• Social Issues

Rehoboth's beacon of hope

• 3 Months Ago - 2024-06-27 10:45:00

It is not just a project, but a safe haven full of love, grace and hope where vulnerable children and young people learn to dream again and their skills and talents are discovered and developed.
As a beacon of hope, the charity Lighthouse Children and Youth Ministry in Rehoboth is a place where many of the children come from homes where both parents are often absent, reject them or are plagued by drug and alcohol abuse.
As the figurative light in the children and young people's darkness, the organisation offers essential services such as educational programmes, meals, as well as practical and emotional support that is essential for their well-being and development.
"By providing a safe environment and opportunities to grow, the project plays an essential role in helping these children discover their potential and build a future full of hope," says Kenneth Shipipa.
The need for this type of support is clear in the fact that more than 100 children and young people living in poverty are cared for here and reflects the challenges experienced by families in Rehoboth on a daily basis.
The organisation was founded in 2019 and officially registered in 2020 to support and empower vulnerable children and young people growing up in extreme poverty. It's a safe haven that offers emotional, physical, spiritual and educational care to defenseless children and youth to "be citizens who bear good fruit in their communities".
According to Kenneth, the non-governmental and charitable organisation apart from educational programs also provides daily meals and has several community projects to reach even more children and young people.
The Garden of Hope vegetable project supports nursing homes, while there is also a sewing and aquaponics project. The organisation also provides toiletries to some of the children in different hostels, while the talent development programmes help the children and young people to discover their talents and interests through skill development and various activities.
Monday afternoons are teenage time, says Kenneth, with a special programme that includes games and praise to discussions with biblical themes.
"The Sunshine Club is aimed at children whose parents are able to give them love and attention, but are not financially able to buy their daily meals and school supplies. This group consists of more than 30 children who receive a food parcel every second week and also resources or materials needed for school," Kenneth explains.
More than 50 children growing up in poverty attend the organisation's after-school programme where they receive a daily meal, help with their homework and various activities such as archery, Bible lessons, crafts, sports and games, as well as math, English and attend reading classes. The organisation also has a programme for young, pregnant girls who, in addition to information, also receive a gift pack for their babies.
Kenneth says the organisation wants to build a multi-purpose training centre that not only provides education, but also equips the young people and children with practical skills. "Many of the children in our programmes are born with fetal alcohol syndrome, which is obviously not good for their academic career, but they can work with their hands."
A bright future
Plans for the centre are underway which include, among other things, four classrooms, a library, a computer lab, a community hall, a men's and women's salon as well as a coffee room that will be run by the young people.
As a non-governmental organisation, they depend on donations which cause great pressure to ensure that all their programs can continue.
The Lighthouse Children and Youth Ministry prides itself on its integrity, honesty and accountability, Kenneth emphasises.
"It is very difficult to find businesses or individuals willing to support us because many organisations are constantly misusing their finances. In the end, it affects most NGOs, even if they are honest."
The tremendous impact and difference they make in Rehoboth's community is clear, Kenneth says.
"At the beginning of each year, we provide school supplies to all the children in our programmes. Often members of the community also come to ask for help and when there is extra material left when all our children have received, then we give it them too.
"98% of our staff are residents of the town. The community's ownership of the project is also reflected in the weekly outreach programmes where we engage community members. Because of the history and good reputation and relations with the community, we believe the centre will be welcomed by those who see and believe in the work we do."
For more information about the Lighthouse Children and Youth Ministry, the work they do and the planned multi-purpose centre, Kenneth can be contacted at [email protected], 081 322 0995 or 081 552 6704. – [email protected]