Women in an informal settlement are giving hope to the needy in their community after hosting Bible study classes and opening a crèche.
Two years ago, Patricia Masizana, 43, opened a crèche called Little Flowers in Jim se bos informal settlement in Philippi with the help of a Strandfontein pastor who donated a Wendy house.
But shortly after that, heartless thugs stole the structure and Patricia was forced to operate the crèche out of her own hokkie until she was blessed again by the pastor with a new Wendy house.
Founder Patricia Masizana. Picture: Jack Lestrade
Today, Patricia looks after 25 children between the ages of two and five-years-old and helps their mothers to register them for primary school.
“Many mothers in our community work on the farms and in the factories and they didn’t have anyone to look after their children,” says Patricia.
She is unable to give lessons now after the Wendy house was vandalised and is leaking.
“It is too wet inside and the children will become ill,” she says. “We do need assistance to have it fixed.
“The children are given a cooked meal daily, they graduate and we assist the mothers in enrolling their children in school.”
Kids enjoying the slide
Next to the crèche, Rina and Tersia Tieties give children Bible study classes every Wednesday.
“This began three months ago under the guidance of our pastor,” says Rina.
If you would like to assist, call Patricia on 073 085 4027.