From Neglect to Knowledge:
2024 update on
Melissah’s Family
2024 update
How to help
Donate
This is another update on the Project regarding Melissah. For full context, please read:
It’s 2024…how did that happen!
We met up with Justin, Melissah and their kids in their little home in Diepsloot on Saturday to find out how they are doing.
As you may remember, Justin and Melissah opened up their home to two abandoned children- a brother and sister, we will call them S and N, who have now been living with them for a year.
In 2023 Melissah got them into school, many of you followed that journey and helped with clothes and uniform and stationary.
Thank you!
S and N are doing very well. Someone donated a bunkbed last year, and the 4 kids share that. S and N on the top bunk and Nadia and Nathalia on the bottom. It is spotlessly made every morning , so impressive!
Melissah shares:
“S is 10, turning 11, and is a budding soccer player and part of an after school soccer club called Golden Arrows, that practices at Heronbridge College four times a week.
N has just blossomed and is learning so much.
They are still quiet compared to my own two girls, but they have come such a long way. Our daughter Nadia has been going to OT every week. Sarah from H.O.P.E Studio is helping her with various sensory issues and making such progress as well.
So all these things are going well, but personally, I am looking for work again. I had a really great cleaning position with a family in Dainfern, but unfortunately they moved to Cape Town. They tried to help me find another position but the only offers I have had are live-in positions, and I just can’t take a live-in position with 4 kids at home.
I have references I can give to anyone who needs someone.”
Justin has been part of the TCB repair team since last year. It’s been a great opportunity for him. You can check out the program here.
Justin explains:
I have learned a lot, also about business and selling and marketing. We are able to buy electrical goods at a discount to resell. The Diepsloot market is pretty tough though.
Justin and Melissah still have their second hand shop. Business is very slow though, and they did consider closing down as they are paying rent every month and just not selling much.
But as we have learnt through the years, this couple just takes things a day at a time and keep working for a better life for themselves and their kids.
If you are wanting to help in practical ways you can do that in several different ways.
How you can help
- You can reach out to Melissah directly – her number is 061 940 6766
- Project Purpose as a NPO has been helping the family with transport money to school and to the OT, H.O.P.E Studio, who are very generously helping free of charge.
- Project Purpose is committed to helping this family and walking a journey with them.
Any donation allocated to Melissah will be used for this family.
How you can help – The family’s needs:
- Job for Melissah
- School shoes for S – size 3
- Stationary for school for the kids
- Pens
- Tissues
- Coloured pencils
- Flip File
- Plastic book covers
- Soccer shoes – size 3 and shin guards
- Donations for their second hand shop
- Any donations of electrical appliances, whether broken or working, would be really useful to Justin.