6 years ago, Sylvia Ndou would attend a Parent Support Group (PSG) that would change her life forever. As a mother of 3 children and without a Matric (Grade 12), Sylvia was finding it very difficult to make enough money to support her family. But she was hungry to learn and grow and the PSG was equipping her to stimulate and educate her children from home. Despite her circumstances, and because of her ambition, she was quickly appointed as a stand in leader, then a Home Visitor, then senior community worker to now, in her role as Acting Site Coordinator. She now oversees all PSGs and Nutrition Support programmes across Gauteng, our busiest province!

Along the journey, she has seen just how devastating poverty can be. “When I started doing the household screenings I saw some terrible things that people who are in need go through. I’ve seen women stay in physically abusive relationships because they believed they needed the man just to survive.” Sylvia says. Early on while working with HOPE worldwide SA, a mother who had received food support from Sylvia the day before saw her in the street and fell at her feet. The mother explained how her family had slept properly for the very first time in a long time after receiving the food. Why? Because their hunger pains and groans would keep them awake at night. They would drink water to silence their tummy’s groans temporarily. Now, their filled tummies meant they could finally sleep!

People can make a real difference in the lives of those in need. From that day, Sylvia knew that her purpose and mission in life was to serve other people in need as well.
Over the years, she has been able to impact the lives of hundreds more. Sylvia is one of our many heroes making a difference in the lives of families and children.

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