March 2024

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We've shaken things up at iThemba Lethu. Not in any fancy way. We've just gotten a bit more focused. Worked hard to find out who we are; taken the time to dig into what God has called us to do and how to share that message with others.

There are a hundred and one things we can and will share from that three-year journey but for now, take the time to wander over to our new website and have a look for yourself - click here.

After visiting our site and watching the four videos there should be five things you're a bit clearer on. The first is who iThemba Lethu serves - youth and children in Cato Manor, Durban. The second to fourth is how: our Transition Home for abandoned/vulnerable babies, our Destiny Program focused on literacy, life skills, and employment readiness for youth, and the Breastmilk Bank (BMB). The fifth and final point is slightly abstract but important: we made one fairly radical change - we're using data to make sure our service gets better and sharper with each week. And it is working.

?You'll also notice the new site has a very clear invitation for you, our community. That bright red donation button. Any NGOs greatest need is ongoing funding. We all know that. Most communication NPOs offer up has that in mind but our mistake is to often leave it in the subtext. The experts say the smartest thing any NPO can do is ask directly for that funding so they can do what no one else can. And that's not awkward, or shouldn't be. It just is. If you love what we do, a monthly donation on our website is the best way you can and will be able to partner with us to serve those we both love.

Importantly, this doesn't undermine volunteering. Or dropping off previously loved goods. Or ad-hoc donations, or fixing our homes or offices, or any of the other incredible acts of love and service you offer. All of that is essential to what we do and never taken for granted but on the list of practical needs still second to prayer is committed, stable, ongoing monthly donations.

So going forward each month we will be highlighting one of the amazing things about our work to help activate you as our community to join us in our service. We'll be sharing the everyday stuff that makes us great. Like our Destiny Clubs that happen daily at nine schools. Or the hundreds of literacy classes we run each week. The incredible Early Childhood Development that happens in our homes each day. Or the powerful weekly prayer meeting on Friday or the BMB pasteurization day. Those small, normal, gigantic moments of progress each week where we get to enjoy love and service which you can partner with effortlessly today.

So stand by for incredibly inspiring stories of hope and change. They're going to join our hearts in partnership on this incredible journey of our good God changing thousands and thousands of lives!

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