A ray of hope
2008-11-27
Lise Beyers
IN the heart of a poverty stricken neighbourhood of the Drakenstein Valley, shines a ray of hope for women and children of this area. Two years ago, NorSA started its community based project, Khanya, in Mfuleni Street, New Rest (Wellington), and today it is going from strength to strength. Here almost 300 people receive a meal daily. A place of safety has been established for children in need of residential care, and most recently, the new day care centre which cares for 82 children each day was opened. NorSA was established by Procare social worker Marietjie Bezuidenhout in 2006 to focus on HIV/Aids, TB and extreme poverty. With the help of the Drakenstein Municipality who identified a piece of land in Carterville/New Rest for this development, Khanya was born. At Khanya a counselling and education centre has been established and is manned by a trained counsellor and a medical nurse to support the community. Not only does Khanya have these facilities, but care workers are trained within the community to identify those in need. Bezuidenhout recently took another giant leap, in establishing a home in Church Street, Wellington, for unwed mothers who have no refuge. Here six women can be housed at a time for three to four months. They will be assisted before and after the births, and are helped to get back on their feet. Some of the young mothers become pregnant after becoming victims of rape, and have been rejected by their families. If they choose to give their baby up for adoption, NorSA can also help them through this process. This home is currently in need of persons to voluntarily assist with Bible study, as well as help from businesses who can help with the provision of foodstuffs. Marietjie Bezuidenhout can be contacted at 082-339-8988.
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