From beggar to heroine
Hannahs Hope Foundation wants to to assist the underprivileged.
“Growing up, begging for food on the streets was the worst pain I suffered in my life and I would like other people to have a better life,” said a visibly emotional Lorraine Benjamen.
Benjamen (42) of Bezuidenhout Valley started Hannah’s Hope Foundation, a non-governmental organisation for the underprivileged in the City of Johannesburg recently.
“I grew up with my grandparents who were poor; they begged for food on the streets. The shame, the low self-esteem and the lack of confidence were like extra layers of skin,” she said.
Attending Bible school taught her the spirit of giving. “I went to Bible school so that I could make a difference to many lives. I [initially] thought the only way to fulfil my calling would be from behind the pulpit,” she explained. That was until feeding schemes became part of her life.
“I have been feeding the poor for almost two years as a volunteer. I also volunteered in feeding schemes at the church. I cook from my own house, without funding, for those who are underprivileged,” said Benjamen.
The plight of refugee children touched her heart to such an extent that she decided to start her own NGO. “I was invited to visit the children at the community centre in Bertrams. Some children were homeless while others were hungry. These children broke my heart,” she said.
After visiting the homeless children and the refugees, she began providing the little that she could for them. “I started cooking soup for them once a week. I also taught them about the word of God,” she added.
Hannah’s Hope Foundation is a Christian-based NGO. The goal is to be the community leader in providing professional person-centered services to enhance the well-being of the underprivileged. “The NGO cares about communities who are living in poverty and also provides help to those who are alone,” said Benjamen.
The NGO provides unique, specialised programmes that enrich lives by educating and inspiring the needy, homeless and those without an education, to be in charge of their lives. “We don’t view them as projects to help but as people to love and respect.
“The underprivileged people do not have enough food, clothing, education and healthcare. They are deprived economically, politically and socially. They have inadequate nutrition, high risk of diseases and lack of access to employment. Drug addiction is so rife in these areas, we want to rehabilitate them and provide counselling for those who are living under these conditions.”
Hannah’s Hope Foundation is in need of the following items:
- School shoes, stationery, school bags and hygiene packs for children at the different schools in the area
- Food
- Clothing
- Soap, toothpaste and body lotion.
“We will appreciate any donation so much,” said Benjamen.
Details: Lorraine Benjamen 076 349 9337; 011 487 0154.
Read: Jonga lends a helping hand to the community
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