For years, I slept in parks with no job, no direction, and no belief in myself. Everything changed when Spiritual Chords welcomed me into their Food Security & Agriculture Project. They did more than that, they gave me agricultural training, a place to stay, healthy meals, and most importantly, respect. Rebuilding my life was not easy. Early mornings, hard work, learning new skills, and breaking bad habits challenged me. But slowly, my body grew stronger. My thinking became clearer. My routine became disciplined. The food was growing and so was my own life. Today, I produce food that some shops buy, I earn with dignity. I live with stability. I wake up with purpose. Spiritual Chords did not just help me survive; they helped me find a better me.
I’m Ashley, originally from Zimbabwe. Orphaned at 5, I lived with my grandmother until she passed when I was 14. After finishing matric but failing mathematics, my dream of becoming an architect slipped away. I came to Johannesburg to stay with my sister and find work. That’s when Spiritual Chords changed my life. They sponsored my sewing classes. I completed the course and became a successful seamstress. Now I earn, pay my own rent, and even sew gifts for orphans. I’m a professional tailor and more importantly, I found a family. With Spiritual Chords, I am no longer alone.
“Silent no more. 🌿” Living with a hearing disability meant i had limited opportunities for work and depended a lot on others. Through the Spiritual Chords Food Security & Agriculture Project, I received practical training, structure, and the chance to work with confidence and purpose. In the fields, I found strength, skill, and belonging. Today, I harvest fresh produce, feed myself with dignity, and even donate vegetables to a school for the disabled. I am not limited anymore, I even saved up money and built a house for my family, and standing proud.
When i first approached Spiritual Chords, i was just looking for a simple hand out, but after them giving me a chance, I realized that the chance is better than any hand out. When I asked Spiritual chords to help my community, Spiritual Chords went into the community, cleaned up the space, and taught them the skills to grow their own food. Now they’re thriving, and it’s all about food security and empowerment, Spiritual Chords didn’t just teach us to farm, they gave us back our dignity! In a community where hope was a luxury, they brought life to our barren land and skills to our hands 🌿. We’re not just growing veggies, we’re growing futures, we’re growing pride, we’re growing ourselves out of poverty.
For years, I struggled to make ends meet. Jobless and broke, I feared for my daughter’s future. How could I afford her school fees? Spiritual Chords stepped in, giving me a job and a lifeline. They paid for my daughter’s education, and I can finally see her thrive. I’m working hard, providing for her, and giving her the future she deserves.
I was lost, working as a domestic worker, struggling to make ends meet. But then I heard about Spiritual Chords, and I knew I had to reach out. They gave me a gift – free sewing and stitching classes. I poured my heart into it, and look at me now! I’m designing my own clothes, making a decent income, and living with dignity 🌿. Spiritual Chords didn’t just teach me a skill, they gave me a future. They’re changing lives, one stitch at a time. Be part of this journey, support Spiritual Chords, and let’s empower more women like me 🙏
