Kopanang Community Trust Project
It is nothing short of a miracle that this women’s empowerment project has survived so long. It is considered to have longevity if it survives 5 years as most development projects in South Africa hardly make it to a year, particularly when seed funding dries up. It is now in its 21st year.
There are 32 members whose lives are enriched immeasurably by their coming together in creativity, deep faith and community. They hold each other up in dark times. Creating products of beauty not only help feed their children and get them to school, but also dignify themselves and their self-worth. It is a place that is vibrant and alive and although loss, poverty, sickness and lack of opportunity haunt their lives, they have an extraordinary capacity for gratitude that today, they have another day for living, knowing that God walks closely with them.
These past two and half years have been particularly difficult for the Kopanang women and their families, having to undergo such severe covid restrictions, sickness, and lack of markets to sell the products they make. Added to this reality is the ongoing power blackouts, at least three 4-hour blackouts per day, sometimes more, and water cut-offs that make their day-to-day living experience even harder than it is already.
Australia and its three dedicated members of Kopanang Friends Global have provided the project with ongoing orders, otherwise they would have certainly collapsed. The orders were brought back from the recent visit to the project in time to prepare for our Christmas market. A BBQ and wIne offering accompany the Friday event. Do come and join us for some of the time it is open.
Thank you for the hope that you continue to offer in your support of Kopanang. If you are interested, there is a 16 minute documentary available online of the early history of the project.
YouTube link: The Women of Kopanang – Official Full Length Film 2014
Learn more at http://kopanang.africa/ and follow the Kopanang Community on Facebook.
