New Apostolic Church Initiative in South Africa Provides Education and Safety for Over 260 Children

Love your neighbour as yourself! The New Apostolic Church in Delft, South Africa, is offering a tangible example of this command through its Masakhe initiative. In a township marked by high crime, substandard schools, and widespread unemployment, the church has established a programme aimed at providing children with a safe and supportive environment.

The Leiden Central church in Delft serves as a multi-purpose hall during the week and a place of worship on Sundays. Since September 2016, the New Apostolic Church has been running a programme through its charitable branch, Masakhe NPC, to help children in the area. The initiative focuses on offering meals, homework assistance, and life skills training to approximately 260 to 300 children each day. The programme is open to all, regardless of religious affiliation.

Ursula Poggenpoel-Smith, programme manager at Masakhe NPC, explains that the goal is to provide children with a safe haven and show them a better way to live. The children, many of whom are left to fend for themselves in a society where drugs and violence are prevalent, are taught practical skills such as hygiene, manners, and self-discipline. They are also given guidance on safety issues.

The New Apostolic Church collaborates with various professional partners, including the fire department, social workers, psychologists, and the Education and Health Departments. These partnerships help ensure the programme’s effectiveness in addressing the complex needs of the children.

The initiative reflects the church’s commitment to caring for the vulnerable, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9, which calls for advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves. By providing a safe space for children, the New Apostolic Church is not only offering practical support but also demonstrating a deep concern for the well-being of the community.

Source: Read the original report