Personal message

Goedgedacht celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, offering a moment to look back in gratitude while setting new paths for moving forward. At the heart of our work, the Pathway to Prosperity programme builds on 30 years of experience in walking with children, their families, and their communities. From supporting new mothers in the 1st 1000 Days programme to providing educational assistance and basic computer skills through the POP centers, or offering residential workshops for school leavers, Goedgedacht strives to help communities achieve their dreams. For a few years now, a dedicated group of women from the Riebeek Valley has been volunteering at the Riebeek Kasteel POP Centre, spending time with the children by reading stories and playing games with them every week. Recently, these women visited Goedgedacht for a delightful session of tea and cake. It was heartening to hear their passion for the work they do and how much joy they find in seeing the happiness on the faces of the children they engage with. This to me is a source of hope.

 

The Care for the Planet programme aids around 1 500 community farmers, enabling them to provide for their families and generate income. Additionally, the Goedgedacht Social Employment Fund initiative provides hope to 1 500 individuals by offering eight days of paid work per month, including two days of training. At the heart of these initiatives, we are witnessing people’s struggles and walking alongside to share their journeys.

 

These various initiatives are contributing to making Goedgedacht a shining beacon of hope.

 

JOIN US IN CREATING HOPE FOR GOEDGEDACHT STAFFER AREND JORDAAN

 

I extend an invitation for you to join us in fostering hope for one of our esteemed staff members, Arend Jordaan. Arend, our dedicated 64-year-old maintenance manager, has been integral within our organisation for over 14 years. He is struggling to walk due to severe knee problems. Arend's optimism for a resolution was rekindled when a doctor recommended a double knee replacement. Unfortunately, neither Arend nor the public hospital has the financial means to cover the costs of the operation. Through negotiations with a public hospital, Goedgedacht has taken steps to address this and has committed R25 000 towards the operation. We are hoping to raise a further  R55 000 to make his double knee replacement possible.  This will not only facilitate the procedure but also bring a renewed sense of hope to Arend's life.