Women We Met in Africa

As we travel to foreign countries to serve and learn, we encounter amazing individuals, whose lives have been transformed by the work of HOPE worldwide . We strongly believe in respectful service. On our Volunteer Corps, we assist existing programs, and provide additional help. We do contribute, but we also learn from the incredibly resilient individuals we meet. While serving in Africa these past few months, we met these courageous women…

Mmedolly, Johannesburg, South Africa…

 Mmedolly takes care of 10 grandchildren. Her sister in law passed away, and in one day, Mmedolly inherited six additional grandkids who came to live with her.

She stays in a small building comprised of two very small rooms and a kitchen; there is only one bed. Mmedolly was living there with all her grandchildren, but she realized, as good hearted as she was about taking all those children in, that she could not afford to feed them.

The HOPE worldwide South Africa staff found her, and were able to help get all her grandchildren birth certificates. Without those, the kids cannot go to school. Once they were all set with documents, HOPE worldwide got two of her young grandchildren into school. Another two, who are too old for the HOPE worldwide early childhood program, are receiving help from HOPE worldwide to get grants for school. It only costs 350 rand (about $30 US) to get them into school! Mmedolly and her grandkids can now live a full happy life, and only have to worry about food each day rather than school debt on top of that!

The HOPE worldwide Singles Corps participants were able to visit Mmedolly’s house, spend time with her family, and offer support.

Lydia, Lusaka, Zambia…

This grandmother is 75 years old. She had 12 children. 11 have died. She is now raising four of her grandchildren by herself, on almost no income. Poignant. The AIDS crisis is staring at us in the face. Fortunately, Lydia is receiving help from the staff of HOPE worldwide Zambia. They visit her home, provide medicines, and education for the youngest children.

We visited Lydia’s home. We want these women to feel valued, respected, and loved. Her faith inspired us, and in return, we pray we were able to encourage her.

Hazlett, Lusaka, Zambia…

We met Hazlett, and went to her house. The first words were, "I'm fit!"

When the HOPE worldwide staff first met Hazlett, she lived in a one room house with one bed, one chair, and 11 children under 9 years old. She had a pan with a few beans under the chair. The children were hungry. Many of the family members, including Hazlett, were HIV+, and getting no medical treatment.

Thankfully, HOPE worldwide have been able to help.

Hazlett had 14 kids. Some have died, some have left. She is now raising 11 grandchildren by herself.

Hazlett's house now comprises of two tiny rooms. The rent is 400 kwacha, which is about $40. She works from morning till night doing odd jobs. She makes about 300 kwacha a month. Do the math.

By the grace of God, in the middle of all that, Hazlett is receiving assistance from HOPE worldwide . She gets food rations, medicines, and the kids can go to school.

When Hazlett says she is fit, it is all relative of course, but in her mind, she is so much fitter than she used to be. And she is not lonely any more. She visits the HOPE worldwide center daily, where she can meet other women, and socialize, be part of women’s support groups, receive guidance, etc.

It was an honor to be able to serve Hazlett, and the rest of her community while on the Zambia Volunteer Corps in July. Women like Hazlett carry Africa on their shoulders.