Mission Focus Article

Step into Nkateko’s shoes, a 9-year-old boy living in Johannesburg as he describes a typical day in his life:

“As I step out of our flat, I see a sea of people walking to and fro. The air around me is filled with smog. The degeneration of society screams at me as I gaze over the street.  Callous words surround me as I make my way to school. One man bumps me without so much as a glance back. In the corner of my eye, I see a boy snatch someone’s bag and run off – I wonder if I’m not next. Just last week, a violent crime was committed against an old lady on the exact spot I’m currently walking on. She barely made it. I look up and see tear-stricken faces, eyes devoid of hope and life, and bodies slumped in fatigue. They’re all moving living beings, but an emptiness fills the air. Finally, the sight I dread to look at: I see kids close to my age wearing school uniform. Oh, no! They’re smoking again, right outside the school; which school, you may ask? Well, it’s my school.

Sitting at my desk, I see my teacher’s mouth move, but I don’t hear her words. My mind is filled with what I saw this morning and what I’m yet to see during break. Perhaps I’ll hide in my favourite corner again so Karabo doesn’t steal my lunch again. The trees in that corner block me from having to see the mischief the learners get up to during break. For now, let me get back to daydreaming about a day when I’ll finally be in a place where I will experience a sense of purpose, hope, peace, love…”

ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGE –  “PATERSON PARK SCHOOL MISSION FOCUS PROJECT”

It is in light of children like Nkateko that Paterson Park Primary School emerges as a beacon of hope, a sanctuary where parents and the community can come together to rescue these children and build their character.

Just last year, the school decided to embrace the Seventh-day Adventist church’s strategic focus of “I Will Go” by affording Adventist Education to 30 non-Adventist children within a 30-km radius of the school. In collaboration with churches in the Johannesburg region, children of new converts who wanted Adventist Education but couldn’t afford the tuition costs were identified and enrolled at the school. By extending the education ministry to non-Adventist children, Paterson Park Primary School is playing its role in terms of gospel mission. The mission-focused mindset ensures that the school is relevant to the communities it serves. However, to ensure that the dreams of children like Nkateko become a reality, the school is soliciting sponsorship that will cover annual tuition costs of R31 867 per learner. We are, therefore, inviting anyone whom the Holy Spirit moves to join us on this transformative mission and become a sponsor, as we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of these young individuals.

Paterson Park Primary School is a beacon of light amid urban chaos, offering solace and refuge to children. Here, in the bustling cityscape, the community views this school as a guiding light for the young ones, shielding them from adversity. Within the school’s walls, children not only gain knowledge, but also develop their characters, nurture their potential, and receive unwavering support. It’s a haven where young minds find comfort, wisdom and the paths to grow into confident, resilient individuals. By supporting Paterson Park Primary School, you are giving a lifeline to the dreams of these children, empowering them to rise above the challenges of their urban environment to a promising future.

Paterson Park Primary School also wants to increase its sphere of influence, by acquiring a property adjacent to it that will be converted into a high school. By becoming a sponsor, this will ensure that our learners do not only receive quality primary education, but quality high school education as well. Come one, come all, let’s put our efforts together to shape a brighter future for these children. Your support has the power to leave a lasting legacy. Will you embark on this transformative journey with us?

WHERE YOU COME IN

We kindly request all those who believe in evangelism through Adventist Education to sponsor our Mission Focus learners. Your tax-deductible love gifts (if you request a tax certificate), will make a difference in many lives for eternity! Please use the following banking details to deposit your donation:

Account Name: Paterson Park School

Bank: Standard Bank

Account Number: 00 183 8687

Branch Code: 051 001

Reference: Mission Focus

Swift Code: SBZAZAJJ

After making your generous contribution, you may send an email to: admin@patersonparkschooljhb.co.za to request a Section 18A tax certificate*.

We are praying for you and are so glad you are considering supporting the Paterson Park School Mission Focus Project. May God bless you!

*Tax deductible in South Africa.