June update for the school investment program
In the month of June, due to it being near the closing of school, our numbers dropped drastically. We continued to have small intimate group sessions with meaningful conversations that encourage growth and focused on providing answers to some of the curiosities the learners had. Just listening to the questions that our students had, provided us with a broader range of topics to look into , going into our next term.
In early June we were joined by a team from the USA, Barstow California. We had the privilege of accompanying them on a prayer walk in our local towns of Port Shepstone. Stopping at each of our SafePlaces to pray and share the word of God to our people around the community
Bible study at Hlanganani was based on forgiveness, around the story of Cain and Abel and how God forgave Cain and blessed him with a beautiful life and family even after he had committed sin. When he asked for forgiveness, God forgave him.
We learnt about the importance of forgiveness and how it could help us more than help the person we are forgiving. The learners struggled to understand how we could just forgive people when they do terrible things but after learning the importance of forgiveness and that it is more about yourself and not the other person, they were excited to be more forgiving moving forward. Their life skills lessons were based on relationships, how to go about relationships? what are relationships? Are same sex relationships okay? In the moment some of the questions were quite difficult to answer so we decided that this is a topic we would like to go deeper into. We will be preparing a lesson on different types of relationships which will take place with one of our international teams in the upcoming term.
During the school holidays we attended training days at skogheim with the MK2MK team preparing and planning for HBC we assisted as group leaders with the Holiday Bible Club at MCC , coordinated by Lidy with the help of the MK2MK team from the united states of America. Some of the stations we lead were
- Snack and chat groups
- Media and time keeping
- Feeding
- General planning of the HBC
We are so thankful and grateful to the MK2MK team for all they are doing. All the work they put in. we see Jesus in everything they do.
SIP assisted with Mahlubi feeding whenever we could. Going out and serving in the community.
We attended 3 anxiety workshops that we are so thankful to Maria all the way from Norway who took some time out to provide us with tools on how to address and also educate people on anxiety.
Challenges We Experienced
Hlanganani was the only school with numbers high enough to keep attending, that being around 7-15 children in each group. RA Engars numbers dropped drastically from the 28th of MAY. Nobamba was in their time of exams, therefore we did not have a slot to do our lessons and they requested that we start engaging again in the new term. Merlewood primary’s attendance was also poor as the learners were done with exams and stop attending school regularly.
WISHLIST
CRAYONS
NOTEBOOKS
ARTS AND CRAFTS
FELT PENS
Hlanganni was the only school with numbers high enough to keep attending, that being around 7-15 children in each group. RA Engars numbers dropped drastically from the 28th of MAY. Nobamba was in their time of exams, therefore we did not have a slot to do our lessons and they requested that we start engaging again in the new term. Merlewood primary’s attendance was also poor as the learners were done with exams and stop attending school regularly.
WISHLIST
CRAYONS
NOTEBOOKS
ARTS AND CRAFTS
FELT PENS
Student Counselling with Marcella King
Despite the quieter period in counselling sessions due to school closures, June has been a productive month for our outreach efforts and program preparation. While the lack of school sessions limited our direct engagement, it provided an opportunity to focus on other impactful activities within our community.
• Our preparation for the Holiday Bible Club was exceptionally fruitful this month. HBC was a resounding success, with children actively participating and engaging with the lessons on the armour of God. This thematic focus not only deepened their understanding but also fostered a sense of community and spiritual growth among the children.
One of my highlights was capturing the joy and smiles of both our dedicated staff members/volunteers and the children themselves during the Holiday Bible Club. Witnessing the enthusiasm and happiness from all participants was truly heartwarming and reaffirmed the positive impact of our programs on the community.
As volunteers and organizers, we may never fully grasp the magnitude of our influence on these young lives. What may seem routine or ordinary to us can be a beacon of hope and stability for a child who craves love and acceptance. Each smile, each hug, each word of encouragement adds another layer to their experience at Holiday Bible Club.
In essence, it's not the grand gestures but the accumulation of small, heartfelt actions that shape the memories and perceptions of the children we serve. Our presence, our attentiveness, and our genuine care create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the confines of a single event. It's a privilege and a responsibility—one that reminds us of the profound impact we have on the lives of these young souls, fostering a foundation of faith, love, and community that they will carry with them long after the holiday season fades.
• The anxiety training sessions conducted this month have proven invaluable for our team. This training equips us with essential skills and knowledge necessary for effective one-on-one and group counselling with children in the future. It enhances our ability to address the emotional and psychological needs of young individuals more comprehensively, ensuring we provide them with the support they require during challenging times.
With renewed enthusiasm and strengthened capabilities, we are poised to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families in our community.
STATS
26 STUDENTS
An Updated on Our Genesis ECD Support Programme
The following are the activities that I have conducted during the month of June
On the 11th of June I went on a creche visit with Barstow team and they were very excited to engage with children and staff members at Sunnyside creche. The teachers were very happy to have visitors in their creche playing with children and also helping where they can.
On the 18th, 19th and the 20th of June I conducted cluster trainings with creches in Madlala/Oshabeni cluster, Nyandezulu cluster and KwaNzimakwe cluster. The trainings were a great success and teachers do not stop to appreciate the support that we continue to provide to them through training and resources and they are really grateful for that.
On the 25th and 26th of June I had training with creche teachers which was conducted by one of Greensparks donor and it was a great success, teachers came in their numbers and they appreciated the opportunity to be part of the training as they are always open to any form of training to help them grow and develop.