It's with grateful hearts that we welcome you to the SECOND edition of the Sight of Hope newsletter. As always, we're honored to have you walk this journey with us. This issue is filled with powerful glimpses into the heart of our mission—events that have left a lasting imprint on our community, challenged us, and reminded us of the unwavering faithfulness of God and the strength found in togetherness.

 

This season began with a beautiful reminder of God's faithfulness, as our community recently welcomed a precious addition, a symbol of grace and a future filled with promise.

 

On February 23, 2025, at 6:20 PM, we welcomed a precious baby girl, Umukelwe Micah Zwane. Umukelwe means “Against all odds, you have been welcomed”. She is truly a testament to God's unwavering protection and we're happy to share that both mother and baby are doing well! Baby Micah is growing beautifully, and Ziyanda, full of strength and determination, has been able to return to school.

 

Thank you for your continued support and prayers, which have been a v

ital part of Ziyanda and Micah's journey. Your generosity has helped provide the care and opportunities they need, and we're excited to see their futures flourish.

 

 

On February 22, 2025, we made a heartfelt appeal for a new vehicle, fully aware that our current one could no longer meet the growing needs of the 54 children in our care.

 

Within just a few days, we witnessed an outpouring of generosity from our incredible community. By February 28, we had raised the full $15,000 needed to purchase an 18-seater vehicle, which will allow us to expand our reach and serve our children more effectively! This vehicle will enable us to transport them to appointments, court dates, and essential outings with greater ease and efficiency. It's s not just a practical solution—it is truly a Godsend, a direct and unmistakable answer to our heartfelt prayers. It serves as a tangible reminder of divine provision and a powerful affirmation of our mission.

 

To everyone who offered prayers, shared our message, and generously gave—THANK YOU, from the depths of our hearts! We are profoundly grateful for your partnership with Sight of Hope. In a world filled with so many opportunities to invest, your commitment to our ministry is a powerful testament to your faith in our work and your deep compassion for those we serve.

 

 

As we celebrate the gift of new life, we are also reminded of life's fragility. Our hearts are heavy with the loss of our beloved Phumelele “Phumy” Dlamini.

 

Phumy was a cherished member of the Sight of Hope family, and her passing on March 4, 2025, has left an irreplaceable void in our hearts. She was not only the first girl to join our community in January 2016, but also a high school graduate, a university student, and, most recently, an engaged young woman with so much promise ahead of her. Her sudden passing, after a brief illness, has left us in shock and grief. Yet, despite the pain, we hold on to the memory of Phumy's vibrant spirit, unshakable faith, her passion for worship, and remarkable resilience.

 

To honor her, we held an intimate memorial service at Sight of Hope on March 7. Her sisters, along with a small group of those who were closest to her, celebrated her life and shared the many ways Phumy had touched theirs. As a true worshiper at heart, Phumy's love for the arts was evident in everything she did. Her sisters paid tribute to her through song, dance, and poetry, honoring her legacy in the most beautiful way.

 

A peach tree, one of Phumy's favorites, was also planted in her memory. Each of her sisters and staff wrote letters to her as a final tribute, placing them in the hole as the tree was planted. Phumy's life was a testament to God's grace, and while we grieve her loss, we find comfort knowing she is now resting in His arms.

In a season marked by deep loss, God's timing proved perfect as the Brave Girls workshop provided an unexpected yet powerful moment of healing and empowerment for our girls. On the heels of the heartbreaking loss of our dear Phumelele, the girls took part in a workshop hosted by Brave Girls, featuring speakers from the Police Service, the Ministry of Education, the Department of Child Services, and Mugg and Bean Eswatini.

 

While the speakers provided invaluable knowledge, the most impactful session was the grief support workshop. In this sacred space, our girls were given the tools to process their grief and emotions. They engaged in an art project that honored Phumy's memory, helping them begin their healing journey amidst the pain.

 

The day was not only about healing; it was also about empowerment. Our girls had the opportunity to learn a new skill during a crochet workshop, receiving materials to continue practicing independently. To top it all off, there was a delicious KFC meal, adding a touch of joy to a truly meaningful day.

