Sandton’s Diana Beamish continues lifelong mission of mercy at 86
Diana Beamish has spent over 30 years helping refugees overcome trauma, gain qualifications and build independent futures through Mercy House.
For more than three decades, Diana Beamish (86) from Sandton has dedicated her life to helping refugees rebuild their futures.
A part-time teacher, author and founder of Mercy House, a registered non-profit organisation and public benefit organisation, Beamish has spent more than 30 years providing refuge, education and support to people displaced by war in many parts of Africa.
She recently wrote a book, Tracing the Divine, which highlights Mercy House’s history, the lives it has touched and the faith that has guided its mission.
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Beamish said her mercy work began in 1994, at the time of the genocide in Rwanda.
“The intention was to help young people who had been orphaned or forced into child soldiery in a war which escalated and spilt over into the neighbouring countries and continues today in many parts of Central Africa.”
“On October 4, 1994, I saw a photograph of Samson Bigambura on the front page of the Sunday Times. He was 14 years old and had come to South Africa, by foot, with a small group, looking for help.”
Beamish said she believed that love changes everything, and that by giving young people a home where they feel accepted and loved, they can heal from the unimaginable traumas of the past.
“I couldn’t get to the war-torn areas, but the refugees had come to us instead. On a practical level, we first assist our young people to legalise their papers, then we assist them with education so that they will be able to stand on their own feet. Some live at Mercy House, but many more live out.”
She added that since it was established in 1996, Mercy House has assisted hundreds of refugees to receive an education and find employment, which, according to Beamish, is a significant achievement in a country where both unemployment and xenophobia are rife.
“The refugees come from countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Sudan.
Also read: Author finds healing in writing after devastating loss
Beamish said Mercy House is dependent on donations and expressed gratitude to those who have assisted in keeping the spirit of ubuntu alive.
“None of the above could have been possible without the generous donations of our loyal supporters, to whom we are endlessly grateful.
“We rely completely on donations for our young people: for food, clothing, school or college fees and transport, mainly from church sources and also from some generous individuals. Everyone works voluntarily, which creates a climate of love and selflessness.
Beamish believes everyone has something meaningful to contribute. “We never tell people how they should help.
“Instead, we ask them to tell us how they can help. Every person has gifts, whether it’s their time, their skills, their contacts or financial support. Together, those gifts change lives.”
Details: contact Diana Beamish on 072 437 4009 or email diana.beamish@absamail.co.za.
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