Hope HQ - Hands and Heart

In this issue we share more about welcoming a few new faces on the team as well as the sad memories the year has brought as we had to say goodbye to a some of our faithful staff and volunteers who over the past few years served with passion and dedication.

This is no normal training institution. It is a centre of learning and development where students are developed holistically with a strong Christian based ethos and where we are daily experiencing positive change in the lives of our students.

"It's not about the bunny, eggs or even dressing up for church. It is about the HOPE that we have because there was an empty grave."

A BLESSED EASTER to all of you - let it be a symbol of HOPE, RENEWAL and NEW LIFE!

"It is with gratitude and nostalgia that I now can think back of the past 10 years regarding the history of Hands and Heart Skills Development Centre in Knysna in line with Youth for Christ's Christian ethos and principles."

- Uncle Daan

“Skills development and giving our students hope for the future will always be part of our vision and mission. It was confirmed that HopeHQ plays an integral part being the foundation of skills development and further education of our town’s youth."

In this issue read about our first outgoing batch of students for 2024 and their graduation earlier this month. Our message to them in the beginning of the year was … There is hope, dream big and achieve what you desire for.

‘“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” – Christian D. Larson

The labour market is demanding essential practical (technical) skills, and Hands & Heart is playing its part in preparing our young men and women for the workplace.

“I am truly grateful for Hands & Heart, this is where I have discovered so much more about myself and my potential, even as the only girl at the Centre. The support and skills I have gained in areas like bricklaying, carpentry, and plumbing have empowered me beyond what I imagined. I have grown in my abilities and also deepened my faith and strengthened my beliefs."

We are thrilled to share some major developments as we continue to prepare our factory area for the launch of our new cabinetry project at HopeHQ! This transformation is not just a physical change; it’s a step towards realizing our vision of creating beautifully designed, custom-built cupboards that meet the unique needs of our clients.

It’s been a month filled with lots of highlights and opportunities to grow. The biggest highlight of course is celebrating God for using YFC in Knysna for 25 years and we trust Him for more years of thriving and enhancing His Kingdom here on earth. What a generous and gracious God we serve; even in our offering, He continues to provide and give.

As ecstatic South-Africans rejoiced until early Sunday morning after the Springboks claimed a fourth title by defeating the All Blacks in the RWC final, so did our own Hands & Heart students who also ‘stayed focused on the end-goal’ rejoiced receiving the certificates earlier this month after completing the one-year Handyman course.

“This year was awesome. The fact that someone care so much about you when they can just accept that you don’t care about yourself is wonderful. This year was the most interesting year in all years I was a student. Thank you so much H&H!” – Ashaan Langisa (one of the 2023 students).