These are some of the questions we get asked a lot.

Where is Qwaqwa

Qwaqwa is the township we work in. It is home to approximately 2 million people. Most of these people are jobless and living in poverty. It is located 50km -+/-40 minutes drive-from Harrismith where we live. MAP

Why don't you live in Qwaqwa

My wife runs a Coffee Shop that supports the ministry that is located in Harrismith. 

Will I be expected to work on my own?

No we will work with you until you are comfortable handling the classes on your own. We always travel and work as a team.

Do I need to have a degree?

No. If you have previous teaching experience it would make things easier, but you do not need to have a degree. I had NO previous experience but God blesses you for willingness so that is the only requirement. 

Will I have to study during my stay?

No. Only if you would like to be part of Remedial Education is there anything you need to study.

What is expected of me ministry wise?

It is not a requirement to be involved in ministry, but as we all travel as a team and many of the ministry happens after school hours and in Qwaqwa, anyone not involved in ministry will have to hang around until the team returns to Harrismith.

Isn't it dangerous to come to South Africa?

There are certain places in South Africa where we would not advise people to visit if it is not in a group and in daytime. Qwaqwa is fortunately not one of these places, but even so we take all precautions to prevent anyone getting hurt or injured.

Why do you need to give Remedial education?

Quality of education, commitment of teachers, poverty and parents not caring and not being involved in the upbringing of their children all lead to many kids leaving school unable to read and unable succeed academically. I believe few of the children suffering from the "symptoms" of dyslexia are dyslexic, they are labeled and left, never taught the correct learning patterns and therefore they never excel in school. We can change that.

What are the ages of the children?

Presently we work with children aged 5 to 11. We cannot help all the children so we try and get the foundation right of the younger generation.

What is the average temperature of South Africa?

In Harrismith and Qwaqwa the temperature range from below freezing in the winter (June-August) to 34 degrees Celsius in the summer( November-April).

Are there diseases I need to be prepared for?

As we are not in the tropical parts of South Africa Malaria is not that big a problem, but we would be visiting these places during your stay (If you stay long enough) so I would advise speaking to your physician about this.

Is it true that you eat worms?

In certain parts of Africa Mopani worms are a delicacy but NOT IN OUR HOUSE.

Will I get a chance to tour South Africa?

Most certainly yes. The program has tours to various parts of South Africa included during some weekends and school holidays

Do I need to subscribe to your religion to be able to help teach the children?

No, we do not require you to be "religious". There are some basic norms and values we teach and you will have to comply to those. What is important though is to realize that we are a missions organization first and foremost. What we believe is part of our being and forms part of what we do daily.  If you can live with that we can live with you.

Would it be considered buying friendship if I would give you a new 4x4, a beach house and a slightly used Cessna 210.

Not at all!!! You are a splendid person and I have always considered you a special friend ......... you said your name was......