Africa is widely regarded as a disadvantaged continent. As a noble exception south of the equator the Republic of South Africa is often praised since it is closely associated with interesting safaris, exclusive golfing and culinary indulgence on highest standard. It is however less visible for many that this country continues to be confronted with serious social problems. Although freed by the collapse of Apartheid, many of the black population are forced to struggle in an economically hopeless environment. Consequently, in numerous townships, poverty, violence, sickness and child pregnancy are rampant.

The members of Rays of Hope have chosen to fully concentrate on assistence to dwellers and children of the Diepsloot Township. This township started to grow in the early nineties as people sought work in the urban areas of Pretoria and Johannesburg. It soon became a relocation area receiving the overspill from townships such as Alexandra and Zevenfontein. The scarcity of land set aside for low-cost housing to the north of Johannesburg has resulted in Diepsloot becoming severely overcrowded and the lack of fomal housing is now critical. The population is estimated at 150,000 many of whom reside there illegally. 75% of the residents are under the age of 40 and the unemployment rate is well over 55%. Most households are very poor with income of some €150 per month. Over recent years, the township has been in the news with negative statistics in taxi wars, famine, orphaned and abandoned children, HIV/AIDS figures more than twice the national average and escalating crime levels, particularly domestic violence resuling in the abuse of women and children.

On 5 July, 2010 the Süddeutsche Zeitung addressed these problems by saying: "In Diepsloot, a slum area north of Johannesburg, the Soccer World Championship does not generate much hope. Since long nobody believes that it could change anything in the prevailing situation..."

Truly, this major event passed without leaving a trail, we however came to stay and to imprint the mark of determination.

Already before our involvement Milly had organised a feeding project for the pupils of a primary school near Diepsloot Township where some 90% of the children do not know their fathers and the majority struggle a sad life without sufficient food intake, without access to clean water, without scholastic education and ... without any hope for improvement.

In order to finance herself as well as her social projects, Milly organised Safari tours for airline crews during their layovers and this is how we from Rays of Hope e.V. got to know and to love this remarkable lady.

Milly had founded the officially recorgnised non-profit organisation Changing Lives Ministries. All of their few members are highly motivated and committed. Whenever our active flyers pass through Johannesburg they visit the children's home called Village of Joy so that they can instantly report back on progress and needs. During these visits we also collect information on the many, never ending challenges which this engagement etails. Pictures and field reports document the most recent developments in our Village.

The means for all our activities are sourced from private and company donations. We list the logos of the respective firms on our homepage to show our deep appreciation for their help and their trust in our work. Every cent and every Euro helps us to provide children like Nobi, Francis, Busi, and the others with food, a secure shelter and a qualified graduation. 

Continously, the members of Rays of Hope are striving to find new donors for our children's home as well as for the other projects run by Milly and her friends. All cost incurred such as postal charges, travel expenses and all organisational transactions are paid by Rays of Hope members out of their own pockets. Not a single cent obtained through donations is used for such expenses and the full amounts are directly transferred to the projects jointly agreed with Changing Lives Ministries. As we regularly verify progress at site we can claim that our work is fully transparent.

Please do not hesitate to contact us since we welcome your questions and suggestions. Subsequently, you find our contacts as well as the account details for donations: