First of all: “Thank you” to all of you who have faithfully supported the children of Gift of Joy! You have been partners with us in greater ways than we will ever be able to explain.
Since we left for South Africa in April 2006 we have discovered so much! First: South Africa is very complex! Far more complex than anyone could begin to imagine. There are cultures, emotions, attitudes, mentalities, politics, habits, and … habits are hard to break.
Before we left for South Africa we were given the impression that the local people would be involved in our efforts. We were tremendously disappointed when we finally realized that we are actually alone here.
During the last two years we have met with numerous leaders in government, education, business, computer industry, Rotary, churches and missions to develop a workable plan. We have poured massive amounts of effort into numerous week-long camps throughout South Africa for the leaders mentioned above.
For the local people we have held a course called “Financial Peace University” which had a tremendous impact on families in the townships. Through our camps the teachers located numerous boys who attended camps at our home. Now we have focused in on the camps for the 11 most exceptional boys.
To keep a child in school in South Africa is relatively inexpensive. As little as $30 (USD) a year! But sending the children to school is not really making a big difference in the children. Recent pass reports for the Jeffreys Bay region were only 56%. YET! the boys we are selecting are thriving in a nightmarish situation. We want to keep them pointed in the most powerful direction. We don’t want to just keep these boys alive but provide them with world-class opportunities.
Many times we felt pressured to give or spend money on students because you had been entrusting us with your money, and we felt on obligation to show something for it. But so many organizations come and DUMP millions in Africa. Now the African people have stopped working because they know people will come and GIVE money. I get phone calls all the time from people asking for money, but when I ask why they need the money the root is often laziness. So we have become highly selective on whom we will help.
Our theme has become “Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.” Proverbs 12:24
We also rediscovered … adults like things the way they are … so don’t mess with the adults. Children are teachable. But even with children we became very selective. With our limited time, manpower and resources, only the best children in difficult situations qualified. Teachers in the township schools selected the boys and then the boys attended our camps.
During our weekend camps boys were placed into 3 groups:
“A” group – Excellent! Highly motivated, teachable, accept discipline. Spend as much time as we can with them. “A” group boys attend all the camps.
“B” group – Have potential to become “A” group, but not 100% convinced they belong in “A”. Keep inviting them on occasion to the camps, but keep your eye on them.
“C” group – Just don’t qualify for “A” or “B” groups. If there is something a large group can be involved in, invite them, but continue to focus on “A” group.
Now we have 11 boys in “A” group, 9 in “B” group and too many to count in “C” group.
The transformation of these boys has been spectacular. We had to start by teaching them to bath properly and even use the toilet properly. Now we focus on: Working Hard vs Laziness, Guarding their eyes, Making choices and Quality character. All principles based out of the Bible.
Now that we moving to Centralia, WA USA, our plan is to continue supporting the children: School costs, school supplies, books, clothing, blankets, shoes, food, additional classes, character training material, and miscellaneous emergencies..
We also hope to return regularly with teams to host camps during the school holiday times. If you would like to join one of those teams, we would like to talk to you.
For those who like numbers, here is what is costs to run a camp:
Housing $955 (USD)
Food $441
Training / Activity Costs $352
Transportation Costs $133
Total $1881
Monthly cost per boy for weekend camps was $171 (USD)
Annual support for each boy:
School Fees $30 (USD)
Coats, Clothing, Uniforms, Shoes $50
Backpacks and School Supplies $12
Food $22
Computer Class $18
Boys Youth Bible $30
Total $162
(Watch) See a short video about Gift of Joy South Africa
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