End of Year exams in progress

 

This week, the 1st and 2nd year apprentices wrote their end of year exam.
Spiritual was set and marked by Stephen Manhanga and Simangaliso Ndlovu.
Business was set and marked by Renee Cunningham and Pretty Ndlovu.
Agriculture was set and marked by Skha Mtshalaga.

The apprentices wrote basic English and Maths. We'll see how they faired next week once the papers are marked.......

 

By Molly Manhanga

 

Meet the first year Appy's - Sininisethu Sibanda

Sininisethu Sibanda

I am 21 years old and I live with my parents in Kezi. I have 5 brothers and 4 sisters. I am the third born in our family. I attend New Life for All Church. I went to Shashane High School in Kezi up to form 3. I didn't complete my Education because of having no money for school and exam fees.
I enjoy being at Ebenezer and my favourite meal is sadza and beef. I enjoy swimming. I am busy planting butternut and maize at Ebenezer. There are many plots that we are doing but we are working in team. I have one friend.

By Molly Manhanga

 



Meet the 1st year Appy's - Sibekile Moyo

Sibekile Moyo

I am 17 years old and I come from Gqalaza. I live with my parents. I have 5 brothers and 2 sisters. I am the last born. I attended a different High School before going to Simbumbumbi Secondary School from form 2 - 4. I didn't write my 'O' levels due to non payment of fees.

I enjoy Ebenezer and currently I am planting a 30m x 30m plot of tomatoes. My favourite food is sadza and beans. I have one friend so far and I attend United Pentecostal Church. 

By Molly Manhanga



Meet the 1st year appy's - Flometre Gumbo

Flometre Gumbo

Background:
I am 18 years old and I come from Tsholotsho. I have 2 brothers and a sister and I am the first born. I live with my grandmother as my parents live in Joburg - since December 2008.

Life at Ebenezer:
I enjoy being at Ebenezer. My favourite meal is rice and chicken. I attend New Life for All church and I don't play any sport. I am busy planting tomatoes on my 30m x 30m field. I have made new friends whilst at Ebenezer.

 

By Molly Manhanga

 



Ebenezer Staff office being built...

 

 

 

 

The Ebenezer team office is being built at the moment.
It should look great when completed!


Molly Manhanga

Cabbages at Ebenezer

 

 

 

Cabbage time again! Some of the cabbages have done well at Ebenezer while with others, the cabbage heads are not as big as they could have been and this is mainly due to water stress (although the rains now have been a welcome delight - not for those harvesting the wheat!) and lack of or inadequate fertilisation. Another cause could be pests and disease.

 

The onions seem to be coming along nicely.

 

 

By Molly Manhanga

 



Meet the 1st year Appy's - Lwazilwenkosi Dube

Lwazi Dube

Background:
I come from Mapisa. I live with my parents. I'm the first born child. I have 2 young brothers and 2 young sister. I am 17 years old. I attended Mangala Primary School before going to Zamanyoni Secondary School. I only went as far as form two because there was no money for school fees.

Life at Ebenezer:
I'm increasing my farming knowledge by being at Ebenezer. I like it but I haven't made any friends yet, just acquantainces. I like eating sadza and cabbage and I enjoy playing football.

What do you see yourself doing in 5 years time?
I see myself farming in Mapisa. I don't think I'll be married by then.


Let's hope Lwazi's 5 year plan works out as he acquires agricultural, business and spiritual knowledge at Ebenezer.

 

By Molly Manhanga

 



Meet the 1st year appy's - Forget Tshuma

Forget Tshuma

Background:
I live at St Joseph's in Kezi. I live there with my grandparents. My parents are in South Africa and have been there since 2007. I am 19 years old. I am an only child. I attended St Joseph's High School and finished my form 4. I found the 'O' level exams very difficult.

Life at Ebenezer:
Life at Ebenezer is okay. i'm looking after chickens and harvesting wheat. My favourite food is sadza and matemba (small dried fish). i enjoy playing volleyball and \i've made a good friend at Ebenezer.

What do you see yourself doing in 5 years time?
I'm planning on starting a farming business doing chickens and vegetables.


Let's hope Forget learns many new skills during his 2 year stay at Ebenezer. 