 

We are deeply grateful to Brave Girls and Patience Nxumalo for pouring into our girls at such a crucial moment in their lives. Your love, support, and investment are felt deeply. We thank you for helping our girls feel seen, heard, and empowered to face the future, even in the midst of their grief. 

In a season marked by deep loss, God's timing proved perfect as the Brave Girls workshop provided an unexpected yet powerful moment of healing and empowerment for our girls. On the heels of the heartbreaking loss of our dear Phumelele, the girls took part in a workshop hosted by Brave Girls, featuring speakers from the Police Service, the Ministry of Education, the Department of Child Services, and Mugg and Bean Eswatini.

 

While the speakers provided invaluable knowledge, the most impactful session was the grief support workshop. In this sacred space, our girls were given the tools to process their grief and emotions. They engaged in an art project that honored Phumy's memory, helping them begin their healing journey amidst the pain.

 

The day was not only about healing; it was also about empowerment. Our girls had the opportunity to learn a new skill during a crochet workshop, receiving materials to continue practicing independently. To top it all off, there was a delicious KFC meal, adding a touch of joy to a truly meaningful day.

 

We are deeply grateful to Brave Girls and Patience Nxumalo for pouring into our girls at such a crucial moment in their lives. Your love, support, and investment are felt deeply. We thank you for helping our girls feel seen, heard, and empowered to face the future, even in the midst of their grief. 

 

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our first self-sustainable project, starting with two pigs generously donated by Billy Stringer, which marks the exciting first step in this vital initiative.

 

With our initial structure in place, we are now focused on expanding our facilities and purchasing an additional pig. The profits generated from this project will directly fund a scholarship program for our high school graduates, ensuring each girl has the opportunity to pursue higher education or vocational training to the fullest extent of her aspirations. This expansion holds the remarkable potential to provide SEVEN university scholarships each year (The exact number of girls we have graduating this school year!) We are seeking your support to raise the $1700 USD needed to make this vision a reality.

 

Will you join us in empowering the future of these young women? To make a one-time donation, you can click on the link below: 

 

 

In addition to this exciting development, we have submitted proposals for a grant to start a poultry project. This project will include both a broiler and layers program, and we are praying for approval of the grant. We believe that this initiative will provide a significant source of income to further support our girls.

We are appealing to anyone who would like to partner with us in raising funds for this project. The total amount needed for the poultry project is $5,100 USD. Any contribution will go a long way in helping us empower these young women as they pursue their dreams. Please join us in prayer for the successful launch of these projects, which will play a vital role in supporting the education and future of our girls. Thank you for continuing to walk alongside us on this journey of faith and impact.

 

 

 

In addition to this exciting development, we have submitted proposals for a grant to start a poultry project. This project will include both a broiler and layers program, and we are praying for approval of the grant. We believe that this initiative will provide a significant source of income to further support our girls.

We are appealing to anyone who would like to partner with us in raising funds for this project. The total amount needed for the poultry project is $5,100 USD. Any contribution will go a long way in helping us empower these young women as they pursue their dreams. Please join us in prayer for the successful launch of these projects, which will play a vital role in supporting the education and future of our girls. Thank you for continuing to walk alongside us on this journey of faith and impact.

 

 

 

As we continue on this journey, we ask for your prayers in the following areas:

 

1. Please pray for strength and comfort as we walk through this season of grief, remembering our dear Phumy and leaning on God's grace for healing and peace.

 

2. We are excited to welcome a team from Woodbridge Union Community Church, arriving on April 22, 2025. Please pray for safe travels and that this visit will be a time of encouragement, support, and growth for our girls and staff.

 

3. Seven of our girls are still in need of sponsors. Would you prayerfully consider signing up and becoming a sponsor? Or help spread the word and connect these seven to a sponsor? Sponsorships ensure that we can continue to say YES when the calls come and enable us to provide each girl with the resources and support they need to THRIVE!