Fourways-based Care Project shows care in more ways than one
FOURWAYS – The organisation is running a number of projects, including distributing second-hand clothes and feeding street children in the area.
Human beings need certain things to survive.
Some of these are purely practical needs – food, clothing, shelter – while others are a bit more abstract – education, self-esteem, art. All are necessary to build strong people though, so the Fourways-based Care Project is trying to provide them to the youth.
The Care Project initiative was started by Pastor JJ Zondi of the Jubilee Family Church in Pineslopes and is based at the church grounds at the Pearls of Fourways Shopping Centre on Forest Road. It is a community initiative which attempts to address social ills in society, particularly those which affect the youth.
The organisation is running a number of projects, including distributing second-hand clothes and feeding street children in the Fourways area.
Zondi works in conjunction with the project’s life coach and coordinator, Khetsa Dhlamini, as well as three youths from the area who help bridge the gap between the adults and the youth.
Zondi explained, “We seek to take care of the underprivileged by providing them with basic needs. We collect second-hand clothes that we can hand out to people who need them. We also distribute hot meals to street children one day a week.
“I believe it’s a calling to make a difference in people’s lives.”
“We don’t actually live for ourselves, but instead we must be able to leave a legacy for those who come after us.”
This legacy is about more than donations though. The two men are also working to uplift the spirits and souls of the youth they help. “We provide the youth with life skills, coaching and mentoring as well. The things we hand out [food and clothes] are a means to an end, and the end is self-identity and awareness.”
Dhlamini added, “We’ve also seen that there is a gap in mentorship for the youth.
“And because of this many youths go astray and get involved with drugs and crime.”
To combat these social ills, Care Project goes out as often as possible to give motivational talks and life coaching to children. On Mondays, the pair visits Witkoppen Primary School on William Nicol Drive as part of the ‘Coach a child’ programme and have also formed a similar relationship with Takani Academy in Bloubosrand, which serves the Cosmo City community.
On Sunday afternoons, the pair shows the same dedication to street children in the youth social programme, which aims to help rehabilitate addicts through activities. Care Project also helps adults and runs a health support group at Witkoppen Clinic to support those battling medical hardships.
Finally, Zondi and Dhlamini want to support the youth’s hopes and dreams as much as they supports their bodies and minds. On 23 September the Care Project will be hosting the organisation’s first ever African Awareness Day at the church venue. Youth from across the area will have the opportunity to show off their talents and creativity when they are invited to perform dance, poetry and music to the public.
Zondi said, “People are welcome to come to watch the performance, as it is free. Although we will welcome any donations of non-perishable food, toys and clothes. Volunteers and donations from the public are also welcome, and we challenge people to get involved and make a difference with us.”
Details: 081 557 0835; 011 045 1799.
