Ingane Yami Celebrates 10 Years!

On Friday, 4 November 2022 Ingane Yami had a MASSIVE “Birthday” celebration, celebrating 10 years of Rewriting Stories!!

10 Years since our first house mom came to call Ingane Yami home, and our first Ingane Yami family began to take shape.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, as we looked back at what was, and honored all God has done in the lives of the children, moms and our wider community over the past 10 years.

The Evening’s Outline

All of our guests were treated to amazing platters by Superspar Richdens upon arrival, which were AMAZING! And our staff and volunteers rocked our new “Rewriting Stories” T-shirts, all sponsored by the incredibly generous Tegwen Agencies.

St Mary’s Marimba band were the perfect way to start the evening, and our children were honored to play a combined item alongside their talented musicians.

And then, our Ingane Yami children took the stage – tangible proof of growth, restoration and lives changed! They showcased their array of unique talents, including hip-hop, ballet, drama, singing and poetry. Every single one of them came alive on stage; their confidence was incredible, and their energy contagious!

We also had the chance to really honor those who have been an integral part of seeing our vision realized. Bheki, our campus pastor, has played a significant part in the shaping of Ingane Yami Children’s Village. His father’s heart captures not only the children but the community of Dassenhoek! Alongside his wife Zee and the Ingane Yami team, they make sure each child’s emotional, educational, physical, and spiritual needs are met. Mom Ruth, who chose to believe in a vision before it even came to be. She answered the call, uprooted her family and has pioneered what it means to be a mom of previously orphaned and abandoned children. The journey has not always been easy, and at the beginning it was lonely, but she leaned in to the call, and has seen lives transformed because of her sacrifice.

We’ve also had an amazing Board and team who have given so much of their time to see the Village sustained and grow. Karen Shedloc who’s volunteered for 10 years recruiting, training and equipping our moms, and Moira Armstrong who has volunteered her time for 10 years managing our donor system and accounts were two ladies that we had to recognize! Their contributions to the Village have been incredible. The entire evening was incredibly special for everyone involved, and we are so grateful for all those who made it possible – volunteers, teachers, sponsors, and guests 👏 And this is just the beginning.

Here’s to another 10 years and more of rewriting stories!

Camera cred @juqu_photography 📸 #rewritingstories #10years