By Molly Manhanga

 



Meet the 1st year appy's - Perfect Moyo

Perfect Moyo

Background:
I come from Mablauwuni village and I live with my parents. I have an older sister and 4 younger brothers. I am 18 years old. I went to Nduna Primary School. I didn't go to High School because of the shortage of money.

Life at Ebenezer:
I am looking after chickens at the moment. I like Ebenezer. My favourite meal is rice and chicken and I enjoy playing soccer.

What do you see yourself doing in 5 years time?
I don't have a plan yet. I'm still thinking about it.


I really hope you enjoy your stay at Ebenezer and grow in many areas of your life.

Molly Manhanga



Mealie meal delivery at Ebenezer

 

The gentleman delivering 50kg bags of mealie meal at the Ebenezer kitchen did so with joy......

Molly Manhanga



Meet the 1st year Appy's - Nhlanhla Ndlovu

Nhlanhla Ndlovu

Background:
I am 19 years old. I come from Silozwe and I live with my grandmother. My mother lives in South Africa and my dad passed away. I attended Silozwe High School up to form 3. I didn't complete my schooling because there was no money for school fees. i have one younger brother.

Life at Ebenezer:
I've planted garlic in a 30m x 30m plot and onions in a 30m x 30m plot. They are growing really well. i enjoy Spiritual lessons with Stephen Manhanga and English with Mrs Nyamayaro. My favourite food is rice and chicken. I also enjoy playing soccer.

In 5 years time......
I see myself farming at my home in Silozwe. There is water at my home in Silozwe.


Thank you Nhlanhla. Enjoy your stay at Ebenezer....

By Molly Manhanga  

Update on Simangaliso Ndlovu

Simanga Ndlovu

It was really nice catching up with Simanga. This is what she is currently doing:

1. Assisting Stephen Manhanga teach Spiritual lessons. Steve teaches in the mornings while Simanga teaches in the afternoons from 3:00pm - 5:00pm.
2. She also looks after 10,000 chickens. She feels that looking after so many chickens has been difficult because of the early mornings and late evenings. Despite that they are hitting their targets i.e. the weights of the chickens are good.
3. The 1st years that Simanga oversees are busy harvesting wheat at the moment.
4. Simanga attends Crossroads Community Church and is involved with Kidz Alive. She finds it interesting and loves playing with the children.

By Molly Manhanga

 



 

Wheat being threshed at Ebenezer

Wheat looking good

Belt of brown wheat

Apprentices threshing the wheat. Hard work!



Bucket of wheat



By Molly Manhanga

 

....Update on Mkhululi & Caroline Ncube....

Mkhululi and Caroline are proud parents of baby Eveline nodumo Ncube who was born on Saturday 29th September 2012 at Gwanda Hospital.

Congratulations to the Ncube's.....

The 3D's are moving on......

Left to right (Vuyo, Victoria, Kathleen, Maria and Jolene
 

After spending 6 weeks at Ebenezer, the 3D's ended their stay on a high by organising "Ebenezer's Got Talent" which was held on Monday evening. The apprentices signed up to dance, sing, do drama's, poems and so on (An article will follow shortly).

The 3D's not only built genuine friendships with the apprentices and discipled them, they also helped in the fields, wrote signs on the houses, started Art and Music club etc.

Their time at Ebenezer was not only a learning time but one of growth as well. They were encouraged to pray more.

We wish them well on their journey and as they serve in different communities.

By Molly Manhanga

 

  

Meet the 1st Year Appy's - Fortune Mudimba

Fortune Mudimba

Background
I come from Binga. I have 1 sister and 2 brothers. I am the first born in our family. Both my parents have passed away. I am 17 years old turning 18. I went to Lusulu High School and finished in Form 2 because there was no money for fees.

Life at Ebenezer
I enjoy Ebenezer. I'm learning how to start a business and how to farm. I'm in the Ndlovu family and I like it. I'm working in the fields getting ready to plant tomatoes and build chicken houses. I go to New Life for All Church.

Learnt so far.....
I enjoy Spiritual. I've learnt how to build a chicken house. I'm hoping to improve my life after Ebenezer.

