lots to me because I live with my granny and she cannot afford to do everything by her pension. They help us to do our homework because I was lacking at school.
When I started to came here I think I was 12 years old and now I am 16 years old. I am doing grade 10 at ASIBEMUNYE HIGH SCHOOL. Here I learned to use A computer. I am glad to be here. I feel at home and I thank them A lots and my computer teacher.

Thokozani

LETTER 3.

Date: 23 June 2011

Since I practise on thecomputer I gain more knowledge.
To make something like write letters and open my document.
I enjoy to having a computer skill.
In computer class I have to work very hard.
Thank you for helping me to get computer skills.

Alex

Ethembeni Stories June 2011

Ethembeni Stories June 2011

OUR YOUTH AND THEIR “PLACE OF HOPE” - ETHEMBENI
June the 16th celebrates “Youth day” in South Africa, and with this in mind we thought we’d let you have some snippets of news from the Ethembeni Family Centre. There is so much happening at the family centre on a daily basis, as children are dropped off by their siblings who rush off to school, and then the day starts……
The family centre is exactly that – a centre where the little, non school going children can be left under the gentle and loving care of the family centre staff. These little children have quite a hectic programme designed to stimulate their growth as little human beings, as well as being kept healthy through correct eating habits during the day.
Their programme includes developing their skills in various ways like, drawing, ball games, puzzles, team games, Bible stories, climbing, as well as great ways of developing their social skills.
The Ethembeni Family Centre literally brings HOPE to these children whose families are headed up by the older children, having lost their parents. This family centre accommodates approximately 70 children, which is a drop in the ocean compared to the number of families out in Mpophomeni that are affected by HIV/AIDS and need HOPE.
The most amazing sight is seen when you arrive at the family centre, and all these children greet you with enthusiasm, a smile and a huge amount of noise – they all talk at once. The Lord’s heart must be very glad when he looks at this place of refuge, for these families who are determined to survive under very difficult circumstances.
We at Ethembeni are privileged to serve, protect and love these children, and express our thanks to those of you who support the ministry with prayer, time, skills and finance……. We could not do it without you.

May the Lord richly bless you as you partner with us and bring hope to broken families.

Yours in Christ

Shân Cade
Sub-Editor

A very encouraging letter from our partners - Dlalanathi!

3 June 2011
Dear Zwe and Grant,
It was such a delight reading the feedback report from your implementation of Family Support submitted by Pinky. What a wise decision to have those trained pair up to facilitate the sessions together and ideal to have you Zwe, available simply to offer support. The feedback makes it clear that your facilitators understood and held an emotional safe space for caregivers. There seems to have been much integrity in the way that they facilitated hard discussions, offered support, motivated participants to engage with the play skills, encourage emotional connections with their children and hold the overall process. Well done!! 50 caregivers were reached through this group work process and in turn, a greater number of children reached back in their households. This is the power of Family Support.
We would like to encourage you to continue to offer Family Support to the caregivers you work, even if you plan to run one group a quarter. Family Support is great for the children in your centre, but is also a fantastic prevention programme as it strengthens families before they unravel. We also want to acknowledge that Ethembeni does a lot to provide emotional support to those who are doing the work and this is to be commended as it is not often seen.
dlalanathi is so privileged to be in partnership with Ethembeni. Your desire to serve children and families professionally, your commitment under difficult circumstances and your constant ability to celebrate the transformation and change that you see is a gift.
With gratitude,
Robyn
dlalanathi Operations Director goto www.dlalanathi.org.za

A story of Hope - the Dlamini Family

The Dlamini family started to attend Mpophomeni Family Centre in March 2009 which means they been with us for about 2 years now. Whey they started their situation at home was not good – their relationships were not right. Their mother was sick as reported to us by our home based care teams. There were 6 children in this family and two care givers. All the children had birth certificates and were receiving R250 per month as a child support grant from SA government but that was not enough to feed the whole family since the care givers were not employed and one was sick. We assisted the family to apply for their full birth certificates so that they can apply for foster care grant which is R720 per month.

