Activities Report for 2020

Our Response to the COVID 19 Pandemic

Help for the Needy

Though corporate giving has gone down in South Africa and despite the fact that many NPOs are struggling, God is still on the throne and prayer changes things. Our thoughtful and compassionate supporters and our dedicated volunteers continued to stand by Family Care Ministries this year. Despite the hardships many faced in their own lives, the donations given allowed us to buy the hundreds and hundreds of kilogrammes of fruit, vegetables, rice, potatoes, maize, samp, soya mince and other protein to enable us to serve 65,399 meals and to buy the food items for the 483 food parcels this year.

In addition to the feeding schemes we  have been running in Orange Farm and Evaton West for many years, Family Care Ministries volunteers opened a feeding scheme to approximately 250 children and elderly in Eldorado Park. Schools were closed for a good part of the year and once they reopened, children only attended classes on some of the weekdays. This meant that many missed out not only having their educational needs met but also on the meals that they are usually provided with at schools. We tried to fill the gap where we could and started feeding children three times a week in Eldorado Park and stepped up our  feeding in Drieziek Ext 9, in Orange Farm from feeding 300-450 meals once a week to feeding three times a week. For a good part of the year Family Care Ministries was able to also expand this food programme to the informal settlements of Tjovitjo nearby. This brought our food distribution close to 9,000 meals during these months.

Our volunteers also visit the elderly in their homes to help clean, cook meals or collect medication at the clinic on their behalf when needed.

Our monthly feeding programme to 120 elderly in the Brixton area was disrupted during the months of lockdown. As soon as we were able to raise the needed money we continued. We managed to bring a wholesome warm meal three times in this year and delivered food parcels on two occasions. Whenever possible we passed out one or two pieces of fruit, tea and sugar, or other food items along with the meal. While we were conscious and careful to avoid close contact, we still handed out a printed leaflet along with a smile and encouraging words. This did a lot to alleviate some of the fears and worries many are dealing with during this pandemic.

We were able to step up our biweekly distribution of 300 loaves of bread to a weekly one of the same amount.  Milk and eggs were distributed on a biweekly or monthly basis. 40 households received regular food assistance in Orange Farm and Evaton West alone.

Family Care Ministries was able to help school children who needed stationary. Whenever available we handed out school or other shoes, clothing and any household items we were given.

Most of the weekly food donations we received from a supermarket were delivered to the Boys Brigade in Noordgesig, Soweto. The couple serving the children and families in this community continue to help children to the best of their ability. We feel honoured to work with people who look past their own needs to care for others.

Other Food Distribution

In addition to all the hundreds and hundreds of kilogrammes of maize, rice, potatoes, vegetables and protein that goes into preparing 65,399 meals, Family Care Ministries volunteers distributed this year:

• 394 crates of assorted foods, and other canned and dry goods
• 12,800 loaves of bread
• 2.3 tonnes of  maize
• 130 jars of peanut butter
• 1,000 l of milk
• 1,410 dozen eggs
• 3,300 kg of liquid eggs (egg pulp)
• 20 kg E-Pap
• 40 jars of soup ingredients

Donations in Kind

• 47 bags of clothes, 4 of which contained jerseys and lovingly knitted scarves and beanies
• 26 bags of shoes
• 20 large boxes of toys and children’s books
• a bakkie load of adult books
• cleaning supplies
• a bakkie load of household items
• a double and a single sink and tiles to upgrade our kitchen in Orange Farm
• a small fridge, printer, bread maker, and irons
• 150 New Testaments
• 50 Gift bags
• 1200 pencils
• 8 boxes of colour pencil sets
• rulers, erasers and sharpeners
• 100 sets of crayons
• 120 pens
• 400 highlighters
• 200 sets felt tip markers

Outreach

The donations of 12 boxes of paper were used to print 46,000 gospel tracts, 1,810 Bible verse booklets, and over 13,000 pages of Bible study course material in three languages. Aside from what was printed in house, we also distributed other Christian magazines and devotional and motivational booklets.

