JEFFREYS BAY – Community members from Ocean View in Jeffreys Bay have already begun implementing projects to uplift vulnerable residents, following their participation in the Adopt-a-Village South Africa community transformation programme, recently hosted at Pellsrus Caravan Park.

According to Jeffreys Bay host, Pastor Sakhekile Mbili, 23 participants initially registered for the first training module, with 18 returning for the second module.

The programme, which consists of four quarterly training modules, focuses on discipleship, community development, and orphan and vulnerable children care.

Mbili previously said that the discipleship component teaches participants to form communities of faith through the Discovery Bible Study method, while the community development pillar equips participants with skills to research and implement projects aimed at addressing poverty and hopelessness.

He said the orphan and vulnerable children component also teaches participants how to identify vulnerable children in their communities and provide practical support and care.

Mbili said only two modules remain, after which participants are expected to graduate.

Although participants have not yet completed all four modules, Mbili said several have already started implementing projects in their communities.

“Some have already started selling food takeaways, while others have started support programmes like skills development, daycare and aftercare,” said Mbili.

He added that one of the most significant changes he has witnessed among participants is their growing excitement and enthusiasm about community work.

Mbili also said that additional support and mentoring would be provided after participants complete the fourth module.

Encouraging others to participate in future programmes, he described the training as a valuable opportunity for personal growth and community development.

“It will be a good thing for people to register for the programme because they will gain more experience,” said Mbili.

He said that he hopes to host the programme again in 2027.

Mbili added that guest speakers from the Department of Social Development attended the second module and encouraged women and youth organisations to register as non-profit organisations and non-profit companies.

Among the participants inspired by the programme is Ocean View resident, Ncebakazi Temela, who said she joined because she wanted to help bring change to her community.

She said the training has strengthened her understanding of evangelism and increased her confidence in community work.

“This training will help me gain a deeper understanding and give me greater confidence to do the work of God with effective strategies,” said Temela.

“I want to open a soup kitchen with a playground so that youth can have something to do to avoid drugs.”

Temela added that she has already begun applying lessons from the programme by assisting neighbours with food, baby clothes and nappies.

“Adopt-a-Village is there to refresh our conscience and rebuild humanity,” said Temela.

Another Ocean View participant, Khanyisa Nyibala, said she became interested in the programme after hearing about its focus on helping communities.

She said she has already started using the Discovery Bible Study method in her neighbourhood through door-to-door visits and prayer gatherings.

Nyibala said she hopes to start a sewing project and a soup kitchen after completing the training.

She also plans to support vulnerable children by gathering them weekly to share the Word of God and offer encouragement.

“I want to show them hope and that God loves them so much,” said Nyibala.

Participant, Mbulelo Hempe, said he joined the programme after Mbili encouraged him to take part.

“I was looking for something new, and Pastor Mbili asked me to join Adopt-a-Village,” said Hempe.

He said the training has given him new ideas on how to study the Bible with young people in his community.

Hempe hopes to establish an after-school programme, support groups for HIV-positive residents and weekly prayer gatherings.

“The most valuable lesson I have learned so far is love and more love,” said Hempe.

Mbili, who previously established the Abancedi Community Development Centre in Ebumnyameni informal settlement in Ocean View, said the programme continues to encourage residents to become agents of change in their communities.

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