For more than three years, Zikhona (35) and her children lived without identity documents. It might sound like a simple admin problem, but without documents the family hit a wall at schools, clinics and every other service they needed. Zikhona’s difficult circumstances and emotional struggles made it hard for her to follow through, and one delay led to another.

Through the ongoing support of the family strengthening program, a breakthrough finally came. Lucy, who has been working closely with the family, made an appointment at Home Affairs and went with Zikhona. This time the process was completed. Four of her children, including her 16-year-old daughter, received their birth certificates, and Zikhona applied for her own ID, which is now ready for collection.

For Zikhona this was far more than a few pieces of paper. It opened a door that had been closed for years. With tears in her eyes she told Lucy, “Thank you so much, Lucy, for not giving up on me.” She has faced many challenges in her life, and her background has often made it hard for her to see hope. On this day there was visible relief and joy. It wasn’t only about Lucy’s persistence. It was a reminder of God’s faithfulness and of the power of walking alongside a family through difficult seasons.

Lucy works hand in hand with Princess, the social worker at the clinic where the family receives care. Together they support the family from different angles. At times Zikhona has struggled to keep clinic appointments, follow up on paperwork and manage her children’s health needs. Instead of giving up on her, Lucy and Princess keep encouraging and guiding her. They are helping her rebuild her confidence and recognise her own ability to care for her children. The aim isn’t to do things for her, but to walk beside her as she learns to do them herself. This month the family also received a food parcel through the clinic, and the family strengthening program helps with transport when it becomes a barrier to getting to appointments. Each of these steps may look small, but together they are building a stronger family.

This month also brought a hard decision. To protect the health of her 6-year-old son, Imibongo, the team agreed with his medical carers that he would receive three months of temporary care where he can get closer medical support. Separation from a child is never easy, and Zikhona has found it very painful. Lucy and Princess explained the reasons to her and the children, and the family is able to visit him. He is also continuing preschool while he is there, and our preschool sent his assessment along with him.

There was good news for Zikhona’s 16-year-old daughter, Akhanyile, too. She had been deregistered from school because of absences, and she had refused to go back. Lucy tried a different angle and asked Zikhona who Akhanyile respects most. The answer was her grandmother. Lucy approached the grandmother, who went straight to the school to speak with the principal. After meeting with Lucy and the grandmother, the school agreed to take Akhanyile back, and the principal committed to helping her catch up. She returned before the end of term. For the family, this was another answered prayer and a sign of God’s hand in their lives.