Emthonjeni

Emthonjeni   www.emthonjeni.com

Emthonjeni's VISION: empowering local leaders to holistically enrich lives through educational, medical, recreational and job creation projects in disadvantaged communities. Through caring for the overwhelming needs of these communities it is our hope to earn the right to share God's love with them

Presently in two communities:  Zandspruit Informal Settlement (Johannesburg) and Kwaggafontein (KwaNdebele)

Emthonjeni's Values

• Relationship

• Cultural diversity

• Empowerment & Character Development

• Interdenominational faith efforts

• Teams & Partnerships

• A process-based approach

Our Core Strengths

• Trusted relationship with communities

• Partnership

• Large partially developed venues

Current Facts about Emthonjeni

Child Education

• The After School Care cares for between 250 children, five days a week, tutoring, arts, recreation, personal development and providing nutrition.

• The Golang project provides fortified breakfasts before school for between 170 children (Emthonjeni served over 100 000 meals in 2007), school uniforms, school fees, educational outings and weekend camps.

• New in 2007, Play with a Purpose is a preschool training program where 15 Preschool teachers are trained in early childhood development skills. We are starting our own preschool in April 2008.

• Golang High School program has sponsored five exceptional children from the program to attend high school for their first two years.

• Youth Club has started this year.

Medical

Our Ante-Natal clinic is also providing weekly medication, vitamins and a meal to over 3000 moms-to-be annually. Here they also receive comprehensive education and care in HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Mothers receive baby parcels prior to delivery, Baby magazines and clothes.

Job Creation

• Growing stronger in quality and their market the Women's Sewing Club employs 42+ women from the community. The l adies learn needlework and beadwork skills, creating unique African gifts for individuals and corporations.

• New in 2007, Container conversions. Men are learning skills on the job as they convert containers for the uses of Emthonjeni.

Adult Education and Training

• The Dependable Strengths programme helps job seekers discover their own strengths to prepare them for a job interview.

• 3 Computer Training Centres for adults and children, where they are trained in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Windows and general office practices.

• Our Train the Trainer program prepares locals in the skills of training where the computer trainers will be certified to teach computers as they learn soft skills of public speaking, report writing and other office skills.

• Our Recreation project, girl's netball team won several informal settlement tournaments and had a weekend camp for training this year.

Story of Peter

The story of Peter is one which is becoming common at Emthonjeni. It is a story of a local citizen of the community of Zandspruit who loves God and who loves his own community. When Emthonjeni opened its doors in 2002, Peter was there. He was involved with our dance group PHYCS (Pure Hearted Young Committed Servants is the acronym for the group), He danced with a smile and a teachable heart. As he graduated from high school he carried on with his life in Zandspruit and in his Christian commitment. Peter soon began training at our centre in computer training. After this he was hired by another NGO to train their students in computer basics. Presently, Peter works at a South Africa retail store in Computers and Technology. The most beautiful part of this story is how he now is starting a youth club at Emthonjeni. He and other volunteers are giving back to the community in which they live. Peter is a perfect example of our goal to empower local leaders.