The Ark City of Refuge is a faith-based shelter outside of Cape Town that is open to anyone who is looking for a safe home.  The community is comprised of those who are homeless, orphaned, struggling with addictions, victims of abuse or those who simply need a safe place to live.  There are usually between 500-1000 people living at The Ark at a given time. There are over 2,250 meals prepared daily for residents.  Skills training in sewing, carpentry, welding, painting and driving are other opportunities The Ark provides its residents.  The Ark also runs its own school from nursery school through grade nine, a Bible school, as well as offers counseling, sports training, camps, arts and culture activities and holistic care to meet the needs of the children.

Beth Uriel House of Light

www.bethuriel.co.za

Home to 26 previously disadvantaged young men between the ages of 16 and 24, Beth Uriel House of Light is committed to the independence of each of the men in their home “family.”  Beth Uriel is a faith-based organization that has committed to making family values the core of their work. Dedicated to creating opportunities for those who would otherwise have none, Beth Uriel wrestles with issues of poverty, lack of education and the affects of HIV and AIDS on youth, and aspires to offer comprehensive care in every aspect of their program.

Life at Beth Uriel is much like any family. There’s healthy discipline, school is a priority and the family relaxes together. The guys have duties, celebrate birthdays, and go on holiday outings together.  In pursuit of independence, Beth Uriel desires to give each and every young man that comes through its doors quality educational opportunities at both the secondary and tertiary levels. Taking its focus from job placement to “career placement,” it is hoped that while at Beth Uriel, each young man will begin walking down a life path that will create successful opportunities for him long beyond his time at the home.

MylifE

www.mylife.org.za

Between 1,000 and 6,000 children a day are orphaned in South Africa, most of them losing their parents to HIV/AIDS.  MylifE is a Cape Town based organization that provides housing, life skills training, counseling and anti-addiction programs to homeless youth and young adults.

MylifE works from the belief that it takes a village to raise a child.  This understanding has led to the next step in the MylifE project – a pilot model for eco development that will skill youth to be the caregivers of the future and prevent millions of children from ending up on the streets.

MylifE has been recognized by Nelson Mandela, Winnie Mandela, the Premiere of the Western Cape, representatives of the Dalai Lama, local Ministers for National Government and a host of others as an extremely important venture with global implications and application.

Patricia de Lille and Lance Greyling with team

The players returned home to South Africa this week.  While there were some bumps along the way, they are now all home, safe and sound.  Soon after they landed, they were invited to Parliament and were recognized by Patricia de Lille, the leader of the Independent Democrats political party.  Also, they were welcomed by Kgalema Motlanthe who served as President of South Africa between  September 25, 2008 and May 9, 2009, completing the second term of Thabo Mbeki. He currently serves as Deputy President of South Africa and of the African National Congress.

These leaders spoke of how proud they were of the team for representing South Africa in Milan and for bringing home the Milan Cup, which Martin Afrika presented to Deputy President Motlanthe while at Parliament.

Kgalema Motlanthe with the team

Interviews for local news media

Taryn Aveley, FUWL regional coordinator with 2009 team captain, "Mabuthi"

Blog and photos by Christina Ghubril

Winners of the Milan Cup!

South Africa is officially the winner of the 2009 Milan Cup!  This is the third division trophy and is a great victory for SA.  They played a fantastic final game against Malawi.  The crowds were chanting for South Africa, waving their flag–some of their friends from other teams even wore SA’s warm up suits in support of South Africa.  They played a focused and solid game and won 9-1.  It was a day to celebrate in Milan, completed by the first place Homeless World Cup victory, won by the Ukraine team.

As the players head back to South Africa, the weight of unknown futures is heavy in the air.  Some go home to organizations or family members yet others head back unsure of what will come next.  The return from this amazing event is often challenging.  In a world and economy that is difficult for all, these men are no exception.  With trophy in hand and a deeper sense of self, they return to their home country to seek new opportunities for their futures.

I am daily overwhelmed and inspired by their resilient and hopeful spirits.  As we head back to the States, their presence will surely be missed.

Blog and photos by Christina Ghubril

]]> http://www.streetballfilm.com/2009/09/15/sa-won/feed/ 1 http://www.streetballfilm.com/2009/09/12/winning-streak/ http://www.streetballfilm.com/2009/09/12/winning-streak/#comments Sat, 12 Sep 2009 08:47:24 +0000 admin http://www.streetballfilm.com/?p=2497 South Africa has come back with a force!  Winning today against the USA and Romania, South Africa is going on to compete for the third division cup, playing against Malawi!  Tomorrow’s a big day….

Blog and photos by Christina Ghubril

Posing with Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 racer

The last few days have been quite eventful including a visit from British Formula 1 racer, Lewis Hamilton, an excursion to San Siro Stadium and a day at the pool.  Asanda was injured and after a visit to the emergency room, realized he won’t be able to play for the rest of the tournament.

Today the players entered the field ready to enjoy themselves against Germany and took the game! At one point, the team was left with only 2 players on the field when Martin was taken out of the game.  Also, the goal keeper was pulled out for negative behavior and Ephraim was put in as a substitute.  With Asanda injured, Martin out, and an unpracticed goal keeper, they managed to focus in and score enough to win in the end!  Colin and Thulisile scored a series of impressive goals and Ephraim and Rushaad defended well against their opponent.  Tomorrow they play Romania to compete for one of the lower level trophies.

South Africa vs. Ghana

Asanda is injured and must sit out the rest of the tournament

Ephraim taking over as goal keeper, helping to win the game against Germany

Lewis Hamilton visits the Homeless World Cup

Colin and Cheslyn at San Siro Stadium

Martin at San Siro Stadium, home of AC Milan

A break at the pool

Posing with the Homeless World Cup

Blog and photos by Christina Ghubril