Stories of grace

Ndodana's Remarkable Progress

Ndodana's Remarkable Progress

Ndodana enrolled at Dinaledi in 2022 in the Bambi class (for 3-year-olds). He was very quiet and reserved, often engaging in activities that were different from the other children. Socially, intellectually, and emotionally, he was behind his peers. Initially, we considered referring him to a special school, but our dedicated teachers insisted on giving him a chance, believing they could apply their skills to help Ndodana develop.Ndodana was later moved to the 4-year-old class, where his teacher provided him with extra care and support, which helped him improve slightly. However, he still cried frequently, and his parents felt helpless, fearing that he wouldn't make it to grade R. Despite the challenges, our teachers remained committed to him, offering additional attention and encouragement. To everyone's surprise, when Ndodana moved to grade R, he confidently led the dances for our graduation and concert. His transformation amazed us all, and we are grateful for the dedication of our teachers who helped him flourish and reach his full potential. Today, Ndodana is a bright and happy child in grade 1. His parents recently shared feedback, expressing their joy that he is doing well in all aspects of learning.

MES ECD provides balanced meals to young children

MES ECD provides balanced meals to young children

Early childhood nutrition is critical to supporting growth and holistic development in young children. Our MES ECD centres develop balanced meal plans to ensure the young children attending our programme receive the daily nutrition they need to grow strong and healthy. Tshegofatso*, a two-year-old boy, joined Dinaledi three months ago. Upon arrival, his mother said he would only eat porridge at home. Despite our efforts to encourage him to eat various foods, his mother brought a bowl of homemade porridge to the centre. Unfortunately, our policies prohibited outside food from being brought in. Gradually, we introduced Tshegofatso to solid foods, which initially posed challenges, including difficulty swallowing and prolonged oral retention. However, with our guidance and meal planning, Tshegofatso made significant progress and can now finish every meal served. His progress with eating habits and behaviour and his transformation into a cheerful and lively young boy in his class is a testament to our professional teachers who demonstrate patience and understanding with each child's unique needs at the centre.

Puseletso, a resilient young individual

Puseletso, a resilient young individual

Puseletso is a resilient young individual who found hope and redemption through MES. He discovered MES in primary school and cherished the experience, making new friends and participating in exciting activities like MES Dance4aPurpose. He faced challenges during his teenage years when a group of friends influenced him away from MES. This led him into dangerous situations, reminding him of the fate of his older brother, who fell victim to the harsh realities of Hillbrow. Thankfully, with the help of a supportive friend, Puseletso made the life-changing decision to rejoin MES and embrace the community again. This decision not only saved him from the pitfalls of drugs and adversity that his previous circle succumbed to but also set him on a new, positive path. Today, Puseletso is a vibrant and social individual, contributing as a solo dancer in the MES Dance4aPurpose crew while pursuing Grade 12. He is deeply grateful to MES and everyone who welcomed him warmly. He wishes for a radiant and prosperous future for all, a future that he now believes is within reach. His journey is a powerful reminder that constructive support and determination can overcome even the toughest challenges.

Unveiling hope through dance: The MES Dance4aPurpose programme

Unveiling hope through dance: The MES Dance4aPurpose programme

A look at the MES Dance4aPurpose and its latest production Why was the MES Dance 4 Purpose programme established, and how did the idea come about? The MES Dance4aPurpose programme was born from our street performances during our annual 10 Days of Hope outreach. We noticed a significant opportunity to extend our reach within the community and provide a message of hope to more kids and youth. The programme also serves a dual purpose: it keeps children engaged and off the streets on Saturdays, providing them with valuable skills and boosting their confidence. We’ve been running this programme since 2011, and its impact has been profoundly positive. This year will be our 12th production. Do the children who participate in the program have prior dance experience, or are they taught specifically for this production? Most of the children who join our program come with little to no prior dance experience. Some may have a natural talent, but the majority are here to learn something new. Whether or not they pursue dance professionally, they gain a sense of belonging and mastery through their participation. We aim to support those with exceptional talent who wish to make dance a career by connecting them with the right opportunities. Additionally, we aspire to expand our program to include various forms of art and performance. Can you give us a brief teaser about this year's production, "When Darkness Comes"? This year’s musical, "When Darkness Comes," delves into the themes of storms—both those we create ourselves and those that come regardless of our actions. It explores how we hold onto faith through these challenges. The production also examines the roles of earthly and heavenly fathers. The story follows Mpho, first as a teenager grappling with unexpected life changes and later as an adult facing life's storms. While the musical addresses weighty topics such as teenage pregnancy and the loss of a child, its central message remains one of hope. Who would enjoy watching this production? Our production is designed to resonate with teenagers, addressing their specific challenges, but it’s crafted to be enjoyable and meaningful for audiences of all ages. While the themes are particularly relevant to young adults, the message of hope and resilience is universal. 📍 Location: MES BG Hall, corner of Pietersen and Banket Street, Hillbrow 📅 Dates and Times: August 30: 16:00 and 18:30 August 31: 13:00 and 16:00 🎫 Entry Fee: Free of charge or a R10 donation

