Hands & Heart

JANUARY 2025 NEWSLETTER: More about the launch of our new HopeHQ Cabinetry division and a welcome to all our new students - handyman course and sewing. Looking forward to an awesome 2025!

FEBRUARY 2025 NEWSLETTER: Looking back at February, we are thankful for all the progress and blessings we've seen and experienced. Our Hands & Heart Skills Centre has been full of activity, and we thank God for guiding us and giving us the strength to keep going.

MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” — Psalm 126:3 To that, I would add: we are filled with joy and thanksgiving! This past month has been filled with exciting developments, and we can only give God thanks and praise for His abundant blessings. Here are just a few highlights

APRIL 2025 NEWSLETTER: As the Easter season approached, our students took every opportunity for learning new skills. From plumbing essentials and very basics in cabinetmaking and soft skills in the Hands & Heart workshop, to refining sewing projects. Every challenge was met with determination.

MAY 2025 NEWSLETTER: We are deeply grateful for your ingoing support—through prayer, finances, and encouragement. Your generosity allows us to continue equipping young people through our technical (handyman) and sewing training programs. Not only are they gaining valuable skills, but they are also growing in their faith and character.

JANUARY 2024 NEWSLETTER: 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.

FEBRUARY 2024 NEWSLETTER: 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.

MARCH 2024 NEWSLETTER: "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!

APRIL 2024 NEWSLETTR: : .... 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

MAY 2024 NEWSLETTER: “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."

JUNE 2024 NEWSLETTER: 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.

JULY 2024 NEWSLETTER: ‘“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” – Christian D. Larson

AUGUST 2024 NEWSLETTER: 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.

SEPTEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER: “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."

OCTOBER 2024 NEWSLETTER: 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.

NOVEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER: The launch of our HopeHQ Cabinetry division and our Handyman classes have grown with three new areas: Electrical, Plumbing, and Carpentry. Students chose which one to explore based on their interests and future goals. Each group is now diving into hands-on lessons, whether it’s wiring, fixing pipes, or honing carpentry skills. T

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).