A Little More About Masi...

One thing I was surprised to discover is that many of the people living in informal settlements don't necessarily have an issue living there.  We wonder, how can this be?  Don't they want this?  Don't they want that?  The truth is each of the settlements we visited has a sense of community.  Also, this is the life they have known for some time.  Originally named site 5, residents renamed the settlement Masiphumelele which means we will succeed.  There are some active individuals and groups who are working to make positive change.  The difficult thing is that even though Apartheid has ended the most recent government doesn't necessarily have the best interests of the people in mind.  And, racism is still alive.  It is hard to know how to turn things around.  People need work and there are not enough jobs. Education needs improving.  There is a high rate of substance abuse, child and domestic abuse (physical and sexual), and promiscuity resulting in the spread of HIV.  Living Hope has come alongside several of these settlements to partner with them in HIV/AIDs education and prevention, substance abuse rehabilitation, programs to strengthen families, and programs to provide life and entrepreneurial skills.  And of course they introduce God's redeeming love, grace and mercy which will change a person's life even if they are enduring difficult circumstances.