By Molly Manhanga

 



Meet the 1st Year Appy's - Melani Khumalo

Melani Khumalo

Background
I am 18 years old. I come from Inkayi in Komayanga village. We are 4 siblings and I'm the last born. I have 2 sisters and one brother. I went to Komayanga Primary School before going to Skopo Adventist Mission where I finished form 2. I returned to Komanyanga to do my 'O' levels but I finished after form 3. We didn't have the money for me to finish.

Life at Ebenezer
I am building chicken houses and we are at roof level. I like it at Ebenezer and I also like the food. My favourite meal is sadza and chunks. I'm in the Ndlovu family and I enjoy it. I've made many friends. I attend New Life for All Church.

Learnt so far
I've learnt that Joseph's brothers didn't like him. I enjoy Spiritual so much. I've also learnt how to build chicken houses.

By Molly Manhanga

 



Meet the 1st Year Appy's - Testimony Siziba

Testimony Siziba

Background
I'm the last born in my family. We are 3 siblings. I come from Kensington in Bulawayo and I'm 17 years old. My 2 brothers are older than me. Both my parents are still alive. I did my secondary education at Foundation College up to form 3. I then studied at Hlanganani High School where I did my form 4. I did not write my 'O' levels due to financial problems.


Life at Ebenezer
I enjoy everything. I'm in the Ndlovu family and I like it. I'm busy preparing to plant carrots, tomatoes and maize. I attend the United Pentecostal Church. I enjoy food. I like to play soccer and volleyball. We had a soccer match against Magobeni at Nduna Primary School and we won 1 - 0. I've made lots of friends but my close friend is Review Ncube. He also attends Ebenezer.


Learnt to Date
I've learnt how to prepare plots for crops and how to build chicken houses. I like Spiritual lessons. I know how to pray and to preach.

By Molly Manhanga

 



Update on George Mlilo

George Mlilo

George is now employed by Beyond Belief since 1 February 2012. He looks after farmers in Silozwe, Mapane, Filabusi (2 sites), Silalatshani, Zhulube, Bezha in the Esigodini area and ward 15 in Matobo - particularly Ntunjambila.

George has 7 Field Officers working with him - Mkhululi, Vusani, Earnest, Mediator, Cuthbert, Nontobeko and Prosper Moyo - all former Ebenezer apprentices. They are earmarking 300 farmers by year end although they are still in the mobilising stage.

George is enjoying what he is doing although there are some challenging parts. He says the work is kinda like what he used to do before joining Ebenezer.

We wish him well and hope he continues to make a difference in the farmers lives.

 

 

By Molly Manhanga

 



Meet Kathleen Gaisford - 3D

Kathleen Gaisford

It was wonderful chatting to Kathleen Gaisford and getting to know her better. The interesting thing is that in 2005 - 2006, I worked with Kathleens grandmother in Harare and know her granddad too - Fred and Denise Gaisford, who are now based in Swindon, U.K. What a small world! I was also impressed listening to Kathleen recite Proverbs 31 (with a little bit of help...)


M.M: Tell me briefly about your background.
K.G: I was born in Joburg, South Africa and lived there until I was two. We then moved to Concession (farming area in Mashonaland Central)in Zimbabwe until I was 12 years old before moving to Griffith, Australia. I have an older brother. I am 21 years old.  My parents both work in agriculture: my dad is a manager and my mum is a quality controller. My brother is in the army.


M.M: Which church do you attend?
K.G: Griffith Baptist Church led by Kevin Webb.


M.M: That is the same church that Victoria attends. Were you friends back in Australia?
K.G: Victoria and I grew up together and attend the same church. Yes, we are still friends.


M.M: Great! How have you found life at Ebenezer?
K.G: We have served at Ebenezer now for almost a month or so. I like it because it makes me feel at home - being back in Zimbabwe. I can see the positive side of things again because when we left Zimbabwe, there were many negatives. I've also realised how good I have it in Australia. A challenge for me is that I like keeping busy and at Ebenezer, we seem to be busy from morning to evening, it's just that we don't see the immediate results. Something like farming!


M.M: What's your favourite quote?
K.G: It's not a quote but something I live my life by. "Live each moment doing whatever you want. People will remember you by the 'famous' things you do."


M.M: What do you do to relax?
K.G: I read, shop and spend time with my friends.


M.M: Whats your favourite food?
K.G: Ice-cream, milk chocolate, chinese food, cake and milk in a packet. Those are really nice!