While sharing the Gospel one-on-one is most effective, our volunteers also used social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp to reach others. Messages went out via SMS and by email to spread God’s Word and to counsel and encourage others to find or cling to their faith in Jesus. These avenues of spreading the Gospel had to be utilized in a greater way throughout this year marked by lockdowns and restrictions. Through these avenues the Lord has helped us to change the world one heart at a time. Here are some of the responses we received:

When I see what you and the Lord are doing for the hungry and needy, my heart is so full of joy. I get tears in my eyes. It’s so, so wonderful. Praise the Lord and God bless you. – Beverly

Thanks for all the messages, testimonies and your prayers for me. Pastor, I respect you. Sending somebody a verse or just saying “I am praying for you” or even just sharing a testimony about what God is doing, does a great deal in someone’s life. I’m being encouraged, motivated and influenced to serve the Lord with all my heart. – Pastor Gently

Today God has given me a dad who prays for me and cares for our community. Thank you. I grew up without parents so you are very special to me. I will forever respect you. May God bless you and your family. – Florence

I feel like jumping. Thank you God for connecting my life with Family Care Ministries! I glorify your name, Jesus. – Simphiwe

I enjoy your words of wisdom and file them and spread them where needed!! Many thanks!!! – Suenette

There are many more but we just wanted to put a few here to show that the Lord’s love is powerful. It lifts, it encourages, and it transforms and changes people.

Training

Early Childhood Development Training and Workshops

As an affiliate of EDU-BUILD INSTITUTE, Family Care Ministries has become a training provider offering SETA-accredited training to caregivers at ECD centres in Orange Farm offering the Early Childhood Development NQF Level 4 Certificate and the Level 5 Diploma in ECD courses. By December 2020 we had helped 6 ladies get their qualifications starting out as ECD practitioners. Unfortunately more than half of our students were unable to continue with their studies due to the hardships and financial strains many faced due to the pandemic.

We discontinued all other ECD training workshops for the time being due to lockdown restrictions. We did distribute two bakkie loads of used toys, books, and office and stationary supplies to a number of preschools in Orange Farm though.

Prison Ministry

Our ministry to inmates at Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Centre in Makhado, Limpopo, was disrupted on several occasions due to Corona Virus outbreaks or restrictions at Kutama. Despite this we managed to facilitate our Bible study courses at half capacity. We had therefore only 80 graduates by December 2020. Two inmates graduated from our advanced course while 8 others carried on with their studies throughout this year.

We can clearly see that lives are changing through the lessons and teaching. Here are some responses that we got from inmates:

Sydney: Proverbs 3:5-6 has taught me that in everything I do I should consult with God before so that it may prosper. I must not rely on myself because I might fail. But God doesn’t fail. He also said blessed are those who put their trust in the Lord. They will never be ashamed. This course has changed my life completely because now I depend in the Lord. Every situation that I come across in my life I hand it over to God because He is the one who is able to solve every problems. It has also taught me that if I put the Word of God first place in my heart, then the very same Word of God will produce an abundant harvest in my life.

Maphoto: The studying of this course has helped me a lot, especially in challenging me to give all of me to the Lord our God and having faith in Him. I have learned that God is not the source of our problems. The things we read in the Word of God, the Lord expect us to change the way we think. And as our thinking changes, so does our life.

Mpogo: Studying this course has helped me make my life to change for real. I came to prison without education and knowing nothing about correctional programmes. Starting to attend and learn about them (programmes and schooling), my life today is not the same as at the first appearance in prison. Now I understand that the Lord expects us to change our life about the things we read in the Word of God and accept and follow Jesus Christ as our spiritual leader for our entire life.

Aubrey: This course is fruitful to me because it helped me to memorize and mediate on the Word of God whenever I face challenges in my life. It also helped me to depend on God and put Him first all the time so that the seed inside me would produce the good fruit.

Malawi Work

Family Care Ministries has assisted the outreach work in Malawi for the past 11 years. Our volunteer workers are presently actively involved in training 600 pastors and other individuals who have a desire to teach, train, counsel and encourage others in six different locations. As part of our efforts we sent gospel pamphlets, Bible Study Course Manuals and Bible verse booklets to spread God’s Word and message. Family Care Ministries continues to support farming projects and youth outreach in the area.

Activities Report for 2019

Help for the Needy

Family Care Ministries aims to make a difference in the lives of needy families, child-headed households and the elderly. We attempt to help those who are able to to find ways to support themselves.