This family lived in one yard but in two separate dwellings – not having a shared dwelling where they could cook and eat together lead to family tensions. When we started we had to work on relationships as well from the children up to the care givers. At school the children were not doing well... One of the children was assessed and we find out that she had a sight problem. We took her to hospital now she wears glasses thanks to our nursing sister who helped us get her glasses.
They are getting the foster care grant now and 2 of the children got a chance to know God which was very exciting to see God at work! They are attending a local church thanks to the spiritually discussion group where we are helping them and growing them up in knowing God. The care giver is now well and the income has improve, Zola one of the care giver is working in a project that is run by Ethembeni in partnership with Wedgewood, they were making ribbons that has contributed to the income of the family. We have decided to close with the family-praise be to God who have helped us to bring life and hope in this family.

My story by Linda Smallbones

I have been writing stories about many of our children at the Family Centre who have left us, some for great reasons and others for sad reasons and others simply because they no longer wished to receive our services. Now I come to write my own story as I leave Ethembeni. I am sad, but thankfully not leaving for sad reasons as another Smallbones is about to be born!
I started at Ethembeni on the 16th May 2007. Sr. Kathryn Olive and I (see picture of us above – I’m on the left) shared a desk and a computer at Ethembeni Care Centre. Kathryn and Ethembeni staff very patiently answered my questions and put up with my ignorance. The job was exciting but daunting. Ethembeni had never had a social worker before. I had to carve out my role. There was so much to do, but where to even start?
As time went on and the ministry of the Mpophomeni Family Centre (MFC), that had been conceived before my arrival, started to take shape, to grow and to operate, I became more and more involved in that work. I met seven people who had been trained as child care workers, who were to begin the journey with me in starting the MFC. Four of the seven are still part of the staff of the MFC today. Zwelihle is now a trained Social Auxiliary Worker and the MFC Assistant Manager. Phindile is the Early Childhood Development worker, Samkhe and Ellen are both still faithful child care workers, both of whom love to work with the younger children.
I know that initially I was employed to do something quite different to what I am doing today! I would like to thank Rouen Bruni and Grant Edkins for allowing me such freedom to pursue the things that I believe God placed on my heart and things that make me excited and enriched in my working life. There have been many frustrations, brought on for the most part by my own lack of skills. For example, I always regarded myself as a social worker, not a manager! In my time as manager of the Family Centre I made bucketfuls of mistakes, but I received in return bucketfuls of grace, from God, my colleagues, and my superiors. I am really grateful for these steep learning curves and the amazing support I received in the midst of them.
Through others we are hurt and sometimes broken. We had a significant period of brokenness in our team a while ago and even lost a member of staff through a taxi accident during that period of time. However, through others we are also allowed to see Jesus and to see hope. We have come out of that period of time with a much stronger team, full of energy and skill with so much potential ahead. Thank you to the MFC team, for your love, support, and many kindnesses to me, and for your dedication to the children which at times has been astounding.
I have had the privilege of working with some amazing children and young people. They allow one to see what the meaning of resilience really is; being able to rise above their circumstances and seek Life and Hope, being able to experience joy even though some of us would struggle with bitterness in the very same circumstances. I would like to thank all of the children of the Family Centre, those who no longer attend but whom I got to know well and those attending now. Thank you for trusting us as adults to build relationships with you and to share some of your journey of Life with you. There have been many children whose lives have been filled with sadness and abuses of many kinds. Many times we wish that God would remove the pain and suffering or that He would empower us to do so, and with the wave of a magic wand it would all disappear. He doesn’t work that way and instead chooses to use us as fellow weak humans to reach out, advocate, support and counsel in many of those circumstances. It has been reinforced to me time and again that God values relationships above all else, ours with Him and ours with one another.
To all of the staff of Ethembeni, it has been a wonderful working environment because of you. I want to especially thank Dudu Zulu and Zwe Sokhela, because of you my work at Ethembeni has been that much easier. You have both given your time to working alongside me and enabling me to do my job by being translators in so many different circumstances, some very difficult and sensitive. Thank you both for your faithfulness, your trustworthiness and your insights. I have loved working with you!
May God continue to bless Ethembeni. All my love and thanks, Linda

