On the 31st of March 1998, three ladies decided to make a difference in their community.
Saddened by the horrific abuse to children in Philippi by step fathers and family friends, they felt the need to protect these innocent children and find a way to ensure a safer future for them by getting them off the streets. Some of these children have been raped and abused.
It has been a long and tough road for them, but Irene (Who has, in the meantime, passed away from HIV/AIDS) and Zanele persevered even after their third partner had to step down due to not enough support and very little income.
The Three Sisters site was previously a notorious spot for violent crime. Many murders took place there as people crossed the area to get home at night. The community therefore were very supportive when a meeting was called to establish an educare facility to rid them of the dangerous space and help protect the children of Philippi.
A community church, a refurbished container, a shack for activities on cold and wet days and a hut with portable kiddies toilets now occupy the space.
After meeting Zanele, Eric and Irene, we felt compelled to help these incredible selfless people and even more determined to help them stay afloat after visiting Three Sisters and the incredibly well behaved children. From the free-standing toilets in a little hut to the container where lessons are given, the place was spotless and neat.
A very big concern, however, is the state of the shack where all indoor activities take place. The pieced together roof was caving in and protruding nails were visible in the wood scraps that were used to hold it all together. Zanele has two staff members assisting her with the children and Eric provides spiritual guidance. Eric is a pastor and is hard at work trying to put a soccer team together to help rehabilitate youth who have been in prison.
A few of us decided to join forces to make their need for another container or prefab building come true. This would allow place for more children and create a safer environment for the 42 already schooled at Three Sisters. In the mean time Just Charity has had two wendy houses erected, as well as a container and the number of children schooled has increased to 120, with more on a waiting list. A jungle gym has also been erected for the children to play on and we have been able to get a fence put up. Heidi from Lufthansa managed to get funds for us to erect a wet room (fully equipped bathrooms). Zanele has also been sent for skills training.
Driving in to Philippi, we were struck by the total negligence and lack of care for young children. Little ones of about two and three years old were left without adult supervision on the streets that curve around the houses. There was a little girl of about three who was crying outside a house and not an adult or older sibling in sight to help her.
Our feeling is, that together, we can make a difference and effect positive change.
We ask that no matter how small you feel your contribution of time, effort or support would be, that you contact us please.
