Stories, in their own words

Food security and agriculture programme

From the park bench to the market

For years I slept in parks, with no job, no direction and no belief in myself. Everything changed when Spiritual Chords welcomed me into their Food Security and Agriculture Project. They gave me agricultural training, a place to stay, healthy meals and, most importantly, respect.

Rebuilding my life was not easy. Early mornings, hard work, new skills and breaking bad habits all challenged me. But slowly my body grew stronger, my thinking clearer, my routine disciplined. The food was growing, and so was my life.

Today I grow food that shops buy. I earn with dignity, I live with stability, and I wake up with purpose.

“Spiritual Chords did not just help me survive. They helped me find a better me.”

Support food security and eco gardens

Ashley, sewing programme graduate

Ashley, tailor

I’m Ashley, originally from Zimbabwe. I was orphaned at five and lived with my grandmother until she passed away when I was fourteen. I finished matric but failed mathematics, and my dream of becoming an architect slipped away.

I came to Johannesburg to stay with my sister and find work. That is when Spiritual Chords changed my life. They sponsored my sewing classes, I completed the course, and I became a seamstress.

Now I earn, I pay my own rent, and I even sew gifts for orphans. I’m a professional tailor and, more importantly, I found a family.

“With Spiritual Chords, I am no longer alone.”

Support a sewing student

Food security and agriculture programme

Silent no more

Living with a hearing disability meant I had few chances to work, and I depended a lot on others. Through the Spiritual Chords Food Security and Agriculture Project I received practical training, structure, and the chance to work with confidence and purpose.

In the fields I found strength, skill and belonging. Today I harvest fresh produce, feed myself with dignity, and even donate vegetables to a school for children with disabilities.

I saved up and built a house for my family. I stand proud.

“I am not limited any more.”

Community garden lead

A chance, not a handout

When I first came to Spiritual Chords I was looking for a simple handout. They gave me a chance instead, and I realised the chance was better than any handout.

When I asked them to help my community, they came in, cleaned up the space and taught people to grow their own food. Now we are thriving. In a place where hope was a luxury, they brought life to barren land and skills to our hands.

We are not only growing vegetables. We are growing pride, and growing ourselves out of poverty.

“The chance was better than any handout.”

Parent and staff member

Her school fees, paid

For years I struggled to make ends meet. Jobless and broke, I feared for my daughter’s future. How would I pay her school fees?

Spiritual Chords gave me a job and a lifeline, and they paid for my daughter’s education. I am working hard, providing for her, and giving her the future she deserves.

“I can finally see her thrive.”

Support orphan and vulnerable children’s education

Sewing programme graduate, now a designer

One stitch at a time

I was lost, working as a domestic worker and struggling to make ends meet. When I heard about Spiritual Chords, I knew I had to reach out. They gave me free sewing and stitching classes.

I poured my heart into it, and now I design my own clothes, earn a decent income and live with dignity.

They are changing lives one stitch at a time. Support them, and help empower more women like me.

“They did not just teach me a skill. They gave me a future.”