We hope the following news uplifts your spirit!
A New Space!
“Space” was the name of the game, with two grandmas, one young adult, two young foster children, and one baby all living in one room – as their entire home – more space was indeed needed! One of our fabulous “moms”/home-based carers takes on all those around her who need love and a home in which to live… but she needed the “boundaries of her tent widened” (Isaiah 54:2). So that is exactly what Hlanganani helped her to do!
In the yard outside her room, she was able to have a tin structure erected, which will serve as a lounge, dining area, and most importantly, a small cooking space. Now, she does not have to worry about the toddler or baby getting hurt by the gas stove, which was previously right next to the family’s shared bed.
We are so grateful that this new structure was made possible, and one day we pray that she will be able to “extend her tent” further and have a lovely, proper home to call her own! We are so grateful that God is faithful in all things great and small, and for all those who support Hlanganani to bless those who need it the most!
“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes.” (Isaiah 54:2)
Uplifting One Another
“No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another.”
As we receive donations of all kinds – gently used clothes, books, toys, and household goods – all are appreciated and used to their full extent. Our home-based carers know the needs of each child, and as donations come in to fulfill those needs, they are most grateful. Any items that the children cannot directly use themselves are sold by their gogo’s (grandmothers/guardians) to help supplement their basic needs.
Pictured below are some of our gogos that sell goods on the roadside, sorting out donated items to determine how they can best be used.
Happy Eyes
Over the past years, we have been blessed by The Ruya Project and the UJ Optometry Department as they take time to examine our children’s eyes! This year, in addition to the Hlanganani children, they also examined the children’s guardians’ eyes and the other children who reside with them… over 70 people in total! Having a clear vision is so vital in everyday life. We are so appreciative of all who do their part to uplift our children.
If you or anyone you know would be willing to help support our children with dentistry check-ups, we would be most grateful for this service, too.
Going Places
One of our young men, who has been with us for many years, has shown what it means to overcome the odds. He resides with his gogo in one of the informal settlements/townships, which is plagued with negative influences from the local inhabitants. At one time, he too struggled with these temptations… drinking, partying, and other drug and substance abuse. He was getting 6% for Math, and his other subjects were not much better. Each term report came back with the same comment, “Not Competent.”
Can we get him into rehab? None are accepting. How about a trade school? No, he is determined to pass his Matric! These were his carers’ constant discussions. He then failed grade 10. Trade school was looking like the best idea. He repeated the year. Yet, something started changing…he started attending all of our mentorship groups, and our carers strove to mentor him as best they could; his grandma stopped complaining about his behaviour. His math score was now in the 50s. He was promoted to Grade 11.
Then he was promoted to Grade 12. As you read this, he is busy writing his final Matric papers. He is now 20 years old and is more determined than ever to pass and receive his Matriculation certificate. He has come so very far, and we are very proud of the young man he is turning out to be!
He is pictured below having some well-deserved fun at his Matric dance! (Your prayers for him during this time of writing his finals would be much appreciated.)
First Time at the Movies!
Three of our fabulous teenagers got treated to an afternoon at the movies -their first time – due to working hard, having great attitudes, and winning our Holiday Club competition! A treat well deserved! 👏
We strive to do little treats for the children, as they work hard and accomplish all that is set out before them. This is often easier said than done, given the many obstacles they have to overcome. So, we are delighted to be able to bless them when doable.
A big thank you to all our partners who come alongside us and support the work we do with the Hlanganani children. Every little bit helps and goes a long way to empower the children to live happier and healthier lives! Thank you.