Towel project
LCA supports “Koningskinders”. Sixty of these beautiful towels shown in the photograph were donated by Bundu Archery and handed out to the Children of “Koningskinders”, Vanderbijlpark. These children and their families have financial problems, especially experienced when the children go on camps.
“Koningskinders” is an organisation who has a passion to help and support children in need, mainly in the CW5 and CW6 areas of Vanderbijlpark. Their main goal is to uplift children through their involvement, by exposing children to as many positive influences and experiences as possible. They also attempt to break the spiral where kids blindly follow their parents’ example, especially in their attitude and expectations towards life. They use their involvement and programs to enhance the development and forming of children. They try to open new horizons to the children by stimulating their minds that leads to the development of a better community. Everybody involved with these projects have full time jobs and are offering up their spare time to take part. The organisation is a non-profit organisation whose funding exists solely on donations.
Not all the children have the same resources in life and there are different reasons why children get involved. Some cannot afford a vacation, some do not have privacy or private space, some need emotional support and some need support to cope in school. Job scarcity, lack of skills and the current house prices are among the reasons why 2 or 3 families sometimes need to share a house. Some of the families live in outbuildings or garages. Many of the children do not have access to basic facilities or support structures, including books for projects, help with school work, or sometimes even something as essential as running water.
Most of the families do not have medical aid and are at the mercy of government hospitals. Kids who need specialized help are identified, and with the support of sponsors, we are able to take them to private optometrists, specialists and doctors.
Extra classes are given to some of the children to help them with mathematics, reading or computer skills. Specific resources they might need to do their school projects are supplied, since most of the kids do not have access to reference guides or the internet. Recreational support is also available, for example drama classes, which are aimed to help the kids develop a better self-esteem.
Camps are essential for bonding, guidance and to build foundations for future work and cooperation. During camps vital relationships are built. These relationships are the foundation on which further growth can take place. Mutual trust is only created if there is a strong bond between the Group Leaders and the children. Without trust, guidance in many aspects, topics and relationships cannot take place.
To them this is a fulfilling adventure and a joy to be able to help children who are in need and those who deal with all the challenges that go with being underprivileged. It is an honour to serve our Lord through this calling.
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