Ray of Hope is a non-profit organization committed to the promotion and protection of the rights of refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons through networking with organizations performing similar objects to those of the association. The Mission has provided emergency refuge and accommodation for the homeless since 1997. In recent months the demand for this service has increased dramatically and is a result of the significant influx of asylum seekers to Johannesburg . At present it provides accommodation to more than 600 persons at the Central Methodist Mission.
Aims and objective
1.1 To care for refugees and asylum seekers by way of the provision of food - meals, board, lodging, clothing and other necessities and comforts.
1.2 To lease and/or erect and maintain safe dwellings for the refugees and asylum seekers.
1.3 To assist in the rehabilitation of refugees and asylum seekers where necessary.
1.4 To assist in the development and economic-empowerment of refugees and asylum seekers.
1.5. To be a dialog platform for organizations performing objects similar to those of the Association.
1.6 To facilitate the upholding of human rights for the refugees and asylum seekers.
1.7 To apply, petition for, or promote any Act of Parliament or other authority with a view to the attainment of the objectives of the Association.
1.8 To assist generally in the work of the Methodist Church in Johannesburg and Soweto .
1.9 To be the voice of the voiceless
Approximately 600 refugees, asylum seekers and internal displaces are accommodated in the facilities of the Church. However, this organization relates to more people than those associated with the Church by accommodation.
The Mission has provided emergency refuge and accommodation for the homeless since 1997. In recent months the demand for this service has increased dramatically and is a result of the significant influx of Zimbabweans to Johannesburg. At present the Church accommodates more than 600 people.
The facilities of the Church were not designed for this large number of people and have put an untenable strain on the infrastructure of the building including plumbing and electricity.
The members of the Central Methodist Mission believe that such a service must be provided, however as the alternative is a life of violence and abuse on the streets. Too many people who have the potential to contribute positively to the building of South Africa's democracy end up as victims or perpetrators of crime and a range of other abusive behaviours. The waste of human life which occurs because of an inadequate strategy for supporting the poor is immoral and unacceptable.
A conscious effort is made in collaboration with the Ecumenical Refugee Centre based at St Mary's cathedral to facilitate the legalizing of people from countries beyond our borders. The Mission has been engaged directly in advocacy work for refugees and in particular with trying to improve conditions in the deportation centre at Lindela.
Several self help programmes including a fly fishing, clinic, farming, cooking, sewing, Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET), and drama group have and are busy establishing themselves in the mission and are primarily directed at alleviating the plight of refugees and determining to ensure independence. A database of all residents, next of kin and qualifications is reaching finality. A group has been established which will try to connect qualifications to job opportunities.
Partners
Wits Law Clinic.
Paballo Ya Batho.
Central Mathodist Mission ( CMM ) Urban Institute of Development .
C.M.M. Human Rights Documentation Service
C.M.M. Tshwaragano Ministry .
S.A.N.G.O.CO
Lonehill Methodist Church
Media Works
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