FEEDING PROGRAM
Our ministry started by feeding 300 children a year. In 2023, we anticipate preparing and serving over 6,000,000 meals through our network of 11 feeding hubs. The life-changing impact of our feeding program is possible because of our partnerships with Convoy of Hope and Meals from the Heartland. We especially appreciate all that Convoy of Hope does to support our child feeding program and many other programs we can offer in Africa.
ONE CHILD AT A TIME
This program connects sponsors in the US with children in South Africa. Sponsors and children communicate back and forth to build meaningful connections. For $1 a day, sponsors provide an impoverished child with basic necessities and opportunities that most children in South Africa aren’t able to experience. Learn more about our program and how to sponsor a child here.
SPORTS 4 CHRIST
Our program helps students learn about Christ as they hone their soccer and netball skills. We provide a gospel-centered atmosphere and friendly sports competition. On average, 150 students use the Sports 4 Christ complex six days a week.
MENSTRUAL HYGIENE PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION
We provide sustainable menstrual health solutions and education for young women who would otherwise miss countless school days each year during their monthly period. Since the program’s inception, we have distributed over 20,000 washable reusable menstrual hygiene kits with education. We will soon be adding the distribution of free menstrual cups to this program.
THE LANDING - A CELEBRATE RECOVERY PROGRAM
The Landing is a space where the youth we serve can cope with hurts, hang-ups, and habits. It’s a Christ-centered program that addresses destructive or compulsive behaviors, unhealthy relationships, addictions, anger, shame, past abuse, codependency, and more. Last year, we saw over 200 students participate and begin to heal. In 2023, we will expand our program to 300 additional participants when we add a third high school and start offering Celebrate Recovery in the provincial prison in Polokwane.
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Jesus is at the center of everything we do. We can have all the programming in the world and still not address people’s greatest need – salvation through Jesus Christ. The gospel is proclaimed at our two churches, our child development center, in our Celebrate Recovery programs, and during our mission trip outreaches. We estimate that over 5,000 people heard the saving message of Jesus Christ in 2022.
ENVIRO LOO
We provide safe and sanitary bathroom facilities for children to use. In addition to avoiding dangerous conditions that spread disease, children were exposed to hazardous animals while finding a place in the bush to go to the bathroom. The Enviro Loo system is sustainable, waterless, and uses no chemicals. To date, we have installed 250 systems. In 2023, we will start a company that provides proper maintenance to ensure proper care of the toilets.
WELLS
With grants from Hy-Vee and Rotary International, we have drilled 36 wells. Families and students now have clean water for drinking and bathing, and farmers utilize drip irrigation. In 2023, we will drill an additional ten wells funded by Hy-Vee and Rotary International.
AGRICULTURAL TRAINING
Our organization is grateful for the food we receive from America through the generosity of Meals from the Heartland and Convoy of Hope. The pandemic taught us to look for ways to supplement the food we are receiving by supporting the local economy in South Africa. We expanded the educational opportunities at our Mountain View Farm and Research Farm to teach more locals how to plant, tend, and harvest gardens at local schools, hospitals, and communities. The end goal is to provide a mindset of self-sufficiency for the people we serve.
DATA COLLECTION
Our data collection system allows us to measure our impact on the lives of the children we serve. At our Del Cramer Child Development Center, we track attendance, meals, education reports, and medical records. Every six months, we measure the children’s height, weight, and arm circumference to ensure alignment with the growth curve for their age.
SEWING CENTER
With the staggering unemployment rate in South Africa, teaching women to sew gives them a viable way to generate income for their families. Students at our Lethabo Sewing Center take a three-week class to learn how to sew. Upon graduation, they receive a sewing machine and the skills to use it productively. We have seen 30 women complete this program thanks to a Rotary International Global grant.
IDEAL: Individual Digital Educational Assistance for Learners
This digital program provides supplemental educational resources to connect, equip, and empower learners to reach their full potential. It’s a tablet-based educational tool that helps students excel at math, English, science, and other subjects. In a village with 70% unemployment, giving these children every academic advantage is critical.
MISSION TEAMS
A vital part of our work in South Africa involves short-term mission teams traveling worldwide. Team members participate in various outreach and service projects in the local schools and community. We see an average of 100 people visit us on mission trips annually. Learn more here.