Safe Houses

Safe Houses

African Blessings has a soft spot for the children of our land, especially those whose short lives have been replete with heartache and neglect. Safe houses therefore form a large part of the numerous projects that we support and encourage. The names of these safe houses can obviously (for the safety and security of the children involved) not be named. African Blessings however, takes care to ensure that each and every house affiliated to us is run with integrity and compassion.

Each home receives regular visits from our staff and volunteers. These calls are not just for regulation purposes; instead those involved make a conscious effort to provide love and encouragement to those who need it. Tea and cake is regularly the order of the day as the individuals who run these homes often have very little time to relax and reflect.

Two safe homes within our project portfolio are solely funded by African Blessings, while the others receive regular contributions. If you feel the urge to make a difference in the life of a child, please visit our "Get Involved" section to view donating options as well as information as to how you can use your time and skills to help us out.

Rustfontein Donkeys

Meet the Rustfontein Zzzonkeys

My name is Zelda and I am the luckiest donkey in the whole wide world! Us donkeys are not exactly lucky by nature; in fact, statistics show that we are one of the most abused animals in the world. But when my Mom Zoë and I were rescued by the local organization Wet Nose our lives changed forever.

Before I moved to Rustfontein I was very reserved and frightened of people. Experience had taught me that people brought beatings, burnings and abuse. But when Rita and Brian from African Blessings visited the clinic, it was love at first sight! Aunty Rita said when she saw this dilapidated little donkey full of scars and scratches, she knew that Rustfontein farm just had to be my new home. Luckily for me she felt too bad to separate me from my mother so African Blessings adopted us both!

We now live on Rustfontein farm with my friends Cheryl and Charlotte. They are two dogs who were rescued underneath some planks at the rubbish dumps. The poor things looked so thin and ragged when they arrived here, but now they are chubby and charming - just like my mom and me!

When we arrived on the farm Aunty Rita and Uncle Brian got a big surprise when they learned that my mom, Zoë was pregnant and in May 2009, my beautiful baby sister – Zara – was born and is growing up fast here at Rustfontein.

Food Gardens

Food Gardens

African Blessings is of the opinion that charity without upliftment and empowerment is futile. There are however many amongst us who, as a result of unemployment, lack of schooling and the effects of the HIV/ Aids endemic, are in dire need of financial assistance. We at African Blessings work very hard to ensure that while those in need receive assistance; they never become dependent on the aid and charity we provide. Instead they are trained and nurtured to create their own opportunities and to become fully self-sufficient.

Our three food gardens are perhaps the greatest example of the efficacy of such empowerment -based outreach programs. Each of these food gardens was started by the members of its community to:

- Provide their families with nutritious meals and full tummies
- Assist individuals within the community who are struggling
- Produce a product which can be sold in return for financial return

African Blessings currently has three food gardens one on the Rustfontein Farm, and the other two in Nellmapius. The people working the earth in each of these gardens have received in-depth training and hands-on advice and guidance from avid gardeners who volunteer their time to the project. They are also provided with the necessary seeds, fertilizer and equipment necessary to produce plump and juicy vegetables for eating, sharing and selling. Dedicated volunteers takes care of the daily watering and clearing of the tunnels, as well as cutting an distributing the veggies.

What is Farming God’s Way?

Jochebed Children's Village

Jochebed

A mother's love is unconditional. Jochebed was Moses's loving mother who hid her little bundle of love from political instability, with a dream for him to grow up to fulfill his God given destiny. This is exactly the dream of the Jochobed Children's Village that will soon be a reality. We realize the desperate need for housing for many abandoned children, but we dream of a home, where everyone is welcomed with unconditional love and happiness the moment they enter the gates of the Rustfontein farm, just outside Bronkhorstspruit. We dream of healthy, happy children, for ample opportunities and progressive ideas to fulfill their God given purpose on earth.In short, Jochobed is a children's village with a difference. It is a safe haven and loving home for our children, where they will grow up equipped to stand on their own feet and achieve unknown heights and self realization, entering the world as adults with confidence.

The children's village is a community project of African Blessings in which we all take hands to lead our young ones to a better future.

Our "Jochebed" Vision

On a clearing overlooking the surrounding countryside lies a little village. As we draw nearer we hear the sound of children at play. Three donkeys greet us with a friendly little nudge as we enter the outskirts of this miniature town. The laughter of children echoes through the valley as three children frolic with an energetic puppy. On closer inspection we notice that the cute pup only has half a tail and the young boy beside him, a deformed face. But this wounded image fades fast when the boy giggles as the excited dog licks his face in happy delight.

As we walk through the village we pass clustered farm houses each with their own food garden and a fruit tree shading their lawn. In the middle of the village stands what is obviously a community centre. From it floats the sound of song. A concert is obviously in full swing! A teenage girl in a floral dress rushes through the doors of the community centre, proudly displaying a newly weaved basket on her arm.

