WATER IN MPUMALANGA PROVINCE
Our journey with supply of clean water in rural Kgautswane began in July, 2007 when on a visit we learned about the existence of an old distribution system, that while in disrepair, was well-designed and if operable would deliver clean water to hydrants within 200 meters of each home in this village of 7,000 people.
These are the conditions as we saw them on our first STM visit:
STM agreed to “prime the pump” by funding about a third of the project if the district municipality would commit to fund the balance and involve the Ohrigstad URCSA church in operating the system. Initially the district rejected the idea because this system was not part of their funding plan. Ultimately after four years and countless hours of collaboration by STM, local citizens, the URCSA church, and other key players in South Africa, the district agreed to fund the entire renovation project without financial support from STM.
Our hopes for a continuing role for the church in operation and maintenance of the system did not materialize, but the prayer for clean water for these 7,000 people has now been answered; the church has delivered for its community, and is strengthened by the fact that it can be a successful advocate for change on behalf of its people and the community it serves.
GARDEN PROJECT
Garden Program at Evaton Noord
To supplement their diets and income, some of the poorest families of Evaton Noord are provided a small garden plot to raise vegetables. STM partners provided funds for fencing, a caretaker’s home (for security), and the tools and equipment. The families do all the work.
The garden is thriving and self-sustaining. Evaton Noord assists in training in gardening techniques in order to enhance the output.
NEW DAYCARE FACILITY
Old Evaton Noord Daycare
Inside the old Creche
AIDS orphans and mothers who work have urgent need for daycare. Church members, most of whom are not employed, help by caring for children. A daycare center really helps people in these communities to help themselves. With funds provided by STM, a new Creche (Daycare) was built replacing a corrugated shack that served 60 children – no electricity, newspapers stuffed in the gaps in the siding, and nothing but an old mattress on the floor. Imagine this facility in the cold of winter and the sweltering heat of summer.
This new Calvary Care Centre can serve 144 children and has classrooms that are available for other uses.
New Evaton Noord Daycare
Calvary Care Center Kids
SUNDAY MEALS FOR CHILDREN
Malnourishment is prevalent among the children throughout the settlements. Since October, 2005, Second Table Ministries and Seattle First Christian Reformed Church have provided resources to the Evaton Noord volunteers who prepare and serve a hot meal to 75-100 children, after church each Sunday at the nominal cost of less than 75 cents per child. For many of these children this is the only complete meal they receive each week.
HIPPO WATER ROLLERS
Hippo Water Rollers are a great help to relieve the burden of carrying water. These rollers allow women and children to move up to 20 gallons per trip, with much less bodily wear and tear. STM and its partners provided 50 of these rollers, 25 in July, 2007 and 25 in April, 2008 to residents of Kgautswane. The photo shows new hippo rollers being distributed.
OHRIGSTAD TUTORIAL CENTER
Schools in South Africa, especially in rural areas, are grossly inadequate and seriously underfunded. Teachers labor with extremely high class sizes and without proper teaching materials. Kids completing their schooling are therefore usually significantly unprepared to compete. To help minimize these problems, the black Ohrigstad Uniting Reformed Church, working with the nearby Dutch Reformed Church, organized the renovation of a nearby vacant building. The center is called “Amogelang Care Center.” In addition to an after-school tutorial program that works with neighborhood children, it also houses a food distribution program and a program called “Chics,” which stands for “Church Household Interface Care and Support.” 
To date STM has invested $17,562 to help get this facility and its ministry underway. This included funds to fence the property, build the toilet, provide some of the furnishings, and funding for the food program for the first year of operation. A minimal amount of the funding was used for some playground equipment as well.