The Dawning of a New School Year
As January arrives, the life of a school-goer becomes busy. New clothing needs to be purchased, and fresh schoolbooks, pencils, and pens are required, along with many other essentials, both great and small. However, for our children, every item presents a challenge rather than an excitement. With limited funds, acquiring the long list of required school supplies becomes difficult. Without the proper “tools,” they are often left at a disadvantage or feeling embarrassed. As they grow, their school clothes no longer fit properly, adding to their challenges.
This year, we were blown away by the amazing “village” that came together to help provide the children with all the supplies they needed! Thanks to the support of our regular partners, Junction Church members, and Elenjical Solutions, the children were fully clothed and equipped with all the necessary school supplies this past term. They were able to go to school confidently, ready for a new year, ready to “learn today, so that they can lead tomorrow!” We are incredibly grateful for all the donations, both big and small!
Tools for Success!
Technology is rapidly changing our world. Today, there is almost no aspect of life that technology has not impacted. Electronics are essential for students to develop digital literacy and prepare them for future careers. Unfortunately, many vulnerable and orphaned children do not have regular access to laptops, tablets, or other devices that could set them on the right path in learning.
Recently, some of our Grade 9 students requested help with an assignment. They needed to research multiple sources of information, print them out, and write an essay. At home, they had no electricity, no laptop, and not even a phone to conduct their research, let alone a printer! All of this would require data, ink, paper, and many other resources we often take for granted. Even basic online research skills were lacking among the children.
The solution? If our HBCs could reach them via WhatsApp, ongoing assistance could be provided. However, this would require each high school student to have a phone and regular access to mobile data – something we have been discussing for a long time!
Recently, a generous benefactor, Zilonetix, solved this dilemma! We were gifted phones, tablets, laptops, and a printer (with ink!). We now have the ability to communicate regularly with some of our children, providing both educational and emotional support. Lessons on using search engines, online documents, and spreadsheets can now be taught, and necessary school documents can be printed. The gateway to their future has been widened, and we are incredibly grateful!
Reaching Greater Heights: One Lesson At A Time
Given our children’s substantial need for educational support, our Child & Family Coordinator, Sharon, and her husband, Lungile (one of our HBCs), have launched a new initiative. In collaboration with Junction Church, our high school students will receive tutoring in Math, English, and other subjects they need help with through an all-day Saturday program held once a month.
The first session, held this month, was a great success! The students completed assessments in English and Math, tailored to their respective grade levels. While most performed well in English, Math proved to be more challenging. As a result, it became clear that continuing the program is essential. Math concepts will be introduced gradually, and we will maintain one-on-one guidance, depending on volunteer support.
Overall, some children actively engaged in the activities, while others were more reserved. To encourage participation and boost confidence, we will introduce public speaking exercises, helping students grow more comfortable speaking English publicly.
Above all, the children greatly appreciated the program, as did the HBCs. Many students expressed that this initiative will significantly improve their academic performance. They also shared that the program gives them an opportunity to spend their weekends productively while receiving positive guidance. We deeply appreciate everyone who has contributed to making this program a success. May God continue to use us all in empowering and supporting the vulnerable children we serve.
A special thank you to Junction Church for allowing us to use your facility, to Bianca and Sharose for helping organize the day, and to everyone who cooked, cleaned, tutored, and counselled the children. It truly takes a village!
If you are based in Johannesburg and would like to assist with any of the above school-related initiatives, please contact us at info@hlanganani.org.
Dignity Restored One Plank at a Time
During the rainy season, several of our children’s homes, being constructed from corrugated iron and wood, started to leak and fall apart. Have you ever had a leaky roof above your head? It makes it rather difficult to get sufficient sleep and stay dry!
This past quarter, we were blessed by funds from our regular supporters and generous benefactors to help restore dignity and safety to our children’s homes. Broken doors, rotten and uneven floors, and badly leaking roofs were all repaired! Our kids can now have peaceful night’s sleeps and warm, dry homes!
