EDUCATION
For the past few weeks our children have been enjoying their school holiday, which is almost coming to the end. Schools will reopen on 5th January, 2015. This is exiting as they will all be in the next grade in 2015.
It is our custom to award deserving children for their excellent school performance. This is always done with the aim of encouraging them to continue working hard. The children who excelled the best at school were once again taken to Hungry Lion for chicken and chips, and those who scored second best were treated with ice cream. This time, only one out of our 12 children went for ice cream. This means we had a 89% pass rate. It’s always our joy seeing them excelling in their education and to our partners, who through their support, have made it possible for these children to attend school, we say thank you.
SOCIAL
December was Christmas season, a time of sharing and thanks giving. Our children made Christmas cards for various organizations and individuals as a way of saying thank you for their love and support they rendered to Kwathu Children’s Home throughout the year. The children also attended a Christmas party at Sun International Livingstone Hotel which was held on 19th December.
The 24th of December was a special day for the Kwathu children. A family dinner was held which included our visiting team from South Africa. The occasion was characterized of Christmas carols and poems presented by the children and the Global Challenge team presented a drama teaching about the birth of Jesus Christ. The children also enjoyed a delicious meal and were even more excited when it was time for Christmas gifts.
The atmosphere was filled with anticipation to unwrap their presents.
On Christmas day our children were accompanied by our South African visitors to a church service at our local church “Bread of Life International” in Livingstone. Later in the day, Christmas celebrations were underway at Kwathu Children’s Home and we all enjoyed the treat of a typical South African braai which was done by our visiting team.
It was so special for the Kwathu family to have spent Christmas with the Global Challenge team who always visit Kwathu between June to July but blessed us with a second visit this year. Santa handed out gifts to the Kwathu children, and among the gifts were the keys for the new Kwathu bus which was very special and a big surprise Christmas present for the children and everyone who attended the party. It was big surprise as the children had no idea of what was going on. After the official presentation of the gift, the children were taken for a drive in the new bus which they loved.
WELFARE
Christmas reminds us of our special gift “the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.” It’s also a time of giving and receiving. During this time the children at Kwathu took some time to make and cut lovely cards for the female inmates at Livingstone prisons and blessed them with Bibles as their Christmas gift. Thanks to Aunt Doreen who facilitated this and gave an orientation about life in prison for inmates.
SUPPORT
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kabushi Bread of Life Church all the way from Ndola, copperbelt province of Zambia. During their visit they blessed the children with assorted food items, prayed with the children and took time to learn more about the daily operations of the facility. Many thanks goes to Tandeka e.V for the beautiful Christmas gifts for Kwathu and Global Challenge for their financial support towards the Christmas celebrations. We also thank the Grace Klein Community team where Natalie is currently working for their support. We are so thankful for the continued growing support from both the local and international community for their tireless efforts in bettering the lives of our dear children.
SPIRITUAL
Our children actively participated in this year Children’s Sunday, which was held on the 7th of December, 2014 at our local church “Bread of life International,” Livingstone. This day was characterized of singing, dancing, drama and memory verses from the children.
VOLUNTEERS
Throughout this month we’ve had Tinie, a lovely volunteer serving at Kwathu Children’s Home. During her stay, Tinie spent time with children doing some outside games and face mask painting. As December is also a time for Christmas preparation and celebrations the children also enjoyed decorating the Christmas tree, learnt how to cut and make trees out of paper as well as bake some lovely chocolate brownies.
BUILDING
Gods goodness is always present and evident to those who trust, believe and wait upon Him. By faith we have started building the foundation of our office block. So far trenches were dug, footing concrete poured and now foundation walls (the box) with concrete block are being laid. Hopefully by the end of January 2015 we will be finished with the concrete slab.
The main house is slowly taking shape, the only thing we are working on now is tiling the floor. We are confident that by the end of February, the house will be 100% ready to occupy. Thanks to Tandeka e.V, Grace Klein Community, Hope Builders, Bob and Marilyn, Global Challenge, Ubuntu, Every Nation Church in Augsburg and everyone else involved for your support in building Kwathu Home. We are looking forward to walking this faith journey with you again this year.
Please continue praying with us on these requests.
- Pray with us for financial support for the remaining stages on the house (flooring, painting, and the doors)
- Please continue praying for Natalie who is currently in Alabama USA on a mission for Kwathu Children’s Home. She will be meeting churches, organizations etc. under our partner organization Grace Klein Community.
If you feel led to contribute towards the building project, donations can be given via: http://bronwynslater.co.za.www404.jnb1.host-h.net/donate/ or checks can be mailed to Grace Klein Community, 1678 Montgomery Hwy. #104, Birmingham, AL 35216. Please indicate “Kwathu” on the memo line.
We thank all our friends and partners for your prayers, donation and support of any kind to Kwathu Children’s Home.