Pathfinder Club programme aims to change children’s lives
There are currently 35 children in the programme and Mkhize would like to see the group expand.
The Seventh Day Adventist Church in Malvern has formed the Pathfinder Club Programme, which offers counselling, career guidance and teaches children discipline.
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Leader of the programme Mandla Mkhize said Pathfinder started as a church programme but was later opened to the public.
“I grew up in rural KwaZulu-Natal and we did not have a support structure in our family circle. My father died when I was very young and I did not have a father figure in my life. As a child, I needed guidance but no one was there to guide me.
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“I love children and I want them to be exposed to a lot of opportunities that I never had. As a resident in Malvern, it does not sit well with me to see children walking the streets.
“Pathfinder programme takes children off the streets. The programme also teaches them how to behave, how to value life and how to respect their bodies as well as other people around them.
“We do a variety of programmes. We offer counselling and we teach children dancing, first aid, about HIV/Aids, nature studies and the spiritual side of life. We also take them to career guidance exhibitions,” said Mkhize.
Mkhize said he has three other church members who help him run the programme.
The three members are Mbuso Khumalo, Mitchell Mhlanga and Polite Manyongo. The programme started in 2000.
There are currently 35 children in the programme and Mkhize would like to see the group expand.
He said it would be an honour to receive support from community members by allowing their children to join the programme.
“Children can benefit a lot from the programme. It is free of charge. I believe the programme will help to build a safe, disciplined and God-fearing community.
“I am calling on parents to bring their children. We meet every Sunday at Fotheringham Park at 10am,” he said.
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