Like many slums in Africa, Nateete is bustling with children. Come the morning, they’re locked out of shack houses when their parents leave to look for work. On the muddy streets, littered in garbage, they’re left to wander around without anything to eat. When the rain falls, the roads flood with sewerage because this slum is literally built on a swamp. Without adequate drainage systems, disease and danger surround the children of Nateete. Haggai saw this happening and decided to do something about it.
Every morning, children pile into the New Seasons School and two adjoining houses that are home to Bridge Christian Ministries (BCM). These welcoming but rickety structures represent nearly twenty years of tireless work by Haggai and his wife, Agness. Many people encouraged them to abandon this area of misery but Haggai refused. He is determined to help as many children as he can by enrolling them in school where they can study, play, enjoy a meal and learn valuable life skills.
A gentle giant with a heart of gold, you can’t help but smile in Hagaai’s presence. Although he and his wife have children of their own, Haggai believes it’s his calling to serve the people of Nateete and in particular, the children. He’s been known to feed the little ones before he’ll feed himself. Often rising before dawn to study and pray, Hagaai is committed to expanding the New Seasons School which is bursting at the seams.
Haggai takes a holistic approach to helping children and getting them to safety. By enrolling them in school, they receive an education, nourishing meals, hygiene and a safe space to play. This has been so successful that the school originally built for thirty students, is now creaking at capacity! We are urgently looking for funding to help expand the facilities.
Most of the children arrive at school without a packed lunch or breakfast in their tummies because their parents can’t afford it. To alleviate hunger pangs and help the children concentrate, BCM provide as many meals as possible. The long-term goal is to give every student a daily breakfast before class. BCM also provides the only free clean water supply in the area, allowing the children to drink and wash their hands.
BCM are striving for their school and community outreach programs to be self-sustaining. They have created an income-generating company called the Big Sound Empire, which records podcasts and music, runs public and private events and hires out sound and lighting equipment for functions.
to support Bridge Christian Ministries and give children the care they need.
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P: +61 438 211 191
M: PO Box 301, Hamilton Central, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia 4007
E: info@dropletsinastream.com.au
ABN: 97 148 011 410
