NMMU students extend a helping hand

Image credit: http://www.izizweprojects.co.za/human-dignity-centre/

The students - from the NMMU Media, Communication and Culture department - hosted Heartstrings, an acoustic music evening in aid of Jerusalem Ministries, earlier this month. The Human Dignity Centre is a branch of Jerusalem Ministries.

The evening was held at the Music Kitchen in Newton Park and performers included Whiskey Legs, Emile Naidu, Well Done Sun and Michelle Olivier.

In addition to raising R5,000, the students also signed up 26 volunteers.

"This was more than just an event with music," Hanno van den Berg, vocalist and guitarist of band, Well Done Sun said.

"It felt like there was unity among the people because they were all there for a good cause."

Student Nicole Downing, who was one of the organisers, described the evening as "an amazing night".

"I'm so thankful for the support we have received from fellow students and family as well as our sponsors. We've visited the Human Dignity Centre several times, and it's an awesome feeling knowing we are playing a small part in helping the children we have met there."

Heartstrings was part of the Intsikelelo campaign, an initiative the student group has conceptualised as part of their year-long practical project.

Jerusalem Ministries, in particular the Human Dignity Centre, offers a creche, foundation phase schooling and aftercare facilities to orphaned and vulnerable children in Walmer township.

Jerusalem Ministries also cares for these children's caregivers and families by providing skills development programmes for women, rehabilitation programmes for destitute men, feeding schemes, and various other initiatives.

Heartstrings is one of three events taking place this year in aid of the Human Dignity Centre as part of the Intsikelelo campaign.