Hope in the midst of despair
by Sarah Binos
28 August 2008
A reflection on Common Ground's response to the Xenophobia crisis.
Hope in the midst of despairA reflection on Common Ground's response to the xenophobia crisis
Printable version
I really do appreciate the support I have got from Common Ground. First I lost my confidence, but through the assistance of getting a job I am now back on the track. Thank you to all who helped me. God bless you. I love you all.
Bright (Zimbabwe)
I need? to give thanks in everything that has been done to the need of me. I was really helped a lot - but it is said; more blessed is the hand that gives than the ?one that receives. There will be good fruits! God bless and keep the good heart.
Daniel (Zimbabwe)
Our involvement with displaced people as a result of xenophobic activity started by opening up Kidzone to shelter over 90 people who had fled from nearby communities in fear for their lives. At short notice we managed to round up a group of volunteers who, by God's grace, managed to survive the chaos as streams of people arrived on our doorstep. For those volunteering it was a life-changing experience - standing alongside people who had lost everything they had owned, most arriving with just the clothes on their backs. For three days and nights we sheltered Somalis, Zimbabweans, Congolese, Angolans and Tanzanians before moving them to Chrysalis Academy, which became a temporary shelter for foreigners.
Our community volunteered time, donated blankets, clothes, food, cooked, cleaned, consoled, and helped transform our Sunday school premises into a temporary relief and safety site from xenophobic activity. Since then we have endeavoured to provide a hand up (not hand out) to foreigners at Chrysalis, providing support in accessing legal permits to live in SA, accommodation and employment opportunities. Many Common Grounders have rolled up their sleeves and gotten involved in volunteering opportunities that have made a huge difference in the lives of hundreds of displaced people. One community member negotiated that their office infrastructure and staff be made available to assist foreigners search for and engage in employment opportunities. Many small group champions have faithfully ensured a steady flow of job opportunities as a result of the Just One Job drive and some keen beans have spent hours on Gum Tree sourcing affordable rental accommodation in safer communities.
It has been hard work - a roller coaster ride full of highs and lows, but the high moments have motivated a core team of volunteers to remain faithful in seeing that as many people as possible are assisted to stand on their own two feet again. We have witnessed the delight of young Somali shop keepers, who have been able to re-open their shops through the provision of basic stock and supplies. We have celebrated milestones like ensuring that 100 people have updated CVs saved electronically to the net. We have cried tears of frustration when some people have chosen not to grab opportunities, but have cried tears of relief and gratitude as many refugees have been employed and moved into suitable accommodation. We have thrived working with volunteers from other churches - demonstrating the power of church unity.
Ben, a Zimbabwean is now a model in the making - attending numerous castings as a result of the opportunity to join a modelling agency. Bright, another Zimbabwean, has not only found a job, but his calling as an artist, now creating beaded masterpieces for a fair trade company, Street Wires. Tousant and Sarafine, a family of 3 are one example of the many families who have been assisted to re-establish homes in new communities. These are just a few examples of many success stories.
Through this crisis, we have strengthened our relationship with other churches in the city as we have partnered in serving those who suffer. Many volunteers have been stretched but grown through this experience. Many displaced foreigners have reintegrated back into mainstream society as a result of our support. Thank you to every person who has contributed their time, treasures or talents enabling short-term yet invaluable support to those affected by the crisis.
Chrysalis Academy will be closing down as a temporary shelter, and the remaining foreigners will be moved to a another camp. This response has enabled us to learn key lessons which we will carry with us into the next phase of support - the establishment of a one-stop job shop in Mowbray which will provide key services to both South Africans and foreigners in our city. Watch this space!
I have been so blessed as a volunteer in this programme. Many people have a heart to help others less fortunate than ourselves, but often we do more harm than good in our approach. It is so amazing that our community creates opportunities to serve those suffering. It has taught me how to serve in a wise and godly manner. It has been an invaluable experience in that I have gained some understanding in how to be a wise conduit of God's grace and compassion to those suffering in our midst. Neville
For more info on how you can get involved in helping the refugees in our city, click here.
|