POSTCARD FROM AFRICA-- August 2024

Mayaeyane is a small village situated 61 km (38 miles)  west of the city of Mahikeng in the North West Province of South Africa. The unemployment rate is very high in this community with most families dependent on monthly government grants.

The government grants are nowhere near enough resulting in families living on less than $2 a day.  Life of Purpose Church, in partnership with Orchard Africa, established a church garden as well as community member gardens in Mayaeyane village. The vegetables which are grown supplement the little food families can purchase. Needless to say, these gardens are a tremendous help.

Mr. Lebogang Molebatsi was helped to establish a home garden.  He is passionate about vegetable planting and even though his garden is not very big, he has planted many different crops. He has used every space he has for planting. He uses the crops which are harvested from his garden to feed his family and to sell to make an income for himself.

The garden keeps him very busy.  Since he is unemployed, his garden is his job and he feels like he is doing something meaningful with his life. The training and continuous support from his pastor and the Orchard Africa Impact Center staff has changed his life as well as the lives of many members of his community who have also established their own gardens.

The village of Mayaeyane has experienced the love of God through their church agriculture program and through your support.  For this we thank you.

The photo above: Deep in conversation are Pastor Kgosiemang (in blue shirt), Mr Molebatsi (in red shirt), and his scarecrow (in the foreground with the hat on).