Neo’s unwavering determination

Neo’s unwavering determination

Raised by a single parent and living in Hillbrow, Neo's journey has been marked by resilience and determination. After completing high school, she faced numerous financial obstacles, as her mother's income was insufficient to support further education. However, her unwavering determination did not let these challenges deter her from her aspirations. She discovered MES through a high school friend who talked about an event named Kids Week during their 11th grade. Intrigued, she attended and became more interested in MES. In her final year of high school, the same friend introduced her to the Joshua Youth Leadership programme, prompting her to apply. Her involvement with MES, particularly the Joshua programme, has been transformative. Living with 13 strangers during the programme marked a significant phase in her life, facilitating her adjustment to a new environment and fostering spiritual growth. MES extended its support by awarding Maile a bursary, which enabled her to commence her studies at the University of Johannesburg. This support enabled her education and her continued connection with MES, as she continues to volunteer while she seeks permanent employment.

The transformative power of support, faith and purpose in overcoming adversity

The transformative power of support, faith and purpose in overcoming adversity

Cobern Borcherds is an inspirational 52-year-old who participates in the MES Work Readiness programme and works as a team administrator. He lives in a second-phase sheltered accommodation with other men, finding the environment positive and uplifting. Cobern's faith has profoundly impacted his life's journey. He credits knowing God for his care through tough times and recommends "The Ragamuffin Gospel" by Brennan Manning, a book highlighting Jesus's compassion for the imperfect. Coming from a low-income background in Woodstock, where he lived on the same property with six other families and a single water source. Cobern admired his hard-working mother, whose dedication he respected. Despite a modest upbringing and having once secured a well-paying job in the tourism industry, his life took a turn when he became embroiled in drug addiction, spending exorbitantly on heroin and crystal meth. He lost his job and fell into a deep depression, coupled with periods of living on the streets. His time on the streets in Bellville was marked by deep suffering and a struggle with addiction, often living in unhealthy conditions and engaging in destructive relationships. Cobern and his partner shared a co-dependent relationship marred by substance abuse. His partner fell pregnant, and as they were unable to care for their new son, foster care was the only option. Recognizing the toxicity of their relationship and its impact on their recovery, they made the difficult decision to separate and focus on their individual healing journeys amicably. Cobern's story is one of resilience and transformation. Despite battling addiction, homelessness, and personal downturns, his faith and the support of social programs have been pivotal in his recovery. His experience underscores the importance of hope, individual determination, and the role of community support in overcoming life's challenges. Cobern, having faced numerous turning points in his life, recalls the significant moment when he turned to prayer upon learning of his partner's pregnancy. His journey of calling upon God for support spans over 30 years, marked by a deep desire to be an active father to his child, signalling a turning point when he and the mother of his child chose to separate and seek recovery independently despite facing challenges. Since 2021, Cobern has participated in the MES programme, starting at the Bellville Safe Space and Centre of Hope. He credits the programme and God for his transformation, highlighting how it has allowed him to rediscover his potential, reconnect with his roles within the community, and recover from relapse through continuous work on underlying issues. Cobern has embraced his work, enjoyed personal growth, and furthered his agricultural knowledge through a course in 2023, leading to significant life improvements, including mending his relationship with his eldest daughter and setting goals for financial stability and personal development. Cobern's aspirations include writing a book to share his journey, mentoring others, developing a supportive network, and establishing a small holding to aid recovery in others through agriculture. His guiding principles focus on making good choices, acknowledging his faith, understanding his vulnerabilities, and ...

Siphelo, a testament to resilience

Siphelo, a testament to resilience

Having completed his outpatient rehab programme with SANCA, which he embarked on in March 2023, Siphelo Phiri sees this as a pivotal moment in his life. He is optimistic that this achievement is just the beginning of a series of remarkable milestones. Before coming to MES in Kempton Park, Phiri was employed at a health institute and living in Alexandra. His employment contract ended in September 2021, and unfortunately, this opened a door for him down a road of destruction. Being unemployed put him under tremendous stress, and he went back to using drugs, and in no time, he was homeless. Not long after being homeless, he found himself living in Randburg. While living at the shelter, he received the news that his mother had passed on. Originally from the Eastern Cape, he knew he had to make a way back to his hometown to bury her. Unfortunately, one of the rules of the shelter was that if you exited yourself, you could not come back, so he decided to go home with the knowledge that he would be homeless if he returned. Apart from seeking accommodation, Phiri's priority when arriving at MES was finding a job to sustain himself, but this journey had other plans. He was fortunate enough to be chosen to be one of the MES beneficiaries to do a skills development course – not only one course but two. The first course was Plant Production, and the second was Perishable Product Exportation. Phiri will complete the practical component for the second course at Tembisa Hospital while he waits for permanent employment. He mentioned that the therapeutic sessions and support groups have been instrumental in changing his mindset and perspective. He said that they have not only helped him open up about his drug problem but also instilled in him a sense of patience and a willingness to seize opportunities, even if they weren't exactly what he wanted. Phiri looks forward to what the future has in store with hope and optimism. He is still very hopeful that he will find a job to exit the shelter, sustain himself and start his life on a clean slate. In parting, he shared, "Even though I haven't found a job yet, being at MES has helped me upskill myself, increasing my chance of employment. More importantly, MES has helped me improve my character and gain a positive attitude and mindset. These things are worth far more than money can buy, and I will always be grateful." His hope for the future is a testament to his resilience and the transformative power of rehabilitation, personal development and the impact of the MES phased interventions.