100 households received regular food assistance in Orange Farm and Evaton West alone. Shoes, clothing and household items were also distributed whenever available. Aside from the biweekly donations of bread and eggs we pass out, a total of 632 food parcels were distributed throughout this year. Some of our Christian businessmen friends continued to join our volunteers ministering to disadvantaged families & orphan households whenever their time permitted. The counsel, prayer and encouragement offered is as helpful as the food received.

Our volunteers also visit the elderly in their homes to help clean, cook meals or collect medication at the clinic on their behalf if need be. Six disabled people received food, clothing and help with transport to get them to appointments for treatment or to check-ups.

Since August 2019, 150-200 children, mostly from a nearby informal settlement, are served a warm meal and receive basic medical care once a week. A number of children are helped with their homework and meet for afternoon studies once or twice a week.

One of our volunteers started a children’s choir to give children something enjoyable and meaningful to do in their free time while another simply set some time aside to be available to talk, play and interact with the children. Family Care Ministries was able to help some school children who needed stationary, school uniforms, school shoes and books or help with their fees.

In addition to this, we continued to bring a wholesome warm meal to 120 elderly in Brixton every month of the past year. Along with the meal we hand out one or two pieces of fruit and home baked cupcakes. The encouraging words and time spent praying with and for the elderly make the visit the highlight of the month for many of them.

Most of the weekly food donations we receive from a supermarket are delivered to Ouma Helen, who is 88 years old now. She continues visiting and ministering to needy families in Industria and Fleurhof helping in whichever way she can. We feel honoured to work with such a sacrificial and selfless woman.

The following is a list of food items distributed by Family Care Ministries volunteers in 2019:

• 632 food parcels
• 377 crates of assorted foods, canned and other dry goods
• 227 kg potatoes, 150 kg vegetables, 36 large heads of cabbage
• 40 crates of fruit
• 70 kg frozen vegetables
• 2,270 kg of a rice
• 1,400 kg of meat
• 15,600 loaves of bread
• 400 kg maize
• 44 kg of peanut butter
• 45 cases of sugar sachets
• 121 kg coffee
• 900 l of milk
• 720 dozen eggs
• 12,500 kg of liquid eggs (egg pulp)

Other Donations

Other donated goods included 3 crates cleaning supplies, 115 bags of clothes, 4 crates of text books, a monitor & keyboard, an oil heater, 4 bags household items, 1800 plates & 300 cups Styrofoam, a bakkie load of saucers & cups, teacher and school desks & chairs, 4 boxes of toys, 10 large boxes of ring folders & assorted office and school supplies.

No Kids without School Shoes

In 2017 Family Care Ministries started the campaign “No kids without school shoes”. Throughout 2019 we were able to provide needy families and preschools with 1,420 pairs of shoes. We cannot specify how many of those were school schools but are grateful for the help we received from Sole to Sole who assisted us with shoes.

Events & Christmas Programmes

On Heritage Day, the 24^th of September, 90 food parcels were distributed to the elderly in Evaton West.  The singing and speeches and delicious meal was enjoyed by all.

Family Care Ministries assisted Ouma Helen again to organise a party for the children, families and elderly at one of the housing blocks in Fleurhof she regularly visits. The jumping castle, ice cream, snacks and stationary gifts were as great a hit as always with the children. Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal together after some song and dance.

Outreach

The donations of 21 boxes of paper were used to print 31,000 gospel tracts, 4,450 Bible Verse booklets, and over 13,000 pages of Bible study course class sheets in two languages. Aside from what was printed by Family Care Ministries, we also distributed 600 Christian magazines and 68 devotional booklets.

While sharing the Gospel one-on-one is most effective, volunteers also used social media such as Facebook and WhatsApp, SMSs and email messages to spread God’s Word and to counsel and encourage others to find faith in Jesus.

Early Childhood Development Training and Workshops

Our main focus  in 2019 was on starting up the EDU-BUILD INSTITUTE’S accredited Early Childhood Development NQF Level 4 certification course. Though we are not allowed to offer the course for free or for a discounted price, we were able to raise some of the start-up cost and running expenses.

