#TopCause: Diepsloot Word Centre Church

This week’s #TopCause is the Diepsloot Word Centre Church. We’re recognising them not only for the dedication that they put into their profile on forgood, but for the work that they do in the communities they are present in. We interviewed them to learn a little more about who they are to share with, and inspire you.

Who are you and what do you do?

Diepsloot Word Centre church was incorporated as non-profit organisation in 2012. Our founding mission is the development of communities. In order to achieve this goal, we partner with local businesses and corporates like Sasol, Telesure and Wimpy.

1. We promote the cause of desolate and underprivileged families. This is done through development programs which promotes the plight of orphanages, child-headed-families, so-called lost youth and vulnerable girls. Here we have pioneered family feeding schemes, mentoring and a sanitary towel campaign. These campaigns seek to restore dignity, assistance, unveil life options, direction and guidance.
2. Food parcels are supplied to partnering schools in Diepsloot. Part of the feeding programs attempts to keep the children in school, while keep them connected to their community.
3. We have recently launched a local “Talk for Life” program in Diepsloot. The program is designed by Izabella Gates, an author of 5 books and sought-after speaker. The program deals with life choices and deals with topical subjects like choices regarding bullying, parental relationship, drugs, sexual choices, choices within peer relations, romantic relationships, the treatment of the opposite sex, and both career and academic choices. This is a much-needed program, which promotes personal agency with learners. Funding partners are needed to give sustainability to the program.
4. Lastly we have an “adopt-a-school” program. Here we work with the school management team by focusing on the vision of educating our youth. We provide support and generate community involvement. The promoted programs support SGB leg development and social cohesion within the schooling environment in the community.

Why did you get started?

It is calling from God for us, since we can’t do it in our own strength. Our founding text is: "The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Those from among you shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to dwell In." -Isaiah 58:11-12. In a nutshell we rebuild broken breaches in our communities and establish foundations for future generations and be the restorer of streets to dwell in!

What is a story that keeps you going?

We realised that the need within our community is great. With a realisation of the magnitude of the need and our own inability to alleviate all social ills, we started small. We started where we were able and could to bring change to peoples lives in every small way we could. We started with one thing, one person and one group at a time since 2013. We each time see how we could love our community. We have had children experiencing the warmth of an adult’s embrace. We partnered with the HOPE initiative for Kentucky Child program and sponsored 35 children with a streetwise two meal. We were moved as children asked: “Is it all for me?”. Their generous spirit by immediately wanting to share the moment with their parents. Never having had a full meal in their lives, their big-heartedness confirmed to us our mission and invigorated us to follow this chosen path and cause. Full-force ahead, we will pursue a changed community.