In the heart of Small Farms, Evaton, near Vereeniging in the Vaal Triangle, lies the Pilgrim Welfare Centre.
The mission of this drop-in centre is twofold: to combat poverty and to foster education. To achieve this, they have implemented a range of empowerment initiatives tailored to different age groups, ensuring that every member of the community is equipped with the tools for success. Recognised by the Department of Social Development and approved as a section 18A organisation, this centre is committed to making a lasting impact in its community.
Dimakatso Sithole founded the organisation in July 2022, and as its director, she ensures its sustainability and smooth operation on a daily basis. While currently self-funding the organisation, she is fortunate to have a dedicated team of 19 volunteers who wholeheartedly contribute their time and effort, without any monetary compensation, to steer this centre in the right direction.
“Each volunteer plays a pivotal role in the success of our organisation. We proudly offer three core programmes: the afterschool care programme, the youth development programme, and the community development programme. In November 2022, we forged a partnership with the North-West University (NWU), registering as a community partner with the university. This collaboration has further strengthened our ability to make a difference in the lives of those we serve,” she says.
As of 19 July 2023, the organisation has been fortunate to receive support and donations from the NWU, which has greatly benefited its cause. There are currently a dedicated team of seven care workers who volunteer their time at the centre. Their responsibilities encompass a range of tasks, including conducting home visits to members of the community and compiling detailed reports on these visits.
In addition, they serve as liaisons between various organisations such as the Department of Home Affairs, SASSA, Lifeline and the Department of Social Development, ensuring that cases are appropriately referred to the relevant departments. Furthermore, they collaborate with the centre’s community development coordinator to assist community members in need of clothing or food. However, it is worth noting that the centre still requires counselling training for its care workers, since it does not currently have an in-house social worker.
“Thanks to the generosity of the NWU, the centre has received a valuable donation of 10 computers, along with office furniture, storage cupboards, a printer and whiteboards.
These contributions have significantly enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of our organisation. Previously, we faced challenges with only having one laptop available for our eight administrative staff members. This created delays, as each person had to wait for their turn to use the laptop. However, with the addition of the computers, each staff member can now work independently and complete their assigned tasks without hindrance,” says Dimakatso.
She says this also enables them to educate the children and young people on using computers, particularly for research purposes in school.
Previously, their office was equipped with steel tables and plastic chairs, but thanks to the addition of beautiful, professional-looking furniture, the centre now exudes a more inviting and professional atmosphere. This has greatly enhanced the team’s productivity, as each staff member now has their own designated workspace.
“Our computers fit perfectly on the tables, and we can now store our files and documents neatly in the storage cupboards provided. We are also immensely appreciative of the whiteboards, as they greatly assist our education assistants in delivering explanations to the children,” she says.
Listen to Dimakatso as she expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the NWU for having such a positive impact on their organisation.
Dimakatso Sithole, founder and director of the Pilgrim Welfare Centre.
The team of Pilgrim Welfare Centre volunteers.
The NWU donated equipment and office furniture such as computers, storage cupboards and book stands to the centre.