Aside from this training programme, Family Care Ministries held 7 other workshops. Two of these were on planning lessons and learning activities for preschool children and fitting these into a daily programme. A total of 70 principals in Orange Farm attended the two meetings/workshops held to discuss training needs and see what assistance centres may need to register and meet government requirements to become eligible for subsidies. Three workshops helped preschool teachers get some important input and training on the developmental needs of babies, toddlers and young children and on various types of activities to use in the classroom. One key purpose of the workshops is to raise the level of awareness among caregivers of the importance of the early years in a child’s life. So many of the struggles that children face in schools is due to the lack of the development of foundational skills that children should be learning about and practicing while in preschool.

Family Care Ministries also donated 2 bakkie loads of used toys, books, and office and stationary supplies to a number of preschools in Orange Farm. Here are some responses from the workshops:

Everything was powerful. I gained something important for my day care centre. Thank you.

The workshop was definitely fruitful. I really appreciated learning about a child’s needs for development and would really like to learn more. Well done, Talitha, you make learning fun.

I have learned a lot with this course work especially on how to stimulate the development of language and communication skills.

I have learned a lot but the three days are too short. You must add more days. We need at least two weeks.

I gained knowledge through the lessons I received during these days I attended. Very good.

Malawi Work

Family Care Ministries has assisted the outreach work in Malawi for the past 10 years. Our volunteer workers there are actively involved in training pastors and other individuals who have a desire to teach, train, counsel and encourage others. As part of our efforts we sent gospel pamphlets, Bible Study Course Manuals and Bible verse booklets to spread God’s Word and message. Family Care Ministries continues to support farming projects and youth outreach in the area.

Prison Ministry

Family Care Ministries continued the rehabilitation work among inmates at Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Centre in Makhado, Limpopo. Nearly 200 inmates participated in the course we again offered in the three prison sections of this maximum security facility. We provide the course materials which are used by three facilitators to teach the inmates. The facilitators, who are inmates themselves, are overseen by the Chaplain’s office and report to us sending the tests the students write after each chapter. 185 of the students had earned a certificate by the end of 2019. This year Family Care Ministries was again able to mail 68 Christian booklets on different themes to those 14 students who participate in our advanced course. We can clearly see that lives are changing through the lessons and teaching. Here are some responses that we got from inmates:

Piet: Since I believe in Jesus Christ in my life, I saw lots of things that have changed in my spirit, soul and mind. I feel good all the times, I don’t have anger anymore. I know how to pray and how to read the word of God. Reading the word of God affects me in my life. I have experiences according to the word of God. I know how to stay positive all the time. I sleep at night because of the word of God and I believe in Him.

Tebogo: Truly speaking now I really feel relief. It is like something was weighing me down on my shoulders but now I am always happy. God is wonderful and great. Thanks to Him. Before I was having no knowledge according to the word of God. I didn’t know how to read the Bible. But now I know and since I started I even know what God wants from us to be saved. Now I know that I must live plowing my way to heaven not looking at the worldly things because our treasure is in heaven.

David: I am truly grateful for the lessons that you are teaching me. By reading your pamphlets I have found salvation and a deep connection with the Holy Spirit. I now find it easier to meditate on the Word, pray and fast. My spiritual life has been altered. To God be the glory. Thank you!

Nkopodi: Since I became a believer I have experienced the great love that God has for us and how much He cares for us. I have come to understand His Word and that it is life. It is like a rain that never goes out and returns to Him without watering the ground. I am immersed in His Word and saved. Reading the Word of God has affected my life tremendously. I can now meditate and come into connection in the spiritual realm with God. I am filled with joy for I know that His Word says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Lives are changing

God’s unconditional love for you!

As part of Bible study class we shared the following text with inmates at Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Centre in Makhado, Limpopo. Knowing how much God values us as believers helps us realize how indebted we are to Him to live a life dedicated to Him.

Jesus’ love is reaching out to you right now. His love, His forgiveness and His mercy are all right there, just for you, if you will only receive them. Jesus is not stacking up all your faults and failures and mistakes to hold against you. When He looks at you He sees possibilities that others do not see. He sees your every tear. He hears your every cry. He feels your every frustration, your every worry, your every burden, your every desire. He knows everything about you. He sees straight through to your heart of hearts and all that is in it, and He deeply loves you. He is right there by your side, and He will never ever forsake you.  He loves you and He patiently waits for you!

