Dumpsite children get a second chance

“They may be poor, but they are worthy people made in God’s image,” this is the introduction you read when you read more about Shamwari 4 Jesus.

Between 80 and 100 families live on the eMalahleni dumpsite and many more squatters in the Coronation and Klarinet area. Many of these people are children which help their parents to collect objects such as plastics, steel, paper and other objects to sell to recycling companies in the area. They are deprived of basic living standards, medical care and education.
Shamwari also do upliftment work within these communities which includes a feeding scheme for 200 other toddlers daily.
“We have established a day care centre for the children and registered Shamwari 4 Jesus as a non profitable company,” said Chrissie Bester.

“The day-care centre opened in June 2015 and we currently have 90 children at the centre. At the centre we provide each child with proper education, using the ACE (Accelerated Christian Education) Program, in corporation with the Department of Education teaching programs. Each child’s daily needs are also seen to by bathing them, washing their clothes and them receiving two meals per day,” Chrissie said.

She explained at the centre they’ve established a church, which gives Sunday services to the surrounding communities.
A fundraising evening is planned for Shamwari.It is an evening of art, music and poetry with special guest Koos van der Merwe.Original art by well known artist Ian Visser will also be auctioned to raise funds.

It is taking place at Indlela Lodge on April 7 at 18:00. The dress code is semi-formal.Cost per ticket is R750 and it includes an Italian Al Fresco inspired meal with a bottle of wine and also entertainment. For tickets contact Chrissie: 082 444 6214 or Kirsty: 082 302 9390.