Rehoboth children's sanctuary seeks to expand

Lighthouse Children and Youth Ministry, a children's welfare organisation, is seeking support from the Rehoboth Town Council and community to establish a multi-purpose training skills centre in the town.

According to founders Kenneth and Gerlinda Shipipa-Bruijnes, they would like the council’s consent to erect structures and expand on land - in Block E - initially meant for agricultural training. Their dream is to expand beyond agriculture and provide development programmes to vulnerable children, they said.

“We would like permission to offer the youth the opportunity to learn practical trades like welding, woodwork, computer science, hospitality, tailoring, cooking and catering, as well as beauty services,” they said.

The founders underscored their commitment to transforming the lives of vulnerable young people. “Our goal is to equip these children with skills that can lead to employment and self-sufficiency. The centre will also serve as a quiet place for learners to do homework and research,” they noted.

Rehoboth’s beacon of hope

Founded in 2020, the welfare organisation provides comprehensive care to over 150 youths under various development programs. “We have a total of 20 local staff members who help nurture the emotional, physical, spiritual and educational well-being of the youth in need,” Kenneth said.

He added that growth and development are at the core of Lighthouse's vision, emphasising that it is not merely about providing for the present, but investing in the future. “Our goal is to help these young individuals blossom into responsible adults who can shoulder the weight of their own lives. In turn, they ought to positively contribute to the community."

Lighthouse's development programmes include after-school care and youth clubs. It currently also offers agricultural training and needlework skills.

Meanwhile, their Young and Pregnant training programme, offered three times a year in collaboration with the Mommaluv Foundation, educates pregnant teenage girls on prenatal and postnatal care to ensure a better start for their babies.

For input or to object to the planned multi-purpose skills centre, contact the town council at 062 521 837 / 081 322 0995.