MBEKWENI/INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
The
ministry of Miqlat started in the township and squatter camps of Mbekweni
in 1994. Many crèches (day care centers) were established, registered
and staff were trained for the first time, thus enabling safe childcare,
job creation and economic upliftment for families. A caring network with
local churches allows us to minister to the many needs from an office
in the township. Miqlat continues to see to the immediate needs of the
pandemic of infected and affected HIV/AIDS victims through an integrated
Home Based Care pogramme which includes door to door visits.
BACKGROUND:
Mbekweni
is a Xhosa Township of more than 24,000 people located between Paarl and
Wellington. Research done by Stellenbosch University describes this area
as: “a story of poverty, poor housing, need for children facilities
and poor health care. The cluster of crime, lack of security and police
recurs as the main problems that need to be addressed. At the root of
these problems lies poverty, sometimes abject poverty.”
The Stellenbosch study concludes that: “It is evident that the community
is struggling with major issues. Included are education, health care,
safety and crime… water, electricity and sanitation are major problems
in the informal settlements.”
THE MINISTRY:
It is in this environment that Miqlat started in 1994. The ministry has
a proven track record of assisting in the community whenever and
however asked. Miqlat has started and established more than 35 creches
(day care centers) in the community.
The ministry acquired an office in Mbekwene in January
2005, from which Miqlat has been able to expand its outreach into the
community in a more visible way, and from where the physical, emotional
and spiritual needs of the community can be more effectively met.
Working with the police, municipal officials and local churches and businesses,
the services which the ministry currently provides include:
- A Number of Feeding Programs & Soup Kitchens
- Limited Housing for Abadoned Children
- HIV/AIDS Care Support
- Ministry & Disciplship Training
- Job skills Training
- Provision of material for rebuilding burned shacks, bedding, clothing
etc.