"emzini" meaning "home" in Xhosa... For a year end party, the staff and volunteers of Options enjoyed the unique experience of a tour of the townships outside Knysna. What the staff didn't know is that the tour operator was our newest volunteer at Options! Ella Mahlulo started her own business out of a dream to help her community by uplifting those around her with food, clothing, confidence, employment, self worth and safety.
Located on a hill overlooking Knysna not only allows for the poorest to have the best views of the lagoon and the mountains, but also the dwellings are a bit more spread out than a typical city township with shacks almost on top of each other and only narrow paths between them
Most of the Options staff and volunteers have lived in Knysna for many years and know of the needs in the township. We were blessed to visit some of the many NGO's (non-gov't organizations) working to improve the quality of life in the township including Masizami Women of Vision (empowering women by teaching sewing skills), Paula Whitney Pre-School, and MAD About Art (innovative, interactive educational programmes that equip children with practical skills and knowledge about HIV and AIDS by using art)
Did you know that the townships also boast of a "big 5"?
The cow, the horse, the pig, the donkey and the goat... we saw all but the horse!
With Ella's passion for providing for the needs of her community, the hearts of visitors from all over the world have been touched to see her dreams come true. This container was provided by two such guests from England for a soup kitchen after seeing children sitting on the grass in Ella's front yard waiting for their afternoon meal. Coming from an abusive background, another project started by Ella is the Lukhanyiso Safe House a refuge for women and children in danger (no picture available at this time). The building is now completed, and now furnishing are starting to come in.
The tour ended at Ella's home for coffee, tea and a quick Xhosa pronunciation lesson followed with drumming and Xhosa worship.
THANK YOU Ella for the "home" experience and thank you Options for arranging it. Our lives are enriched as we see the township with new eyes! May the Lord continue to provide through your guests as they give to the needs of your community!
p.s. We are excited to work with you at Options!!
The Island Church sponsored a Christmas party for the children from the informal settlement Lhalane. After they arrived at the park we realized that the diverse ages required some adjustment to our games, and we broke up into smaller groups. Penny played with the littlies...
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