Phakamisa is a ministry of Pinetown Methodist Church. Its programme includes pre-school education training for 250 adults each year, ensuring that good education is available to over 10,000 children. WDR works alongside Phakamisa in employing a ‘wandering teacher’ who delivers literacy and numeracy classes to children without access to education in informal settlements.

1,700 caregivers (mainly grannies, affectionately known as ‘gogos’) of 6,000 orphans receive support and skills training for income generation. Classes taught include healthy cooking, vegetable gardening, beadwork, sewing. Gogos are able to sell their handmade items at local markets.

Another valued part of the programme at Phakamisa is the Tholuthando group. It provides confidential support for those with HIV and AIDS, and their families. This group celebrates life and promotes healthy lifestyle as well as giving counseling, life skills and peer support.

WDR hope to visit Phakamisa, and our other partners in South Africa, in 2024.