Official opening of Emseni Care Centre - 12 August 2006

Since the opening of ECC there has been a tremendous response from the community. The Lord has worked wonderfully among the girls and ladies who have been so sick that their families (if they have one) have given up on them. More information will be posted on the mission website and, hopefully, on Emseni's own website which might be www.emsenicarecentre.org.za)

"Appearances are deceptive. One can look from afar at the rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal and think that everything seems fine. You need to get closer and enter into their world to realise what awful misery there is in many homes because of HIV/Aids. I am so thankful that our Carers who have graduated today have been willing to lay down their lives in going into these troubled areas and have learnt how to care for them." Rev E. Stegen said these words as part of his speech and message to thank the Department of Health and the group who have been trained as Care Givers for Aids patients.

The guest speaker was Mrs D. Zwane. Miss Lizzie Biyela handed over the certificates to the 20 or so students who have successfully completed the course. She stressed the importance of testing for HIV and using ARVs if necessary (as well as living a healthy lifestyle).

About 1200 people attended the 4 hour opening of ECC. A short video about the centre was shown because not everyone will be able to get there after lunch (since it is situated quite far from the mission centre).

Download video of Emseni Care Centre here (12Mb, mp4 format)