AFM Welfare (uMephi ) – Kosmos CYCC – August 201 – Present
The AFM (Apostolic Faith Mission) Welfare (uMephi) – Kosmos CYCC (Child and Youth Care Centre) is a children’s home and a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) – NP000-762 ‒ based in Ridgeway, Johannesburg South. uMephi was started by the Executive Welfare Council of the AFM of SA (now referred to as AFM Welfare) and is the official welfare department of the AFM Church. It was established and registered as a National Welfare Council in 1945 – making it one of the oldest and most reputable welfare organisations in South Africa. It has been part of ERA’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme since August 2021. Pricilla Makiwa manages the home full time. ERA supplies breakfast ingredients on a monthly basis and makes regular visits to the home. Birthday celebrations are arranged for each child’s birthday and an annual Christmas event. ERA set up a fully equipped computer centre with internet connection, enabling the children to keep up with technology and this helps greatly with their studies. ERA has also employed a Mathematics and English tutor who assists the children on a weekly basis. This has resulted in a substantial improvement in marks obtained and reading skills have improved. We commend Priscilla Makiwa for her tireless efforts, her care and her love for every child assigned to her.
House of Paradise – April 2018 – July 2021
House of Paradise (HOP) is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) – NPO 930063102 – based in Zonkizizwe, Katlehong. HOP was started and self-funded by Ntombi Shezi in early 2018 and feeds over 300 children before and after school on a daily basis. HOP has been a part of the ERA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme since April 2018. Ntombi Shezi manages the organisation part time, with a fulltime complement of volunteer staff. ERA supplies groceries and cooking necessities on a monthly basis, makes regular visits to the centre and is assisting with the development of a community vegetable garden with the aim of introducing fresh produce to give the children a more balanced diet to better meet their nutritional needs. HOP also provides a shelter to women and children, especially orphans, and has a child development programme that includes a variety of extra-mural activities and assistance with homework. We commend Ntombi Shezi and the volunteers at HOP for their tireless efforts to uplift the community, and believe ERA’s contribution will further the development of the community’s children – our future generation.