Here are some of the responses we got from inmates that participate in our Bible study course:

I feel like Jesus has forgiven me all my sins. He has accepted me into His Kingdom. He is embracing me. He is completely protecting me. He loves me and wants me to live a clean life. – Frans

Reading these words give me hope that Jesus loves me just the way I am. If I ask Him for forgiveness He will give it. He can even

Christmas Activities 2015

It appeared that Family Care Ministries volunteers, and other volunteers who joined us again this year, enjoyed the Christmas activities as much as the children and elderly did. Events were hosted for the children in Evaton West, Orange Farm, and Soweto, a total of about 650 children. We served a meal and brought gifts to the 120 elderly people in Brixton.

Christmas for the children

Our biggest event in Orange Farm was attended by about 450 primary-school-aged children. Kevin Le Clus, with his many years of experience in hosting entertainment events, knew just what to offer to channel the children’s seemingly endless energy. He and his team kept everyone hopping, running and jumping. As Frisbees zipped through the air, ropes were pulled to the breaking point and balls were tossed and chased by teams of children. Their screams, shouts and laughter could be heard from a long ways away. As always, the jumping castles were a complete hit.

Rising from the ashes of defeat

By Talitha

Each year we receive letters and test answers which make it evident that lives are changing in prison. Not all goes to our credit. We know that one sows the seeds another waters it but it is God that made it grow.

Here are some responses we received:

My life has changed completely since I started learning and reading the word of God. I used to think life was over for me, but now I have no more that thought again. My life has changed for the better.

I went through a stage in my life where I felt that I’m a hopeless case. That’s when I heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I gave my life to Christ and that’s when bit by bit my life has been transformed to a new creature. I love the Scripture where Jesus says if the Son has set you free you are free indeed.The words of God give me light and happiness. When I read the word of God, I feel free.

My life has radically been transformed through the word of God. I had this struggle of mind but I have learned to fight the darkness. I have to

Our Christmas wishes to you

May you have the gladness of Christmas, which is hope;
The spirit of Christmas, which is peace;
The heart of Christmas, which is love.

*

There’s more, much more, to Christmas than candlelight and cheer;
It’s the spirit of sweet friendship that brightens all the year.

Preschool teacher training

By Talitha

Here is a little update on how the preschool teacher training workshops have been going. A big thank you to those who support this project, who make it all possible. We deeply appreciate it.

I just completed training for the first group of 20 principals and practitioners. We covered each of   the six development areas in detail throughout the three full day workshops. In addition I touched on needed key skills such as lesson planning, creating a stimulating crèche environment and assessment. The short 15-20 minute section on brain development seems to help to make things click and provide motivation for everyone.

We started with social and emotional development, moved on to language development and communication and ended with physical and cognitive development. This helped attendees to walk away with a much better understanding of why children behave like they do and what the root causes of different behaviours are in development. It is easy to get irritated and annoyed with some behaviours that occur especially when caring for large groups of children. Some behaviour is linked to phases and stages in development. Gaining a greater understanding can help us to have more patience and provide the guidance for children keeping their needs in mind.

I had prepared a list of different activities, teaching aids and toys that provide stimulation and      growth in each of the development areas. Most teaching aids were made from waste and recycle materials. This showed that implementation does not always have to be expensive.

Often we don’t realize that there are steps that we can take to change things. We hope for our circumstances to change so we can move forward instead of doing what we can.

The foundation for future learning is laid in the early years. So much lies in our hands. Understanding the power that lies in our hands is sobering and should motivate us. We are the ones to encourage brain development by providing lots of action, activities and stimulation through the senses.

Here are some comments and reactions:

I am grateful that I attended the course because it opened my eyes and taught me to be more creative and not just sit there doing nothing. I did not know the things about the brain before.  – Sellina

The things were good and understandable because you showed some videos and activities on how it is done. – Christina

The course was very good for me. I’ve learned a lot about how to react and respond to babies and how to teach and approach them. I am very grateful because I learned a lot of new things. – Emily

I saw I can improvise if I don’t have toys. I learned more about how to handle children. – Anastacia

I would like to thank you for the information. For me everything was difficult but now I have a clue and a better understanding. – Thandi

All the information that I received is relevant and will be useful to me at my centre. – S’bongile

Much to everyone’s delight we held a raffle at each of the workshops. The top winners each got a children’s table with chairs for their classroom and crèche. Even though these were second-hand items, they were in much demand. Seeing how desperately each practitioner wanted to be the one to win showed how in townships often even the most basic resources are lacking. We are praying about what we can do in the future to fill not only the needs for training but also the needs for resources. I will likely plan on holding a workshop on making simple toys and preparing teaching aids in the coming year.