The Broad and Narrow Road Poster by Janice Costello

I am not very good at approaching the lost with the wonderful news of our salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Upon reading the Joy magazine (December 2010 issue) I came upon an article about the Broad and Narrow Road Posters. I was absolutely delighted, as, here was a way to reach people with the message of salvation. These posters depict the broad, dangerous and easy way to destruction and the narrow road that leads to eternal life.
I have been able, with the help of Pastor Roy Reddy’s ministry, to hand these posters out to people who need to be reached.
I volunteer with Ethembeni HIV/AIDS Ministry each Thursday by joining Dudu Zulu on her home visits to families affected by HIV. We have placed these posters at the local clinic that has been set up for AIDS patients and at the Family Centre set up for children that are affected by HIV.
The most amazing thing happened in January while we were driving through the Mpophomeni Township where Ethembeni ministers. I do not know how one of these posters got near my driver’s side door but when I opened the door one of the posters fell out onto the road. At that very minute a man came past and picked it up and asked me if he could have it. It looked a bit tatty having fallen on the road but he wanted it. I told him he could have it as long as he looked at it very carefully and showed other people it too. He said he would, with great enthusiasm. The care worker I was with told me he was a Sangoma. We were overwhelmed at God’s wonderful graciousness to His people. We prayed and are convinced that this man will be convicted of his salvation through this poster.
The poster has amazing spiritual impact with the extremely graphic pictures of the road to hell and the road to Heaven. Even an illiterate person can understand the message, without being able to read the relevant Biblical texts at the bottom.
They are printed in all languages so anyone can use them for evangelical outreach.
May this story of God’s plan for people’s salvation and His hand over “our gospel efforts in Jesus name” encourage you.
To purchase posters call Pastor Roy Reddy at 0828622356 or email him at allofgrace1@vodamail.co.za

Horse Paddock as a classroom by Linda Smallbones

Every Tuesday afternoon Thokozani, Mandisa, Siyabonga, Mpume, Alex, and Nobuhle rush to the Family Centre from school, gobble down their lunch and jump into the Avanza. They’re whisked off to the Karkloof where their newfound four legged friends await them.

In November last year, Liesl Jewitt, of Mizpah Farm Retreat contacted us at the Family Centre and offered to work with a group of our young people, introducing them to her horses and her horses to them in order to begin some unusual, but lovely relationships. When we approached the children individually to ask if they wanted to join in, most had never ‘met’ a horse before and were apprehensive of the prospect, but nevertheless all were excited about doing something different and new and did not hesitate to sign up!

The group arrived at the farm and found that they got more than they bargained for. Not only were they to meet horses, but also dogs. Now dogs they were all a lot more familiar with, but in a very negative way. I was at that very first session and saw a lot of fear on the young people’s faces. The group lined the inside of the paddock boundary fence, ready to jump over if necessary. A lot of new experiences confronted them.

I had the opportunity to accompany the group again four sessions down the line. The difference was phenomenal. Not only did the young people walk confidently into the horse paddock, but they walked straight up to their favourite horses, called them by name and reached out to give them a rub. The affection between horse and person was evident. During this particular session, Liesl started to teach the group how to groom the horses. I was astounded. By the end of the session the young people were leaning over raised horse’s hooves cleaning them, I don’t know if I would have had the courage! Furthermore, the group responded well to Liesl’s dogs and had learnt how to interact with them in a positive, caring way. Were these the same fearful group?

The benefits of these sessions are many. The young people have become more and more involved in the practical care of the horses, from grooming to helping feed them at the end of the session. This gives the group a sense of responsibility as well as giving something back, to Liesl and the horses.
Liesl is constantly talking to the group whilst they interact with the horses, pointing out what the animal is trying to communicate through their body language, observing out loud the human reactions and the results of the two combined! The group are becoming more self and animal-aware. They are learning that how they behave effects others, even animals. There is also a new confidence in the individuals, grown through learning something completely new. The horse paddock is a classroom, but where failure is not possible. Only learning … and more learning.

Thank you to Liesl and all at Mizpah for this amazing opportunity. We have seen that it gives the children great joy and the opportunity to step outside of their sometimes very stressful lives and out of their own world into a wider world. Thank you to Silver, Twilight, Lady, Scully, Isra and Dancer the beautiful regal creatures who are so patient with newcomers and allow us to get to know them.

Wedgewood economic development partnership

Wedgewood/Walters nougat have implemented a economic development project with Ethembeni where we employ young men and woman to tie ribbons. These ribbons get attached to gift packs of delicious hand made nougat and are sold through out SA! Innovative initiatives like these provide hope, skills and sustainability! Thank you John, Steve and Paul Walters!

Christmas box joy 2010

Three christmas parties were held in December 2010 where 226 children received boxes of joy....thank you to all who made up a box...blessings...and thank you to the wonderful carers of Ethembeni who demonstrate Jesus love every week....