charity - lungisisa indlela village

Lungisisa Indlela Village is based on a model, Watoto, in Uganda. The church is the centre of the community, surrounded by homes with a foster mother taking care of 6 to 8 children. The LIV School offers excellent education.

Pastor Elliott Sonjica and his wife Dolly are the spiritual leaders. The Church at LIV is open to the community and is well supported.

“We are excited to be a part of this community,” said Dolly, a very open and gracious lady. “It is wonderful to be involved with children who have come from bad situations, to love and care for them so they can mature into leaders, having a positive impact on society. We want to turn them into role models instilling Godly values.”

I immediately understood Margo’s  obsession as the pre-schoolers wiggled their way into our hearts. Some of these delightful young people have already experienced more horrors than any adult could imagine and thanks to love and devotion, plus professional care, they soon settle down.

 “Through adult eyes coming to LIV is a wonderful experience, however for them it’s seen as a loss when they are ‘ripped’ away from their current situation, no matter how bad it is,” said Claire Thomas one of the three resident social workers. “The initial days are tough, but once they settle into the routine the transformation is amazing. There is a profound difference between coping and thriving, and considering the deep emotional, and sometimes physical scars, it is a miracle they have genuine closure.”

Thanks to the support of professionals the children have access to a comprehensive care package including speech, physio and occupational therapy.

“The day this job becomes easy is the day I have to leave,” said Claire who has been with Tich since the inception of LIV.

Lee Symons was caring for a toddler when we went to the pre-school. She has Honours in Economics but has chosen to work at LIV.

“This place is what our country needs - to take kids off the streets and turn them into productive humans. I look at it as a kind of economics!” she laughed, justifying her choice to forego a career in the corporate world.

Bheki Nsele teaches Religious Education, Social Sciences, Life Skills and Zulu.

“When I first came here, I thought ‘woffff’, I love the fellowship, the networking of people and the love of the children. It’s not all about work and money, but the love of Christ.”

As we moved from one area to another: from the spotless homes with dedicated house mothers, to teachers who are volunteering their time and skills, a village that is blossoming and growing each day, we understood the enormity of the project and the unfailing determination of Tich and Joan Smith who, with their team, have tangibly and dramatically changed the lives of many people. Tich, once again brimming with emotion, told us of all the enterprises under way that ensure that LIV is sustainable. It is not a community project holding out a begging cup, but a village in the true sense of the word that has every right to be here, and which contributes economically and productively. But that’s a whole new story!

“We are launching ‘The Change Project’ to encourage other children to become involved,” said Margo. “It’s another of Tich’s ideas which we will to take internationally. By doing a chore at home or in the neighbourhood kids can earn R10 which they donate to LIV. This way they feel they have worked for something that in turn goes to a worthy cause!”

We had to be careful not to photograph the kids’ faces, for their protection, but their new found happiness was evident beyond the smiles and laughs we saw.

Lungisisa Indlela Village

Telephone:  031 561 2800

e-mail: info@liv-village.com

web:  www.liv-village.com