If you are interested and want to donate to this projet to make a difference, we can use your help. Sponsorship covers …

• Workshop expenses, such as cost for the printing of hand-outs and refreshments
• Printing cost of a 250 page teacher’s guide containing weekly lesson plans with songs, action poems and rhymes and learning activities for the different development areas.

Resource material we would like to donate or subsudize cost for:

• 21 sets of picture/word flashcards suitable for use in a classroom setting
• a CD with 40 children’s songs for teachers to learn and use in the classroom
• 40 Christian and character building value posters with a memory scripture and short story

Any support will go a long way.

Are you like a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

By Talitha

The difficulties that we find ourselves in in life can be compared to hot water. No one seems to escape. But what is your response to difficulties? Are you like a carrot which goes in hard and comes out all soft? Or, are you like the egg that goes in soft inside and comes out all hard? Or, are you like the coffee bean? Hot water does not change the coffee powder. The coffee powder changes the water! Likewise we should not let adversity affect us, make us weak or turn our hearts hard. We should make something good from the difficulties we face. We should be like the coffee bean.

This ending to our two workshop afternoons for 30 Highschool teachers of a Cosmo City school got everyone thinking and laughing all at the same time.

Working together with Natalie from Change the World Trust, we covered the topic of classroom control and discipline. We had done this workshop for Primary School teachers before and found that many of the same principles stand even when learners are older. In fact, we all need rules and standards to abide by. We all don’t take rules serious unless there are consequences attached to them.  It is easier for us all when expectations are clearly defined. Within boundaries children are then able to unfold and experience freedom and learn and grow.

Stepping back, seeing where the problem lies and assessing the situation is so often overlooked when facing difficulties. But without this very important step it is diffult to find workable, effective solutions. Many times we find ourselves so close to the trees that we cannot see the forest anymore. We get so close to the problems that we cannot see a way out or through. This is what we tried to help educators do.

We shared techniques for keeping control in the classroom that educators, psychologists and counsellors worldwide found effective in the classroom situation. They were well received by educators. It took many months of research to glean these tried and proven solutions from various sources.

What the educators had to say:

It was a very informative workshop. Especially for me as a young teacher. Even though part of me had lost hope, I now believe that it’s not too late to change or start over and be a Great Teacher to my learners. – Phumelele

The workshop was an eye opener to me. It has equipped me with skills and different techniques of handling misbehaviour and ill-discipline in class. Thank you so much, please keep coming to do workshops for us. – Nyakuna

The workshop was interesting and revived my zeal to get ahead amid the challenges I encounter in my everyday life. – Mathabi

I think workshops like these are needed to boost teacher’s moral. It was encouraging. – Portia

This presentation was very helpful. It helped me to know how to discipline my learners and how to make rules for my learners. – Francis

I enjoyed everything and especially how to avoid attacking learners and keeping it cool. It’s not easy, but I will try because, after all, they are learners who need our guidance. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. – Mawanda

