The Story of Beeskop Community
In 2009, George Snyman, the co-founder of Hands at Work, stood overlooking the Oshoek Community with a pastor friend, who said, “It’s the worst community I’ve ever seen.” Later, George met a local principal who said, “So many of the orphans are disorientated. They don’t even know what day it is.” Hands at Work began building a relationship with Bambanani Community Based Organisation (CBO) and partnered to care for the most vulnerable children in the area.
The first community in Oshoek that Hands at Work served in was Beeskop. Beeskop is located close to the South Africa and Eswatini border amidst picturesque, rolling, grassy hills. Though it is visually stunning, it can be bitterly cold and windy. Due to its proximity to the border, the community has many cultural ties to Eswatini. Many people have come to South Africa from Eswatini to find a better life. Because of the challenges within Beeskop, Hands at Work has mobilised the local church to respond and care for vulnerable children in the community. From this mobilisation, Care Workers stepped forward to serve, and the Beeskop Community Based Organisation (CBO) was born.
50 Children Supported
4 Care Workers coordinated by nelly
Basic Services Started in 2014
20 km from Oshoek Local Office
In partnership with Hands at Work, the Beeskop CBO began serving the most vulnerable children in their community in 2014, providing the three essential services of a daily hot, nutritious meal and support with education and basic health care.
Over the years, Hands at Work has developed strong relationships with the local schools and the clinic. These relationships help to provide the protection and support needed for the most vulnerable children.
Visiting orphaned and vulnerable children in their homes is the foundation of everything that Hands at Work does. Care Workers conduct regular Holy Home Visits, allowing for a holistic assessment of the children’s practical, emotional and spiritual needs.
In 2021, new toilets were built for the CBO. Having these facilities contributes to the overall health and hygiene of the children. In 2022, a fence was built around the CBO property, ensuring that the children are safe and secure.
Meet Andile
13-year-old Andile* wants nothing more than to know who his biological father is and whether or not he is still alive. The only things he knows are that his dad was a South African national and his absence leaves a massive void. Andile and his mother live together with his three siblings in a two-bedroom house. Originally from Eswatini, they have no identification documentation, meaning they are unable to access any government assistance. Though his mother tries to provide for her children, it is rarely sufficient in providing for all their needs. Not only that, but she still carries deep wounds and wants nothing to do with the father’s side of the family, causing Andile to live with a sense of frustration. Care Worker Ncamcile recalls how angry and disrespectful Andile was when he began coming to the Care Point. But she is grateful, because over time she has seen him mature, as well as receive healing and guidance through the teachings and activities at the Care Point.
The local Hands at Work team in Oshoek currently supports five Community Based Organisations, which exist to care for the most vulnerable in their communities. The office provides training, networking, and encouragement to those Community Based Organisations like Beeskop. It also gives administrative support, including helping with funding proposals, monitoring and evaluation, bookkeeping and reporting to donors.
