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A Story of Hope this Christmas

17/12/2020

 
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...Margaret*’s story continues!
​
In August this year, we were able build 3 low-cost homes for women in dire need, also known as a "shack". Margaret was one of them, a 38 year-old-woman from Zimbabwe who came to South Africa in 2017 in search of a better life for her and her young children. She couldn’t find work, due to being a foreigner, so when a friend introduced her to commercial sex work, she had no other option but to say yes.

Lesedi la Batho met Margaret in June on a food drive. At this point, she had been selling her body to support her small family and in an abusive relationship for 3 years. Despite his constant apologies and promises to change, her boyfriend's violence and threats was only becoming worse - and she was starting to fear for her life.
By early August, Margaret and her children had been moved to a safe temporary location, and by the end of the month, into their very own place to call home. The next step was to find a safe way to bring an income into her household…

And so, Kunashe Tuckshop was born! With the help of our team, Margaret compiled a basic business plan and capital budget for starting a small tuckshop selling supplies like candles, paraffin and snacks to her community. We donated furniture from the centre, prepared sign boards and helped build a small shelter from which she could sell her products. Margaret’s business is already turning a profit, and she has expanded to offering hair braiding and styling services, as well. With her income, she is continuing to improve her infrastructure and repaired a cellphone for business purposes – and her next dream is to start supplying vegetables.

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The first round of supplies for Kunashe
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Kunashe Tuckshop Grand Opening!
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Teamwork: Thapelo & Tshepo from Lesedi helping build the shelter

​A huge thank you to our long-standing supporters at Rays of Hope, who not only funded the building of three homes in August, but also the start up capital for Kunashe Tuckshop, a once in a lifetime opportunity for Margaret. We also thank each and every individual who has made a donation to the Ikemele women sponsorship program, so that more vulnerable and abused women in our community can access skills training, resources, counselling and small business development at our centre!

Merry Christmas to all our incredible partners in impact! Thank you for being a source of light and hope for the Mabopane community.

​Note: names have been changed and images censored to protect our beneficiary(s) identity
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Building day for Margaret's new business, "Kunashe Tuckshop"
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  • Our Programs
    • Skills Training
    • Job Placements
    • Small Business Development
    • Women Empowerment
    • Youth Education & Human Rights
    • Community Support
    • Ratanang Day Care Centre
    • Special Projects >
      • Fill-A-Bag Food Parcel Project
      • Lesedi Strikers Ladies FC
      • Kago-Entle: Fair Trade Gifting
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Resource Room
  • Blog
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteers
    • Strategic Partnerships
    • Mission Ambassadors
  • Donate
    • To the center
    • To Baemedi (Sponsor a child)
    • To Ikemele (Women Empowerment)
  • Fair trade shop