Intsika Programmes
Did you know?
Most of the community in Greenbushes (a township located on the outskirts of Gqeberha [formerly Port Elizabeth]) live in extreme poverty. Many struggling parents do not have the means to sufficiently provide for their families, let alone afford school fees! Due to the extreme economic pressures, alcohol and drug abuse is a big problem causing many children to grow up in very unstable environments. Those who do go to school have little to no support from home and school drop-out is a serious problem.
Without proper education, the chances of a child growing up, finding a decent job and breaking out of the cycle of poverty are almost zero.
Our heart at Intsika is to give vulnerable children the opportunity to receive the physical, emotional and educational support that they need! Through our weekly homework club, children’s outreach, Bible study group and other community aid distribution projects, we seek to come alongside the parents and to help lift the burdens which so heavily weigh upon them. Together, we stand to fight against the vicious cycle of poverty and see HOPE restored in a struggling community.
Our Programmes
We currently run two homework clubs (Grade 1-3 & Grade 4-7), a Grade R Assistance class, an adult Bible Study Group and a Friday Children’s Outreach. During the year we also have various food and clothing drives to assist the community as resources allow.
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Grade R Extra Assistance
Our Grade R Extra Assistance programme provides extra help for preschoolers to practice skills required for Grade 1 admission. This includes things like writing of their names, counting, drawing, cutting and pasting. Following a set pattern, we aim to in-still good routine which will aid them in later years. Our schedule also includes creative time, song, dance and the much loved “play-time”. At the end of each term, we arrange special rewards for their faithful attendance. Outings, movie days and class parties are always a big delight!
The class is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:00 to 14:00. The children join us as soon as they come from pre-school/crèche. Our maximum class capacity is 10 children. Registration happens at the beginning of the year; however, we do give the opportunity for new children to join if/when space becomes available.
During the class time, the children also receive sandwiches to eat. Through this programme, we are able to grow in relationships with both the children and their families. This gives us an opportunity to learn about their practical needs (food, clothing, hygiene etc.) and assist where possible as resources allow.
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Homework Club
Twice weekly we run Homework Clubs to assist struggling Gr.1-7 learners from the community. On Mondays we have our Grade 1-3 group and on Wednesdays, our Grade 4-7 group.
Our maximum class capacity for each group is 20 learners. In addition to helping the children with their homework and school projects, we also provide extra math and language worksheets that they’re able to do once they’ve completed their homework.
The homework clubs are open from 15:00 – 16:30 in the afternoons. The children we assist attend various schools in the area. Sandwiches are provided and we also help the children with clothing, food and stationery as resources allow.
At the end of each term, we arrange a special reward for their faithful attendance. This is always a big highlight as many of the children would not otherwise have the opportunity to go on fieldtrips etc.
We welcome the help of volunteers during the term as the children often have very specific needs and one-on-one assistance is of great value. For more information on volunteer opportunities, please contact us at: intsikacp@gmail.com
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Adult Bible Study
As a Gospel-centred organisation, our heart is to share the Gospel and love of Christ in the community. Our desire is to come alongside the local churches in their mission and provide support to strengthen the body of believers in Kuyga and also reach out to those not yet connected to a church.
The Bible Study group is open to all and we usually meet on Friday mornings from 10:00 – 12:00. Many parents and grandparents of the children we serve during the week, attend the group. To date we have approximately 25-30 regular attendees. It is very encouraging to see how the ladies are eager to invite their friends and neighbours!
Pastor Andre Kruger from Emmanuel Church (in Lorraine) leads the study. On occasion we also have guest speakers - always a great encouragement to everyone!
Apart from reading and discussing Scripture, we also enjoy singing and praying together. Our meetings usually conclude with a time of fellowship over tea and coffee.
Through this group we are also able to extend love and support to the community and help many families in need with food parcels, clothing etc. as resources allow.
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Children’s Outreach
Our Friday Kids Group is a weekly programme where we teach children the Christian Gospel message in a fun, interactive way and also feed them.
Through discussion time and giving the children the opportunity to ask questions, we aim to provide a safe environment where they can share personal issues and also help instill dignity and self-worth in the children.
Our lessons usually include songs, Bible reading, discussion time, praying together followed by activity pages and something to eat.
We have around 140 youngsters regularly attending between the ages of 2-18 years.
The programme is divided into three main groups with an additional discipleship group at the end:
2-5 year olds meet from 14:00 – 14:30
6-10 year olds meet from 14:30 – 15:00
11-18 year olds meet from 15:00 – 15:30
Teen discipleship group (for those who have made a commitment to Christ) meet from 15:30 – 16:00
Through our annual Winter and Christmas Drives we are also able to support these children with clothing, food, stationery and other gifts.
Our Weekly Programme Schedule
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Monday
Grade R Assistance
Grade 1-3 Homework Club
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Wednesday
Grade R Assitance
Grade 4-7 Homework Club
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Friday
Adult Bible Study Group
Friday Children’s Outreach