ACHIVA Visit August 2010

A group from Kidlington (Kathryn Ellis, Rev Jennifer Brown, Christopher Brown, Fiona Gable, Simon Ryder) visited Johannesburg and Montshiwa, August 8th - 17th 2010. Their mission was to further consolidate the relationship between the people of Kidlington with Hampton Poyle and their link parish of “All Saints”, Montshiwa, and to bring the expertise of the Mercy AIDS Foundation to bear on the community projects already under discussion.

Always bearing in mind that any programmes should come from, and be sustainable by, the local community, much discussion had already taken place, with the participation of the congregations in Montshiwa and the 16 outstations of the parish. Over the last 3 years Masi Makhalemele (Mercy AIDS Foundation) has been lending her experience and hugely helpful advice.

This group had carried with them extra bags containing books, clothing, and craft materials to support the proposed Life Skills Project and two craft sessions in Molema Memorial School

The first three days of the trip were spent with Masi in Johannesburg where they shared inspiring time with clients of her Tsa Botsogo (Re-Awakening) Centre in Dobsonville, celebrating Women’s Day in their company, and sharing a workshop, including craftwork and laughter therapy! They were greatly impressed by the leadership and ideas of the centre. Opportunities were taken to visit a separate Care Centre for OVC’s and a number of Creches in the neighbourhood of Soweto. Kathryn was introduced to the HIV/AIDS Coordinator for the Diocese of Johannesburg, Fr Tshepo Mtubatuba.

in Soweto