Mukhanyo Christian Academy
Atalia
- Angela
- Atalia
- Bafundi
- Bongani
- Koketso
- Lebogang
- Nompumelelo
- Nthokozo
- Pleasure
- Sandile
- Sandra
- Sipho
- Thokozani
- Zanele
Mukhanyo Christian Academy
Atalia
Six years old and vulnerable.
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Atalia is the tallest girl in our Grade R class even though she just turned six in August. She has a sunny personality and is really very bright.
Atalia lives with her mother, father, and nine brothers and sisters. She is number eight in birth order, with just one younger sibling, Tandi. Unfortunately, for this family, it isn’t “cheaper by the dozen.” While Atalia’s mother is South African, her father is not, and is thus unable to work in this country. The parents lack the ID books that are required to apply for employment or social grants. With no income, you can imagine what life is like for this family of 12. Two years ago, they were living in a one-room shack. At night, the older children were forced to sleep outside due to the family’s cramped living quarters. Fortunately, a volunteer recognized the family’s extreme need and contacted St. James United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida, to see if the parishioners would be willing to build a home for Atalia and her clan. The church agreed, funding the building of a four-bedroom furnished house for the family.
What the parents did next is truly inspiring. The two opened a tuck shop, selling chips, bread, and other supplies from the sanctuary of their new home. That small business has brought in much-needed funds for the family and enabled them to add onto their abode, building a fifth bedroom and another bathroom for the kids.
We’re so pleased about this family’s good fortune and delighted to have Atalia in our Grade R. Atalia’s parents must have inculcated a love of learning for her daughter, because she follows her older siblings around when school isn’t in session, begging for them to teach her something.
Atalia was featured in our October 2010 Newsletter. If you’re not already subscribed, click here to be added to our monthly updates.