A Visit from the Netherlands

Monte Christo Miqlat (MCM) was thrilled to have a visitor from the Netherlands this past week. Representing Stichting Small Change Foundation, long-time supporter Frank Van Berkum returned to Mbekweni in Paarl to see the progress being made at Lukhanyo Community Care Center, an MCM ministry that he and others at the foundation have been supporting for years.  Frank was pleased with what he found, and enjoyed his time with Sydwell Magqazana, Lukhanyo's Center Manager, Aletia Grundling, MCM's CEO and other Lukhanyo staff members pictured here.

         Back: Frank Van Berkum, Yolanda Magqazana, Lonwabo Mshede, Mpathi Vazana, Sydwell Magqazana                         Front: Aletia Grundling and Eunice Paul

Stichting Small Change Foundation was founded in 2007 after the Lukhanyo staff participated in helping with a Dutch-South African film production.  At that time, our staff helped with finding extras and film locations and as a result endeared themselves to some of the actors and film staff.  These new friends were very impressed with Lukhanyo and established Small Change in order to help improve the living conditions and future prospects for the children of Mbekweni through the work being done there.  The foundation has also assisted with the feeding scheme programme, as well as the provision of much needed equipment to the Center.  They have subscribed to the following motto "A small contribution can change something...a small change can mean a lot."  
In 2009 and 2010 Frank van Berkum, who is an organizational development adviser by profession, worked with Lukhanyo during a sabbatical leave.  During that time, he helped with the development of drama productions under the Lukhanyo Arts and Culture programme.  It has been a blessing to have him back with us, and we are grateful to him AND to Small Change!