A second chance for Pertucia

A second chance for Pertucia

Pertucia Erasmus (38) first came across MES in March 2022 when she was looking for a job and would hear people talking about us. For three months, she initially experienced MES services through the KFC Add Hope food hamper distributions and personal and family development Bible sessions. These services provided her with essential food items and helped her find a sense of community and spiritual guidance, for which she continues to express her gratitude. Soon after, she participated in the GROW Work Rehabilitation programme as a cleaner. This programme, designed to provide employment opportunities and skills training to needy individuals, was a turning point in Pertucia's life. Her role at GROW resulted in her selection for the Better Belville Together team to work in the graffiti and gardening division. In this team, she is the second in command (2IC) when her supervisor is not present, another opportunity for which she is grateful. Pertucia shares that before she encountered MES, she suffered from alcohol and drug abuse. Fortunately, she found her path towards the Lord away from her previous lifestyle and is now familiar with the Bible taught in the sessions at the MES Cape Town centres. Pertucia says she carries a pocket Bible everywhere she goes. This transformation is a testament to MES's impactful work; your support makes it all possible. Pertucia expresses her gratitude to the MES donors: "I am grateful for the donors because if it weren't for you, some people would still be collecting tins or 2-litre bottles just to put food on the table. We thank you for supporting the MES team and all the partnerships that help us as human beings, parents and single mothers who need it." All the efforts from donors and MES staff do not go unnoticed. Vulnerable families and individuals receive food daily. Pertucia shares how painful it was when her son and daughter would tell her they were hungry, and she had no option except to shoplift to relieve their hunger. She is not proud of those actions but acknowledges MES' significant difference in her and her children's lives. Your support impacts not just individuals like Pertucia but also their families, making a profound difference in their lives.

Liezel lands a permanent job

Liezel lands a permanent job

Liezel Moses is a 26-year-old mother, who arrived at our drop-in centre in Parow on the 18th of January 2022, looking for a job opportunity. She helps to support her family, including her parents, while caring for her own children, since none of them are employed.   After losing her partner of eight years in a car accident, she has been making her way toward healing and finding peace, step by step. Liezel was referred to, our job rehabilitation program, GROW, and was then given the opportunity to partake in the PEP program, because of her tenacity. Last Friday, Liezel received the wonderful news about landing her permanent job with the VRCID, our valued stakeholders.  Her new permanent employment contract started on Monday, 13 June 2022. "We’re so proud of Liezel and the progress that she’s making.” - Anelle Erasmus, MES Marketing Manager

MES, my saving grace

MES, my saving grace

Like many others, Mpendulo Mahlalela (26) left his hometown and moved to Gauteng in search of employment opportunities. Mpendulo grew up in Jeppes Reef, Mpumalanga. He was raised by his Grandmother and completed his matric in 2015. After his Grandmother passed away, Mpendulo realised that he didn’t have anyone to lean on for financial support. He decided to go in search of a job somewhere else as he wasn’t having any luck in his hometown. Mpendulo arrived in Germiston at the end of 2021 with hopes of finding employment and a better life. But he was alone with no one to call or anywhere to go. After spending a week looking for work and living on the streets of Germiston, Mpendulo decided to leave and try his luck in Kempton Park. Mpendulo spent three days living next to a taxi rank in Kempton Park. This was where he met someone who told him about MES Kempton Park. He immediately made his way to us in search of shelter. Mpendulo has been with us since and he is determined to build a better life for himself. He has just joined the GROW job rehabilitation team. He shared that: “MES Kempton Park has given me more than I was looking for. Firstly, I am grateful for the humble service that I have received from the staff. I was welcomed without judgment and with patience and persistence my Social Worker continues to work with me through my various challenges”. “While working at GROW, my hope has been restored because I know that I have something to look forward to the following day, instead of sitting around aimlessly.” Mpendulo arrived in Germiston at the end of 2021 with hopes of finding employment and a better life.