Testimonials

The Community Conversation exercise involves community visits where our participants engage community members in a conversation about what they perceive are the main challenges facing their community. However, we don't end the discussion after an exploration of challenges. To do so would be demotivating. Together, we explore community strengths and capacity with community members. This is a powerful experience for all those involved. After going through our training, participants typically express excitment about the possibilities for further community interaction between the church and the community on these issues. For many, realising that they have a part to play in effecting change at a community level bring about a revelation of their own capacity. 

The following poem was written by Simpiwe Ka-Zaleleile after attening our Community Conversation Training: 

Who's There? 

I have a duty 2 protect my young brothers
a duty 2 serve my beautiful sisters
all Soul-Jahs of the heart
why should I be stingy if I could share
why should I be hate-full if I could love
why should I 	forsake my own
		curse my home
		neglect my own
when we can get banged-off anyday, anyway
I long 2 see my block in peace
where death doesn't reside
Just brothers who collide not 2 start beef, but 2 spark Peace
No crooked cops, no reason for somebody's mama to Cry
No hennesy lines, it 'bout time we pray
self-control instead of birth control
stand 4 the truth, even though the truth hurts
calling all the people in the streets & in church
So so familia with the ABCs, the BBCs, the DSTVs & the SLKs
But we 4get 'bout the killer STDs, HIVs & the AIDS
Ana ulibetse gawatshwanela go twatswa
ose unyale, Cos bolwetswe bo botlogosinya
Now here's a Q?
who's there 4 my people in the street
who's there 4 my people who've got nothing 2 eat
They close down schools and build more prisions
who's there to teach me children the golden rule
who's there 4 my people in the street
who's there 2 give guidance 2 lost young nation
They kill our babies, neglect the elderly
when government fools around as life is a test
we have not reached the end of this quest

(The views expressed by the poet are not necessarily those of The Salvation Army)

The Poet, on the immediate left. This photo was taken during February's Community Conversation Training