Teacher Training continued

by Talitha

We would like to share with you a little update on our workshop project.
On the 13th of June we started the Early Childhood Development workshops I have been preparing for the first group of caregivers. Building on and expanding the early learning topics I taught on last year in Orange Farm, this program consists of 3 full day workshops. It covers all the key areas of early childhood development: social and emotional development, language development and communication, and physical and cognitive development.
18 principals and practitioners were able to participate and benefit from the first training session. A second group is scheduled to begin at the end of July and work on taking a third group trough the training is underway.
I was able to adapt my presentation and training material to bring it in line with the some resources the Education Department will be publishing shortly. Though this took time and effort, I believe it was well spent and an important step. Working and pulling together and teamworking is so much more effective in the long run.
Our first workshop topic was social and emotional development. Basic knowledge on how children develop in this area and what can be expected from them is quite key to understanding young children, their behaviour and emotions. This topic served as a wonderful spring board on highlighting the importance of showing love and affection and taking time with children in one-on- one conversation. Sometimes the tendency is to overrate toys and equipment. It goes forgotten that the day to day interaction with a child is what has a big impact on child development. It is the relationships we build with a child that go a long way in nurturing the self-esteem and self-confidence that will give the child the resilience needed when facing the obstacles that come with life. The foundation for good social and emotional skills is laid in the early years and can help a child deal with the often adverse circumstances they find themselves in nowadays.
Understanding these key points helps practitioners meet the needs that children have and gives them the tools to offer the needed support so little ones, particularly in  townships, get a better start in life. Research has shown that it is far better to get things right from the beginning then to try to fix things or intervene in a child’s life at a later point in time.
Because children learn through imitating behaviour they see, we talked about being role-models and taking the God-given responsibilities of showing love, care and respect to children seriously. We ended with a prayer for an infilling of God’s Love which was well received.
In each of the workshops I am including a short section on brain development in early childhood. It is very envisioning to understand what potential God has put in each child. No matter of which race or on which continent a baby is born, God is no respecter of persons. He has a plan and purpose for each to fulfil. Understanding what happens in the brain when children do various activities is very motivating for teachers. When they understand that they can influence brain growth and development, they see that a lot is up to them to effect the change they desire. Their efforts make a difference.
I find caregivers to be very eager to learn. Many realize (or come to realize) the vital roles that they play in children’s lives and in their communities. They would love to do so much more for children, but most have no training and little to work with. There are many obstacles to overcome.
We are so grateful for the support and sponsorship which goes towards this projects. It’s empowering Family Care Ministries to make a difference in people’s lives through this teacher training project. There is so much more that can be done to help these precious people who sincerely desire a better future for the children in their communities but it is a good start.  I have prepared along with the workshop training materials two teacher manuals. They consist of teaching plans, learning games and activities covering 40 weeks of teaching for children age 0-3 years old. Each manual also includes a section with health, safety, nutrition and care tips. The activities described don’t require expensive materials but make use of house hold items and even waste materials. We are printing free copies for each attendee (a total of 430 pages for each).
We had received some second hand items that we used for a raffle. The proud winners were so happy to receive a rocking horse and a sandpit/wading pool. Everyone else still smiled when they received a consolation price of a ruler and snack.

God’s Word works wonders

The following responses were written by inmates who participate in the course we offer at a Limpopo correctional center.

Many good things come to my life in very surprising ways. I had lots of resentment in my life whereby I always had worries about the world problems. But after I received the word of God and reading it every time, I started to have comfort and learned to forgive everyone I have resented in life. The Word of God is doing many things in my life. – Tshepo

My life has radically been transformed through the word of God. I had this struggle of mind but I have learned to fight the darkness I have by allowing the light to come in. Through meditating and putting the word in practice I changed my way of thinking and acting. – Rodney

God has taken away all doubt and worries which used to dominate my life. I no longer worry about carnal things, but focus on God. God’s word has brought me happiness and joy. Before I used to be a loner and I was always sad and depressed thinking God didn’t love. – Nkanyiso

I have found peace within myself whereas in the past I was a very bitter man, a sinner and carnal minded person but after studying the word and starting to meditate a lot of things have changed within me. Although I’m still struggling with others but with God’s Word I will conquer all. Jesus changed my life for as a sinner I was already dead but Christ saved me and took away all my sins. They became His burden therefore that alone shows how much love He has for me. Even my biological parents can’t take my sins and make them their own or die for my sins. – Tankiso

I know how to live with other people and to forgive one another. Even now, I know God is there. God loves us more than anything that is here in the world. So that is what I learned I about God. I will never turn back. I am a son of God. – Bongani

I have changed my life. I have changed my attitude. I am now willing to work on positive things only and avoid the problems in my life because God said, “everything is possible for those who believe.” – Aderto

I have learned to practice and memorize God’s Word daily. I go to a quiet place and have moments with God and learned to pray and wait for an answer. – Devine

When I feel troubled, whatever bad things are trying to tempt me to do wrong, I just take it to God in prayer. A lot of things changed. Even my family tells me that I’m different than before. I can see wrong from right. There is a bright future for me and I have a good successful future plan by giving my problems to Jesus. – Reginald

Since I realized God’s Words everything changed for the better. For me accepting God’s words brings joy to my whole entire life and happiness. I know now how to communicate without anger and with Him I am happy. – Bongani