M.M: Who has influenced you the most over the last 6 months?
K.G: I read a book called "I kissed Dating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris. That spoke to me alot and I'm falling in love with the BibLe all over again.


M.M: Fantastic. What are you hoping to gain personally during your time at Ebenezer?
K.G: My love for Africa and coming back in the future and seeing Ebenezer succeed. I also don't want to be fearful of God's plan for my life.


M.M: Thank you so much Kathleen. Be blessed as you serve at Ebenezer.

By Molly Manhanga

 

 

Meet the 1st Year Appy's - Mduduzi Ndlovu

Mduduzi Ndlovu

Background
I come from Ntabanzinduna. I am 20 years old. We are 5 siblings and I'm the oldest. I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters. I live with my mother and Idon't know my father.

Life at Ebenezer after 1+ months
I'm enjoying it. I'm building chicken houses. i'm in the Ndlovu family and I like it. I like the food especially when we eat chicken and rice. I attend New Life for All church.

Learnt to date
I'm learning about God and I enjoy the Spiritual lessons.

 

By Molly Manhanga

 



Meet the 1st Year Appy's - Laviniah Ncube

Laviniah Ncube
 

Background
I was born at Mapane which is about 15km from Ebenezer. I am 18 years old. I've got one young sister and two young brothers. I live with my parents. Simanga Ndlovu told me about Ebenezer. I did my Secondary Schooling at Simbumbumbi up to form 4.

Life at Ebenezer after 1+ months
I enjoy Ebenezer. I'm working with the chickens and fields. I've made many friends. I like to eat sadza and beans. I don't really like cabbage. I'm in the Ndlovu family and I like it very much. I enjoyed the Spiritual lessons which have started with Mfundisi Manhanga on The Life of Joseph.

Learnt to date
I've learnt the 4 principles of Foundations for Farming, how to live a life with God, how to measure trenches and how to play games.

I really hope Laviniah enjoys her time at Ebenezer and learns many new things.

By Molly Manhanga

 



Asbestos sheets???

Asbestos sheets

Asbestos sheets were delivered to Ebenezer for the chicken houses and so were some water tanks. Chicken coops and chickens are just everywhere! Have any disasters occurred or is the chicken story just a happy one?

 

 

Well, last week, as one of the chicken farmers in Mablauwuni community were waiting for the arrival of the day old chicks, disaster struck! Part of the preparation for day old chicks is that the brooding house is warm. Chicken farmers have various methods of getting the brooding house heated but the most commonly used method is cutting a 200l drum in half, putting coals from a fire in that and heating the place and grass is put on the floor for the day old chicks.

Water tanks

This particular farmer was heating her brooding house and the end result was that it burnt down. One can only assume that some coals landed on the grass, set it alight and the rest is history. Her batch of 1000 chicks were distributed to neighbouring chicken farmers. These things do happen but it's not a common occurrence.

Molly Manhanga

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet the 1st Year Appy's - Lethiwe Ncube

Lethiwe Ncube

Background
I'm 19 years old and I was born in Kezi. I've got 4 brothers and 3 sisters - in total we are 9 children and I am number 8. I live at Sizinda village with my parents. I went to Donkwe Secondary School and completed form 4.

Life at Ebenezer after 1 month
I heard about Ebenezer through Pretty Ndlovu's mother. I like it here at Ebenezer. I'm in the fields digging rows for the tomatoes and preparing to grow chickens. I like the food especially sadza and beans. I've made new friends and I'm part of Skha's family.

Learnt to date
I've started lessons with Stephen Manhanga - Spiritual lessons and I've learnt the Life of Joseph. It was good but the time was too short. I've also learnt that God is my provider and protector.

by Molly Manhanga

 



Classes have started again.....

1st year appy's being pretty attentive

 

Appy drawing a picture on the white board



Classes started this week and I managed to catch the Spiritual Class on the Life of Joseph. Steve Manhanga does an excellent job with Spiritual classes and the apprentices relate to the story so much. One comment I received from an appy was that the lesson time, which is an hour, was 'too short' as they enjoy Spiritual so much.

We thank God that the apprentices are so eager to learn about Him and get to know Him more as well as for Stephen's awsome teaching gift.

