Bringing hope to the community for 30 years
HURLINGHAM – Although Covid-19 and the national lockdown did bring these programmes to a standstill, the organisation hopes to regain its momentum and get back to helping the community.
Rays of Hope celebrates 30 years of bringing hope and warmth to the community of Alexandra.
With the support of sponsors, volunteers and dedicated team, the Hurlingham-based non-profit organisation has positively impacted the lives of thousands of residents over the years. This includes vulnerable children and their families, the elderly and those living with chronic illnesses.
“We’re often referred to as Alex’s ‘best-kept secret’, simply because, most people aren’t familiar with Rays of Hope or its impact in Alex, despite our community involvement for decades now,” said CEO Sihle Mooi.
Today, the organisation facilities nine community-based programmes aimed at vulnerable individuals, education and work readiness. According to Mooi, these programs have elevated the lives of thousands of people over the year.
Although Covid-19 and the national lockdown did bring these programmes to a standstill, the organisation hopes to regain its momentum and get back to helping the community.
“Over 7 500 children have benefitted from the Rose-Act Saturday School, the programme that started the relationship with Alexandra and the reason why the organisation of Rays of Hope was started in 1991.”
Among these children was Candice Sehoma, who attended Rose-Act in grades 10 and 11, as well as the Ignition programme for tertiary education support.
According to Sehoma, she felt seen at Rose-Act and it brought something out in her that normal schooling did not. “It was school, but it was a lifeskills-driven kind of approach to school.”
She added that her time with Rose-Act, and later Ignition, was what helped her develop a passion for social development. Sehoma currently works as the access campaign advocacy coordinator for Doctors Without Borders.
Along with nurturing educational and spiritual development, Rays of Hope is also committed to supporting orphaned and vulnerable children through its Ithemba Labantwana programme.
“We have a large number of staff dedicated to this initiative, with the goal of bringing hope and restoration to the lives of children who have experienced loss of one or both parents, abandonment, abuse and neglect.
“All of this has been made possible by the ongoing assistance of sponsors. With Alex situated right on the border of Sandton, Rays of Hope has also built and sustained strong long-term relationships with many of the individuals and businesses that surround the Alex community,” concluded Mooi.
Details: 011 784 6214
ALSO READ:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/288269/give-hope-to-the-alex-community/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/292064/the-rays-of-hope-foundation-aims-to-help-the-next-generation-of-great-mothers/