On our stroll through the narrow little streets we meet a woman with a baby on her hip. She proudly explains that this peaceful haven we have stumbled across is, in fact, the Jochebed Children's Village. The children residing here were all abandoned, abused or orphaned, but have since been rescued and adopted by the residents of this town. Each child now lives in his or her own house with five brothers or sisters. Except for the fact that the children are divided according to sex, each farmhouse is like any other home. Each has its own kitchen, washing machine and garden. And the children within are expected to help in the food garden, feed and care for the pets and do their homework on time.

These images may only be the ramblings of our imagination; the plans however, are very real. What is described is a depiction of what The African Blessings Team has in mind for The Jochebed Children's Village. These self-contained farmhouses will all be powered by solar energy and the entire village will leave a very small carbon footprint. Further aspirations for this village include an onsite clinic with a fully-trained nurse and medication on hand as well as a counseling room and an early childhood development centre.

This is not merely a dream, but a plan in motion.One that is shared by numerous volunteers, sponsors and employees, all of whom have a vested interest in making The Jochebed Children's Village a reality.
Watch this space for news and developments on our progress.

Watch our launch videos:

African Blessings, Jochebed Childrens Village launch, 1	African Blessings, Jochebed Childrens Village launch, 2
African Blessings, Jochebed Childrens Village launch, 3	African Blessings, Jochebed Childrens Village launch, 4

click here to go to You Tube

Homes for Horses

A YOUNG AND UNBREAKABLE SPIRIT - A SUCCESS STORY

We are delighted to share this success story with you, proving that there is always hope. Jade, one of the young horses rescued from Onderstepoort Biological Products proved that she has a bright future and despite the hardships endured, she has proved that she has the potential to achieve great heights. Jade competed in the third SANESA school league show this year with 12 year old AJ van Vuuren. Although they didn't take any trophies home this time, everyone agreed that Jade has gone from strength to strength and is a true inspiration, breathing fresh talent into the competitive air.

Jade has proven how far a rescue animal can get with some love and care.

To read more about AJ and Jade's performance at the show and the Mooikloof Equestrian Club click here

Update on horse Project:

New Beginnings at Rustfontein

February 2010

On 20 June 2009, after much hustle and bustle preparing stables with super-sized horsey beds and checking and re-checking the contents of the feed room, we finally sat down with a cup of coffee, giving each other silly grins, as we waited in eager anticipation for the arrival of the horse carrier with the new babies – 4 of the OBP horses - that were on their way to their new home at Rustfontein.

We passed the time thinking of names for the new arrivals – 2 colts, a filly and a mare – and ultimately decided on Jasper, Topaz, Jade and Amber. Finally the carrier arrived and we rushed round to meet it as it rumbled up the road to a stop in front of the stables. As the doors opened and the first, obviously nervous, horse was led out, tears of relief flowed at the thought of where these beautiful animals' lives could have ended, if it wasn't for the care and generosity of individuals and organizations, like African Blessings, who are prepared to provide a home for them.

And what a home they have! With first-rate care and an abundance of love and kindness, these 4 –once hurt, discarded, frightened and mistrusting creatures - have found their rightful place in the world and have learned to recognise human beings as what they should be – care givers, friends, human companions who have their best interests at heart. Their amazing grooms, Benneth and Fitsi and all of the residents at Rustfontein who have poured so much loving, patient energy into these horses are responsible for what are now, just over 6 months later, healthy, happy, playful, loving horses.

They are slowly being introduced to "bit training" and as you can see, are 100% comfortable with and happy to have the Fitsi and Benneth "mount up"! The pictures speak volumes about their Rustfontein journey so far...
Remember that horses are released from OBP ongoing and the Trust Fund has been established to ensure that the rescue of these horses is ongoing and sustainable.

Please join us in helping to provide a safe, certain future for them.

They deserve greener pastures...

After a long, hard struggle and a great deal of commitment and cooperation from all the parties concerned, agreement has been reached that the horses used for veterinary research by Onderstepoort Biological Products, will no longer automatically be sent to slaughter, but will be made available for adoption.

Historically, the fate of these noble creatures, having literally sacrificed their lives for the health and well-being of other horses, was slaughter. Now, as long as there are caring and generous souls willing and able to offer them a home and willing to help financially, these beautiful creatures will have a chance at a real life, once released from OBP.

Approximately 30 horses will be released from OBP every 3-6 months, for homing.

African Blessings has established an Equine Rescue Centre at Rustfontein and some of the OBP horses will be starting a new life on this beautiful farm.

A Trust Fund has been established and all proceeds will go to assisting with the process of homing and caring for these horses, as they are released from OBP, whether it be to offer assistance to the foster homes caring for them, or relocation costs in getting them to their new permanent homes.

We want to ensure that the rescuing of these majestic animals is an ongoing and sustainable solution, which ensures that none of the horses at OBP face slaughter in the future.

We would like to appeal to you to join hands with African Blessings in providing a better future for these animals.

If you would like to donate to this project:

Once off payments can be made to:

African Blessings
Bank:                              FNB
Account number:           62065437355
Branch code                    250655
Reference number         Horse Rescue Centre

For those who would like to read the entire story relating to this campaign, please go to http://obphorses.wordpress.com.

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PBO: 930022718