 

By Molly Manhanga

 



Meet Jolene van Heerden - 3D

It was great chatting to Jolene........

Jolene van Heerden

M.M: Tell me abit about your background?
J.vH: I was born in Rustenburg and lived there for 4 years before moving to Pietermaritzburg. We've recently moved to Joburg. We are 4 siblings in our family and I am the oldest. I have 2 younger sisters and a brother. i am 19 years old. I did Home schooling from Grade 1 to Grade 12. I enjoyed it and its quite flexible. I've never been in a formal school system.

M.M: What church do you attend?
J.vH: I was raised in the Dutch Reformed Church but now on my gap year I'll be attending different churches. I want to get exposed to different cultures and the way people conduct their services.

M.M: We look forward to seeing you at Crossroads. How has your stay at Ebenezer been so far?
J.vH: It has been quite enjoyable especially the farming and getting up early. We will be starting clubs like Art and I enjoy Art. There is alot of walking around and I'm not used to that. There is alot of spiritual warfare. Generally, I enjoy it.

M.M: You're certainly right about the spiritual warfare! What are your thoughts on the wedding held at Crossroads last Sunday? 
J.vH: The wedding was interesting. It was a mixture of cultures - traditional versus modern. Seeing how the bride and groom arrive was very different to what I know and then sharing lunch together but it was interesting.

M.M: Whats your favourite meal?
J.vH: Pizza

M.M: What are you hoping to gain personally during these 6 weeks at Ebenezer?
J.vH: I'm hoping to grow in God and learn more about Him. I'm also hoping to gain knowledge and experience here for my future. I'd like to get involved in Prison Ministry so I want to learn as much as possible.

M.M: It's so encouraging seeing a young person know exactly what they'd like to do. Be blessed as you learn more about God and about yourself while you are at Ebenezer.

By Molly Manhanga

 



Meet Vuyolwethu Mpoposhe - 3D

Vuyo Mpoposhe

Want to know what 3D's are, just click on www.crossroadskezi.blogspot.com

Vuyo is one of the five 3D's serving at Ebenezer for 6 weeks. It was great chatting to him and getting to know him better. Here goes

M.M: tell me abit about yourself?
V.M: I was born in Mthatha, South Africa in 1993. I come from a family of 4 (My parents, my young sister and myself). We all attend the Methodist Church in Mthatha. I went to Queens College in Queens Town. I was supposed to be in university this year but I felt God say that I should go to 3D Outreach based in Benoni.

M.M: How did your parents react to this?
V.M: My mum was happy but my dad needed some convincing. Both my parents are christians.

M.M: How has 3D gone so far?
V.M: This is one of our first outreaches and it has been amazing. I'd recommend it to any young person.

M.M: Great. How has your time been at Ebenezer so far?
V.M: This is the only time I'm doing something practical like the gardens, building relationships, discipling young people and so on. (We need not only talk the talk but walk the walk as well.) It's a building process for me and I'm learning much about myself as I live radically for Christ.

M.M: How did you find the wedding at Crossroads on Sunday?
V.M: I was in the kitchen so i didn't see much of the wedding. I wanted to help out as much as I could cooking rice, sadza, meat, chicken, potatoes and making salad.

M.M: Fantastic! Go chef Vuyo! What is your favourite quote?
V.M: "Esse Quam Videri" which means to be rather than to seem to be. It's adopted from my school motto.

M.M: Nice one. What's your favourite meal?
V.M: Anything that has alot of meat in it.

M.M: Following the true Ndebele style! What do you do to relax?
V.M: I play worship music on the guitar.

M.M: This has been great Vuyo. I really hope you enjoy your time at Ebenezer.

By Molly Manhanga



Buildings being completed

Dorms that the 3D's are occupying currently

Completed dorms

Completed ablution facilities



By Molly Manhanga

 

Catching up with Justin Thebe

It was good catching up with Justin as he stopped over at our home for a bit of a rest. Justin had come into Bulawayo with 1000 of his broiler chickens which weighed approximately 2kg each for slaughter, packaging and sale. He originally had a total of 2000 birds of which 200 died due to yoke infection. 700 birds are still waiting to be collected from his home in Mablauwuni village.

Justin is expecting about $500.00 from the sale of his birds and generally, he feels that chickens are a profitable business.

