A new pair of shoes for Jesslyn

Jesslyn, a Grade 5 student at Kuyga Primary School, would begin each day with quiet determination. Leaving the small metal home where she lives with her mother and brother, she would start the 30-minute walk to school along a dusty, dirt path.    

But very quickly, she would grow weary. Her shoes were worn out and had loose soles, offering little support. On rainy days, water seeped in, soaking her socks and leaving her toes cold and muddy. Other children would tease her because of her flapping soles.   

But things changed when Anglican Aid’s partner, Intsika, gave Jesslyn a brand-new pair of school shoes. As she put them on, her face lit up with joy. “Thank you for my shoes!” she exclaimed. Her younger brother Jason and friend Tiffany also received pairs, and Jesslyn was just as excited for them.   

Laura Goosen, Intsika’s Project Manager, was moved when she saw Jesslyn’s reaction to her gift. “For Jesslyn, these shoes meant far more than comfort,” she said. “They brought dignity and a renewed sense of confidence.”    

“What really touched me is how her joy wasn’t just for herself—she celebrated her friend’s gift too. That moment of shared happiness is what Intsika is all about: bringing hope, building community, and showing children that they are seen, loved, and supported.”   

The word ‘Intsika’ is a Zulu word that refers to the strongest pole that holds up a traditional hut. And by God’s grace, Intsika has been providing strength and support to weary children and families in Kuyga for almost a decade. Most of these families live in extreme poverty and cannot afford essential items like school supplies. Unemployment, substance abuse, crime, and family breakdown are common.     

But thanks to the generosity of Anglican Aid supporters, Intsika is bringing hope and joy to hundreds of children. As well as giving food and clothing to families, it runs an after-school homework club and a school readiness program for preschoolers. These activities give children the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their education, opening a path out of poverty.  

In partnership with the Reformed Evangelical Anglican Church of South Africa (REACH SA), Intsika also holds out the message of hope found in Jesus to its community. The Intsika team runs a Friday after-school outreach club, a discipleship group for teenagers, and a Bible Study group for parents and carers.   

 Jesslyn has been enthusiastically attending Intsika’s programs since 2021. And thanks to the support she has received, she is now thriving at school. She wants to be a doctor when she grows up, so she can help others. This is the hope that education brings.   

Intsika is just one of many Anglican Aid projects bringing hope and joy to the weary. This Christmas, your prayerful gift towards our $143,000 funding goal will help transform more lives like Jesslyn’s all around the world. 

You can make your tax-deductible gift here. 

Pray:

• Praise God Intsika is bringing hope, building community, and showing children that they are seen, loved, and supported.