TOWN
In August 2005, St. Peter's Episcopal Church of Poolesville, Maryland joined with their new friends in Richmond, South Africa to establish a partnership. Since that time, our efforts have expanded to the two neighboring communities of Colesberg and De Aar. This partnership is called Hope in South Africa.
Richmond, Colesberg and De Aar are located in the middle of the Karoo, which is part of the Kalahari Desert. These three towns are roughly halfway between Johannesburg and Cape Town. The land is very dry, and the only real employment base is the sheep farms that surround the town. Unemployment is in excess of 70%, and the HIV/AIDS infection rate is estimated to be more than 35%. Like all of South Africa, Richmond is dealing with the aftermath of apartheid and the struggles of an emerging democracy.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Partnering with local municipal governments and schools to further our projects.
- Establishing partnerships with local Anglican and Dutch Reformed Churches to assist with projects.
- Joining with nearby Rotary Clubs to obtain grant funding for sanitation, the Richmond Community Center, as well as high school bathroom renovations.
- Engaging local leaders to provide funding, transportation as well as room and board for volunteers.
- Hiring local citizens for project work, HIV/AIDS prevention and GRS services.
- Building a sense of community.