By Molly Manhanga

Meet the 1st Year Appy's - Tungamirai Mapisa

Tungamirai Moyo

Background
We are 7 children and I am the 5th born. I live with my parents and I come from Bindura - approximately 1 hour drive south of Harare. I attended Chironga Secondary School and completed form 4. I am 20 years old and I was born at Karanda hospital.

Life at Ebenezer after 1 month
The life here at Ebenezer is fine. I am happy and I know God. Since coming here things are going well for me. I like the food. I've made 3 new friends. I'm in the Mlilo family and it is good. I'm building houses for the chickens and making beds for the crops. I attend Crossroads Community Church and have learnt how to forgive and honour my parents.

Learnt to date
I've learnt to build, how to live with others and respect God.

I really hope that Tungamirai grows during his 2 year stay at Ebenezer.

By Molly Manhanga

 

Meet the 1st Year Appy's - Alice Moyo

Alice Moyo

Background
I come from Jimilalucu in Tsholotsho which is very far from Ebenezer. I have to board 3 buses to get to my home. I am 20 years old and I live with my 71 year old grandmother. My mum died in 1999 and my dad is in Masvingo. I keep in contact with him. I went to Jimila Primary School and finished my Grade 7. I was 13 years old. I didn't go to High school because we couldn't afford the school fees. My granny had no money and my mother died when I was 5 years old.

Life at Ebenezer after 1 month
Life is fine here at Ebenezer. It is not much different from my home in Tsholotsho. I attend New Life for All Church. The food is okay. I didn't eat beans but now I do! I'm building chicken houses and thats okay. I haven't made 'good' friends yet. I think I'll last for the 2 years at Ebenezer.

Learnt to date
I've learnt to be a builder and how to fertilise crops like onions.

I really hope Alice makes 'good' friends and enjoys her time at Ebenezer.

By Molly Manhanga 

 

 

Meet the 1st Year Appy's - Godknows Mlilo

Godknows Mlilo

Background
My dad died when I was 3 months old and my mum died when I was in grade 6 (11 - 12 years old). I live with my sister in Majunge in Karoi in a soldier camp. I've got 3 brothers and 3 sisters from different fathers. I am the last born. I am 17 years old, turning 18 in September. I did my schooling in the soldier camp school and learnt up to form 2. I couldn't go any further because we couldn't afford the school fees.

Life at Ebenezer after 1 month
It is great so far. I've got people my own age that I can socialise with but no one that I can call my 'best' friend. The food is good especially the "amabiscuit", or "ingoloyi". (In English - the baked crust at the bottom of the sadza pot. That is really a hit amongst the apprentices!) I'm in the Mlilo family. I attend Crossroads Community Church and I enjoy it because of all the freedom I have. I am building chicken coops for the first three months. It's my first time to build.

Learnt to date
I've learnt how to measure foundations, poles, roofing sheets and so on. I'm learning how to approach people and how to build others up.

That's great Godknows. Enjoy your 2 years at Ebenezer!

 

By Molly Manhanga

 



Meet the 1st Year Appy's - Ambitious Mpala

Ambitious Mpala

Background
I come from Kezi which is approximately 40km from Ebenezer. I live with my father. My mother passed away recently - on the 15th June 2012. I have 6 brothers and 3 sisters and I am number 8 in my family. I went to Shashane Secondary School and finished in form 3. I couldn't complete high school due to lack of finances. 

Life at Ebenezer after 1 month
My time at Ebenezer has already changed me. I can now pray and I have received the Lord as my personal saviour. I attend New Life for all Church. We haven't started lessons yet as they will begin in September. I have been digging planting stations and so far I have dug 50. my favourite meal is rice and chicken. I have made new friends at Ebenezer.

Learnt to date
I've learnt practicals like digging holes and keeping chickens.

Let's hope Ambitious will grow in her personal walk with God and learn many more things during her 2 years at Ebenezer.

By Molly Manhanga



On a sombre note....

Two of the second year apprentices had to leave the Training Centre due to misconduct. This leaves a total of 6 second year apprentices: 2 girls and 4 boys. Lets hope they last until they graduate!!

