The Story of Racecourse Community

Many men are absent from their families and their responsibilities in the community of Racecourse, where alcohol abuse, theft, prostitution and early pregnancy are prevalent. The level of poverty is such that many parents are unable to pay for the required school supplies for their children and many fail to see the benefit of an education and so do not send their children to school. The lack of responsibility can most easily be seen when walking the streets of Racecourse, which are littered with all kinds of rubbish and surrounded by bars. 

In 2007, Rhoda heard a visitor speak at her church about the church’s responsibility to care for the orphaned and the vulnerable. Feeling convicted, together with a few friends and neighbours, she committed to helping the orphaned in Racecourse. Immediately, Rhoda started an informal feeding programme and though there were many challenges, including the struggle to feed her own family, she was committed to caring for the children in her community. With her friends, Rhoda inspired other people to join her in serving the children in Racecourse, and together they, as the Care Workers, become parental figures to many children in the community. It was through their passion and dedication that the Rise and Shine Community Based Organisation (CBO) was born.  

Racecourse.png

150 Children currently supported

18 Care Workers Coordinated by John

5 KM FROM the KITWE LOCAL OFFICE 

BASic services started in 2008

In 2008, Hands at Work began partnering with the Rise and Shine CBO, supporting the Care Workers in their commitment to caring for the children. To address the most essential needs of the orphaned and vulnerable children in Racecourse, the Care Workers provide each child with basic health care, support with their education and a hot, nutritious meal daily.

When the Rise and Shine CBO started, Rhoda had a dream to start a community school geared towards the most vulnerable children who were unable to afford school fees or uniforms. Her dream came true and today, 49 children attend the community school in Racecourse, while also coming to the Life Centre. Here, the children are provided with basic school supplies like exercise books and pencils and are surrounded by Care Workers who love them deeply and are committed teaching them.

As Rise and Shine CBO, the Care Workers visit the children in their homes to ensure they are being cared for and know they are loved. Visiting orphaned and vulnerable children in their homes is the foundation of everything that the Care Workers do. They build strong relationships with the children and provide physical, emotional and spiritual care. Though Rhoda has now moved away from Racecourse and is no longer involved in the Rise and Shine CBO, she leaves a legacy of determination and committment to fighting on behalf of the children.  

At the beginning of 2016, the Racecourse Life Centre moved to the new location with enough space for 150 of the most vulnerable children to play and spend time together. In 2020, new toilets were constructed and shelves put up in the storeroom, and a new kitchen structure with doors and locks has replaced the old one, which was previously insecure. Fence trees have been planted all around the Life Centre to discourage unwelcome entry and to demarcate the area.

The land next to the Life Centre has been purchased with the hope of building a structure for the Under 5’s program and a home for the Life Centre’s caretaker. This land will allow the children lots of space to run and play.

Meet Levi

17-year-old Levi* lives with his father and two younger brothers. Unfortunately, the small amount of work that his father can find does not provide enough income to feed and clothe his three growing boys. When neighbours reached out to the Care Workers, they recognised their vulnerability, and Care Worker Joyce dedicated herself to support this family.

The Life Centre in Racecourse has become a lifeline for Levi. Along with now being in grade five, having a full meal every day and basic health care needs met, Levi has a place where he is discipled and taught the values of being a man after God’s heart. He has a strong relationship with Joyce, where he feels safe to share his joys and struggles. Joyce visits his home regularly and invests into building relationships with his family members.

The local Hands at Work team in Kitwe currently supports seven 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 Rise and Shine. It also gives administrative support, including helping with funding proposals, monitoring and evaluation, bookkeeping and reporting to donors. 

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