SEEING an increase in the number of orphans, abandoned and abused children in his Sunday school, Pastor Alfred Ntshangase started an NPO, Enhlanhleni Isibani Sezwe, to assist vulnerable families.
The KwaDabeka organisation was started in 2005 with a soup kitchen, where they fed disadvantaged pupils, children and adults who are on medication twice a week.
Ntshangase said they also provide home-based care services for sick people and support for their families.
“Our caregivers also do home visits where they bath, cook and clean for the sick people. From the day the centre opened, there have been so many changes as the number of people who need assistance increases every day and the soup kitchen is now open for four days a week and feeds 1 475 people,” he said.
The centre now also holds adult classes in the afternoon. Ntshangase said the organisation distributes fresh produce from its gardens. “The garden is part of our programme to equip people skills, as the vegetables they grow, they can sell and serve them to their families.
“We also teach people to make crafts to generate income for the centre and also the families.” The centre also provides food parcels for the disadvantaged families and child-headed homes.
At the beginning of each year, the centre hands out uniforms to disadvantaged children and Christmas food and clothes in December with the help of various sponsors.
“Our main problem is that the number of our dependants is increasing and we are appealing to anyone or companies who can sponsor us with food for our soup kitchen. We are also in need of someone who can fill our gas cannisters as we use it for cooking.
“Any other help will be very much appreciated, from food to clothing,” added Ntshangase.
Anyone who wishes to assist can contact Pastor Ntshangase on 082 666 0876 or 078 190 3973.
