Blog Post

Women We Met in Africa

HOPE Youth Corps/ HOPEww Singles Corps • Nov 14, 2017

Read some of the stories of the courageous women we met in Africa

As we travel to foreign countries to serve and learn, we encounter amazing individuals, whose lives have been transformed by the work of HOPE worldwide . We strongly believe in respectful service. On our Volunteer Corps, we assist existing programs, and provide additional help. We do contribute, but we also learn from the incredibly resilient individuals we meet. While serving in Africa these past few months, we met these courageous women…

Mmedolly, Johannesburg, South Africa…

 Mmedolly takes care of 10 grandchildren. Her sister in law passed away, and in one day, Mmedolly inherited six additional grandkids who came to live with her.

She stays in a small building comprised of two very small rooms and a kitchen; there is only one bed. Mmedolly was living there with all her grandchildren, but she realized, as good hearted as she was about taking all those children in, that she could not afford to feed them.

The HOPE worldwide South Africa staff found her, and were able to help get all her grandchildren birth certificates. Without those, the kids cannot go to school. Once they were all set with documents, HOPE worldwide got two of her young grandchildren into school. Another two, who are too old for the HOPE worldwide early childhood program, are receiving help from HOPE worldwide to get grants for school. It only costs 350 rand (about $30 US) to get them into school! Mmedolly and her grandkids can now live a full happy life, and only have to worry about food each day rather than school debt on top of that!

The HOPE worldwide Singles Corps participants were able to visit Mmedolly’s house, spend time with her family, and offer support.


Lydia, Lusaka, Zambia…

This grandmother is 75 years old. She had 12 children. 11 have died. She is now raising four of her grandchildren by herself, on almost no income. Poignant. The AIDS crisis is staring at us in the face. Fortunately, Lydia is receiving help from the staff of HOPE worldwide Zambia. They visit her home, provide medicines, and education for the youngest children.

We visited Lydia’s home. We want these women to feel valued, respected, and loved. Her faith inspired us, and in return, we pray we were able to encourage her.


Hazlett, Lusaka, Zambia…

We met Hazlett, and went to her house. The first words were, "I'm fit!"

When the HOPE worldwide staff first met Hazlett, she lived in a one room house with one bed, one chair, and 11 children under 9 years old. She had a pan with a few beans under the chair. The children were hungry. Many of the family members, including Hazlett, were HIV+, and getting no medical treatment.

Thankfully, HOPE worldwide have been able to help.

Hazlett had 14 kids. Some have died, some have left. She is now raising 11 grandchildren by herself.

Hazlett's house now comprises of two tiny rooms. The rent is 400 kwacha, which is about $40. She works from morning till night doing odd jobs. She makes about 300 kwacha a month. Do the math.

By the grace of God, in the middle of all that, Hazlett is receiving assistance from HOPE worldwide . She gets food rations, medicines, and the kids can go to school.

When Hazlett says she is fit, it is all relative of course, but in her mind, she is so much fitter than she used to be. And she is not lonely any more. She visits the HOPE worldwide center daily, where she can meet other women, and socialize, be part of women’s support groups, receive guidance, etc.

It was an honor to be able to serve Hazlett, and the rest of her community while on the Zambia Volunteer Corps in July. Women like Hazlett carry Africa on their shoulders.

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PRESS RELEASE June 27, 2023 HOPE worldwide , a leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing sustainable, high-impact, community-based services, including critical healthcare services, disaster relief, and education, to underserved communities globally, is proud to announce the recognition received by the Lawes Road Clinic in Papua New Guinea during a recent visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken . This visit highlighted the impactful work carried out by HOPE worldwide global network member, HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea (PNG), in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. government’s largest effort to combat HIV. During his visit to Papua New Guinea, Secretary Blinken had the opportunity to tour HOPE worldwide PNG’s Lawes Road Clinic, which is led by HOPE worldwide PNG Country Director Priscilla Sine Mal, and witness firsthand the incredible efforts undertaken by the dedicated team. The clinic's commitment to improving the lives of the local community in various areas, including HIV prevention and treatment, and treatment for victims of violence against women deeply impressed Secretary Blinken. In his remarks, Secretary Blinken expressed his admiration for the clinic's work, stating, "This was a real privilege to be here at the Lawes Road clinic where quite literally our partners are saving lives, changing lives, every single day." The visit showcased the significant impact of HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea’s clinic on the region, highlighting its vital role in providing essential healthcare services to those most in need and who often have the most difficult time getting treatment, in part due to the social stigma often associated with their conditions. The Lawes Road Clinic operates under the auspices of the Presidential Emergency Plan For HIV/AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), funded through USAID and implemented in collaboration with FHI 360 and HOPE worldwide . The clinic has been instrumental in providing critical care, support, and testing for HIV/AIDS patients in Papua New Guinea, contributing to the nationwide efforts to combat the disease. This year, PEPFAR celebrates its 20th anniversary, and its 17th year of implementation in Papua New Guinea. HOPE worldwide is honored by the recognition bestowed upon HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea and the Lawes Road Clinic by Secretary Blinken and remains committed to its mission of transforming communities and improving lives through local, volunteer-based initiatives. With the continuous support of partners like USAID and the unwavering dedication of its teams on the ground, HOPE worldwide and its global network of members like HOPE worldwide PNG strive to create a healthier, more resilient future for all.
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