The Rosendale Project Is Officially Underway!

We’re excited to share that the Rosendale Project has officially kicked off! As part of The Connect Network, we’ve partnered with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund to run our discipleship program at Rosendale Primary School in Delft, and we couldn’t be more expectant for what’s to come.

A Warm Welcome with Grade 7s

Last week, we had the opportunity to reintroduce ourselves to the Grade 7 learners with a special session designed to give them a taste of what our program is all about. Building on the excitement from our recent Dream and Dare Day, we explored the theme of Belonging and Relationships, a fun, engaging, and meaningful topic that really resonated with the students. It was heartwarming to see familiar faces light up as we walked through the school gates, and the energy in the room confirmed that these teens are hungry for connection, understanding, and growth.

Discipleship Launches

This week marked the official launch of our discipleship program. We’ve split the cohort by gender to create safe and focused spaces for deeper discussion and growth. Our team is walking alongside the girls, while our friends at The Character Company are running the program for the boys.

The first session with the girls was all about getting to know each other. We spent time learning names, sharing stories, and beginning to explore identity, a central theme for the journey ahead. Through drama, small group conversations, and a powerful activity mapping out the significant events of their lives, the girls opened up and began to reflect on their own experiences.

What stood out to us most was the vulnerability and honesty that emerged. Many of the girls shared about losing close relatives due to gang violence, stories that are heartbreaking, but sadly, all too common in the community. It was deeply moving to witness how this space allowed them to begin processing those losses together, safely, and with support from both peers and mentors.

A Truth to Hold Onto

We ended the session with a memory verse from Psalm 139, a beautiful reminder of each girl's worth and identity:

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:14

We’ve challenged the girls to remember this verse for next week.

Thank you for supporting and cheering us on. Please continue to keep the Rosendale learners, staff, and our team in your prayers as we move forward.