As of this month the Positive Ray offices are at their new premises in Umtentweni, just up to road from Port Shepstone. The move went well and we wish them a happy new beginning in the smaller but more suitable place.
Positive Ray, Commercial Road, JTV Centre, Umtentweni 4235
Telephone/fax: 27 39 695 0441
Email: clement@positiveray.co.za
Pastor Clement said, “If you are in the area please come in and visit. Thank you for your prayers and support.”
All our current videos are now on this blog for you to view:
http://hope4aidssouthafrica.wordpress.com/media/
and more to follow soon…
Lets continue yesterday’s story…
After saying goodbye to the volunteers in Mduku we met a young man (Chris), who recently became a youth ambassador through the Sukuma Sakhe (“get up let’s build”) program initiated by the KZN-Premier - This is a primary health initiative linking all service providers, government department and NGOs doing community work in an electoral ward team. Chris had participated in the 4-month training program in Cape Town and learnt to address youth about drugs, teenage pregnancies and more. It is his goal to establish youth clubs in the area and Saziso assists him in running one.
Chris had contacted Saziso so that LK would help a family of 2 older orphans, a toddler and some school going children, who had no money, no food, living in a dilapidated home. We went to their home so that Saziso could take the details of the young women. He then ensured them that they would receive a food parcel shortly and a Family Support Team member would come and visit regularly for practical and spiritual support. LK will help them with applying for the missing birth certificates and ID documents of the children and the death certificates of the parents. With these documents the young people, with LK’s help, can then apply to become foster parents of their younger siblings, and receive a child foster care grant.
Then we went on to visit a granddad with 21 orphans, and later a granny with 10 orphans. Saziso continued collecting information on orphans without ID/certificates. He will collect details of families in the area until there are enough cases so that LK can contact SASSA (SA Social Security Agency) to send a mobile unit to issue certificates within that community. Yet another way to make a difference in the life of so many.
Tags: community project, HIV and AIDS, Lulisandla Kumntwana, orphans
When in Mseleni recently we had the privilege of going on field visits with Saziso. He is one of the Senior Coordinators of Lulisandla Kumntwana. Saziso has been with LK for many years now and is well known in the communities.
In Mduku we met with five members of the local Family Support Team. The meeting took place at the side of the road, opposite a local clinic. We sat on some tree logs in the shade of a large tree. The busy street and the many people walking past and greeting did not interrupt the peacefulness of our interactions.
After the introductions, singing and praying there was a time of general catching up on how things are and what are the news in the area. Saziso then taught the 4 women and 1 man how to complete and use the “Child Action Plan”. This plan records all interventions done by the volunteers in a child’s life and there is one plan per family.
LK serves a vast area and travelling takes much time each day. It struck me, that when working in an urban environment its easy to bring all volunteers together for one workshop, teaching everyone right there and then. In a rural setting this is not always possible and you meet in smaller groups where the people are.
At the end there was also time for the volunteers to share their personal and ministry challenges: “In some houses the parents say that there are so many organizations collecting data, but nothing ever happens.” This is something the volunteers and LK have to overcome to gain the confidence and trust of the families.
Tags: HIV and AIDS, Lulisandla Kumntwana, orphans, Volunteer
and the building continues at Positive Ray Reef in Lenasia…
pictures from 05 April 2012
so you wonder how its going in Lenasia??? At this point the floors are done and the containers have arrive. Today its time to install the toilets.
Valencia commented: Praise God for his Grace and wonderful work. Keep Praying for us!
Zakhele (right) with Family Support Team Members; photo by Marcus Baeder
Zakhele has been an orphan since 2005 when his father passed away. His mother died already in 2000. He is now 22 years old.
He did not receive support from Lulisandla, because he didn’t know about them and no one told him. Zakhele lives with his aunt and granny who support him. His aunt used to work and paid for his driver’s license. Now his aunt is unemployed and cannot support him any longer. Zakhele would like to do his PDP driver’s license so he can drive a truck for a company.
Zakhele approached LK a few months ago to find out if he could become a volunteer. This would keep him busy and he would also gain experience. Zakhele is a God send because he now drives staff members to their appointments in different areas. This helps so much when you only have one or two cars for 15 people. Zakhele has also learnt to teach at Psycho Social Support workshops and is a good role model to the youth there. He knows what they are going through and can speak from experience.
Pray with us that Zakhele will continue pursuing his dreams and follow the path the Lord has prepared for him.
Tags: community project, orphans, role model
