Empower Life and Learning at New Hope
We try to deal with the whole person at New Hope, and often the whole family. We provide food supplements where necessary and often the meal given at school is the only food some will have for the day. We also send home “food packages” as donated funds are available to help the struggling families. We also assist with emergency funding for rent when families are threatened with eviction which unfortunately is far too common. Most families only live in a single “tin” room but even paying for that (AUS$30-40/mth) is often beyond them.
Good Teaching
We utilise well qualified teachers and use donations to supply uniforms and student materials (pens, paper, text books etc) to ensure everyone feels they “fit in”. A number of our sponsors supply a lot more than just school fees, giving extra funds for shoes and clothing. When we have extra gifts we also supply some hygiene materials.
Good Facilities
It is important that the school is bright and clean and safe for students to feel comfortable and able to concentrate on their studies. Thanks to our supporters in Australia we have now completed a beautifully painted three storey brick building that is in contrast to most of Soweto. This encourages the children to return each day.
Good Staff
All our staff are committed to the vision we have of improving life in Soweto. Whether they be teaching staff, office staff or cleaners or maintenance they are all part of a dedicated team wanting to serve the children and the local community. There are problems of course, but we trust they are handled lovingly and sensitively to the glory of God.
Future Resources
We are extremely thankful for everything that has been provided for New Hope by our very generous donors and supporters, but we continue to dream and pray for other visions that will continue our growth and our ability to help the community in the future.
“Whilst we have “Good Teaching”, “Good Facilities” and “Good Staff”, the school is very much in need of a small bus or van that can transport some children who are presently walking up to an hour each day, both to and from the school, to reach New Hope. Teachers have reported that these children, especially those who are quite young, are exhausted by the time they arrive at school”.
Another opportunity has arisen for the school to expand its ability to be able to help abandoned children or mothers and children who are homeless. The property next door to the school is now for sale, and the New Hope Director and Staff are praying for help in buying the small property so that they could make the dream of helping these children and families become a reality.
Please contact Janet Thornthwaite on janet_thornthwaite@bigpond.com if you would like to support either of these large needs and would like further details.