CHARISMA COMMUNITY SERVICE DROP IN CENTRE
(ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED UNDER SECTION 21)
NPO number 054-199
Over a period of approximately five years we have joined together with the Charisma Community Church in Ikageng, Mamelodi in various projects. We have helped with the running of a Saturday morning School to provide extra tuition for primary school children, planted vegetables and trees, worshipped together, enjoyed friendship and joint men’s and ladies’ ministry functions. Most recently the two congregations have embarked on a joint initiative aimed at addressing some of the needs of families affected by the HIV/Aids pandemic as well as extremely poor families.
We realised that we could not possibly meet all the needs that there are, but decided to focus on nutrition, assistance to primary school children during the afternoons, and the adoption of families where possible. We also plan to develop a project that will sustain the Drop-In Centre and alleviate poverty by providing employment.
To date we have done the following:
- In addressing nutritional needs, Trinity families are currently supplying food parcels to families identified by Charisma Church and Mamelodi Hospice. The parcels are made up of items recommended by nutrition experts, and these are distributed each month
- In an effort to help and encourage young children in families affected by HIV/Aids and poverty, we established a “drop-in” centre at the Charisma Community Church. Forth primary school children are welcomed each afternoon, Monday to Friday, after school. Three sibling families account for 11 of these children. The Centre’s doors were opened on 22nd July 2003. A cooked meal is prepared for the children; they are helped with their homework; they interact with educational and outdoor games, participate in daily worship and are given care and encouragement. A kitchen has been built and equipped to serve the centre. Jeff Dhlamini involves volunteers to prepare the children’s meals and to be mentors and guides to the children. Trinity members have donated educational materials, clothes, and playground equipment to the Centre. A Trinity member who is a qualified teacher visits the centre regularly to help and encourage the carers as they endeavour to lay solid educational foundations for the children. A relative of a Trinity member visits the Centre from time to time to teach the carers about nutrition, hygiene and food preparation. The Centre is directed by a steering committee including Pastor Jeff Dhlamini of Charisma, Malcolm Brown a session clerk emeritus of Trinity, Sue Hay the Ministry co-ordinator at Trinity and volunteers from both Charisma and Trinity. Operational costs are met by donations and contributions from interested parties.
- A "granny family” has been adopted. This family of 1 grandmother and 8 children housed in a garage is being helped in many ways by a member of Trinity, with the support of a fellowship group as well as the Trinity congregation.
- “Rainbow Notions” is a project which started in 2008. Twice a month a group of Trinity ladies goes out to Charisma Church to meet with the Moms of the children who attend the Drop-In Centre. They enjoy a time of fellowship and learn handicrafts and practical skills.
Various other projects are undertaken from time to time. Details of these will be included in the monthly Newsletter.
We are very grateful that these projects bring relief and hope to the children and families involved. We are giving attention to the establishment of a project that will sustain the Drop-In Centre and also alleviate poverty by providing employment.
It is our prayer that we will be able to bring hope to more people as these projects grow. |
