{"id":94058,"date":"2015-07-14T08:30:00","date_gmt":"2015-07-14T06:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/94058\/young-children-in-katlehong-receive-first-ever-much-needed-spectacles-at-moving-celebration\/"},"modified":"2015-07-14T08:48:52","modified_gmt":"2015-07-14T06:48:52","slug":"young-children-in-katlehong-receive-first-ever-much-needed-spectacles-at-moving-celebration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2015\/07\/14\/young-children-in-katlehong-receive-first-ever-much-needed-spectacles-at-moving-celebration\/","title":{"rendered":"Spectacles to change children\u2019s outlook"},"content":{"rendered":"

At the life-changing I CAN SEE spectacular change event, last Sunday, 24 young, visually impaired children from Katlehong were the happy recipients of their first-ever pair of much-needed spectacles.<\/p>\n

At this inaugural event, held at the Change Bible Church, in Katlehong, the partnership between the I CAN SEE NGO, the Change Bible Church and optometric sponsor SpecSavers, brought life to the vision shared by these three stakeholders and vision to those unable to see properly.<\/p>

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I CAN SEE was founded by medical practitioner Dr Mikateko Shisana, a member of the Change Bible Church, earlier this year in response to teachings on God\u2019s vision for our lives by Pastor Xola Nzo, nephew of ANC stalwart Alfred Nzo.<\/p>\n

Passionate about children and good health, Shisana sacrificed funds she had saved for her 40th birthday party celebration and cash gifts received from friends and family, to launch the I CAN SEE organisation, which supports children suffering from visual impairment.<\/p>

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\u201cAs a child raised by a single mother from a humble background, I feel highly favoured and blessed when I look at my journey to date and I know that it was all from having Jesus as the author,” she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis project is an opportunity to touch and impact someone\u2019s life at a very young age.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy wish is for these children to look back and say that God sent someone to meet their area of need that would impact on their future.\u201d<\/p>\n

The I CAN SEE NGO will help to identify and support children who have poor vision, in order to reduce the learning challenges related to being unable to see properly.<\/p>\n

Screening, testing and spectacles will be supplied to those in need.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe ultimately want to empower children to study effectively and receive a good education,\u201d said Shisana.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe project was launched in June, in acknowledgement of Youth Month and the importance of education.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe NGO plans on partnering with corporates, international and local NGOs, trusts and churches to provide the service and reach disadvantaged children in rural areas within South Africa.<\/p>\n

\u201cGiving back to communities is a key element of the project.\u201d<\/p>\n

Martinus Prinsloo, from SpecSavers, shared a few words with congregants at the handover of the spectacles, expounding the value of the project.<\/p>\n

The grateful children received their glasses and were given children\u2019s Bibles, beautifully packaged in a fun backpack in the branding of I CAN SEE and Change Bible Church.<\/p>\n

They proceeded to honour Shisana by proudly presenting her with a birthday cake and singing jubilantly in acknowledgement of her big day.<\/p>\n

Ambassador of the Children\u2019s Church, Naledi Mahlangu (10), thanked Shisana in a moving speech.<\/p>\n

This life-changing project was born in the Change Bible Church under the leadership of Nzo.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur Heavenly Father targeted people who were marginalised and neglected by society,” he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe healed the sick, the lame and the blind.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will support Dr Shisana\u2019s NGO and thereby our community\u2019s children.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople don\u2019t care how much you know until they know how much you care.\u201d<\/p>\n

The children who received glasses are Anathi Mbele (16), Bonolo Chere (13), Busisiwe Legwa (11), Kabelo Khumalo (12), Kamohelo Motaung (13), Kananelo Masedi (8), Katieho Tsolo (11), KC Mashele (14), Kearabetsoe Lerata (7), Kearabetswe Kalane (11), Kgomotso Ndlazi (12), Lindiwe Ndlovu (13), Lungelo Sehlogo (14), Mpho Mofokeng (10), Naledi Mahlangu (10), Nhlakanipho Ndwandwe (11), Reabetswe Mafanvolle (13), Sandile Potse (7), Sifiso Potso (7), Swazi Maphalala (13), Thato Mahlangu (13), Veliswa Simelane (6), Yolanda Simelane (14) and Zwelibanzi Dladla (12).<\/p>\n

The celebration attracted several dignitaries, including representatives from the office of the Mayor of Ekurhuleni; well-known sports presenter Walter Mokoena and managing director of Royal Haskoning DHV, Salani Sithole.<\/p>\n