By Molly Manhanga

Meet the 1st Year Appy's - David Dube

David Dube

Background
I am 17 years old. I was born in Kwekwe city. We are 2 siblings and I am older than my sister. I live with my dad as my mum passed away on 11 March 2011. I went to Manunure High School and completed my form 4. Kwekwe is almost a 3 hour drive from Ebenezer.

Life at Ebenezer
Everything is fine. The food is alright, I'm socialising with friends, learning how to build chicken coops, cutting down trees and digging planting stations for carrots and maize. I'm in aunty Skha's family and it is peaceful. We are about 15 in our family. I've made new friends and I attend Crossroads Community Church.

Learnt to date
I've learnt how to build, love and respect others, love and respect God.

I hope David has an excellent 2 years at Ebenezer.

By Molly Manhanga

  

Meet The 1st Year Appy's - Brenda Mpala

Brenda Mpala

Background
I come from Mzaca village in Inkayi district. Inkayi is about 5 hours drive from Ebenezer. I live with my father and my aunt. My mum died in 2010. My dad had 3 wives and we are a total of 20 children. Two of the wives had died. I am number 18 in my family. I know all my siblings. I went to Komayanga Secondary School and finished my form 4. I am 20 years old.

Life at Ebenezer after 1 month
It is better here than where I come from. I have made new friends and I attend New Life for all Church. The food is okay. I haven't planted anything yet but I have dug planting stations. We work in teams. I find this hard because some of us work hard while others relax.

Learnt to date
I have learnt how to pray and how to live with others.

By Molly Manhanga



Happy 5th Birthday Ebenezer

Ebenezer turned 5 on the 15th August 2012. Time has passed from the first time Ebenezer started with 16 apprentices on the 15th August 2007.

This years birthday was marked with a Mini Olympics. Yes, Great Britain did brilliantly in hosting the Main Event but Ebenezer had a little one - a mini one. 4 teams were represented as they worked in Families - what used to be Cell Groups. There was Team Mlilo led by George and Siphie, Team Nyams led by Augustine and Gertrude, Team Mthsalaga led by Skha and Team Ndlovu led by Mbusiso and Pretty.

Some of the events were shot put, long jump, relay races, pushing Rod Spencer's car 50m and so on. These olympics were real exciting and Team Ndlovu, who had 21 people, simply "creamed" the other teams. They were impressive! They pushed Rods car 50m in 9 seconds. How energetic and determined is that! Some of the apprentices can run - really run (wonder how they'd fair against Bolt though!), while others,......... don't have the speed........ It's not their talent.

Team Ndlovu received 3 gold medals, 2 silver medals and 4 bronze medals. They had 85 points in total. For their efforts, they received a cake and will be able to get their meals FIRST from Wednesday through to Saturday.

The main attraction of these Olympics was the meal in the evening. The apprentices feasted on chicken, rice, salads etc. Nice one.

The whole day was funfilled and everyone seemed to have a good time.

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY EBENEZER!

By Molly Manhanga



 

Snapshot of 1st year boys

First year apprentices - Boys just before a meal!

I managed to round up the 36 first year apprentice boys to ask a general question as to how they are finding life at Ebenezer so far. The response was:

1.  Life is good
2. The food is good
3. Fantastic
4. The dorms are fine

One on one interviews will take place shortly so that you can 'meet' the apprentices and get to know a little about them.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EBENEZER
Ebenezer celebrated it's 5th birthday yesterday - 15 August.

Read on to find out more about the celebrations........

By Molly Manhanga



Brief update on the chickens.......

Honest Matavire and Moreblessing Moyo were hard at work  - paper work that is - calculating numbers etc of the chickens at Ebenezer, Silozwe, Magobeni and Mablauwuni. This is what they said:




Moreblessing Moyo (Left) and Honest Matavire (Right)

1. There is a total of about 18, 424 broiler chickens in the above communities.
2. The main challenges have been yoke infection which have caused the death of quite a few chickens and water is quite a problem. The chicken farmers have to dig down to about 1 meter in the sandy river beds to get water or use the wells that have some water in them.
3.Majority of the chickens are between 1 week to 6 weeks old.
4. Generally, the farmers are doing well in looking after the chickens.

By Molly Manhanga



More buildings in progress

Apart from the volunteer house being built, there are more ablution facilities being built by the girls dorms.

By Molly Manhanga