We are a new Ark within the Noah framework, since until 2007 we were a satellite. We operate from a school classroom at the Icabhana Primary School in the Uthwalume District of KwaZulu-Natal. The school is situated 7 km from Hibberdene, 1 hour’s drive from Durban and about 34 km from Port Shepstone.

This district is in a largely rural area on the KZN South Coast. Many of the adults travel long distances to work and often work away from home during the week, returning at weekends and holidays only. This has created a burden on the elderly members of the community and on the youth who are often left to grow up without proper support due to economic pressures.

Noah was approached by the community to start a feeding satellite as a spin-off from Intokozo Noah, also in Umthwalune. The community was overwhelmed by the large number of orphaned and vulnerable children in the area and identified the need for an extended operation.

We have been allocated a large area to establish as a vegetable garden to support our nutrition programme. The Ark enjoys a great deal of support form the local community and community leaders. The total number of orphans and vulnerable children registered at the Ark is 331, and we have 11 volunteers.

Our application, submitted by Mrs Khumalo, was approved by Noah in 2006 and we started operating in 2007. The committee was formed and more volunteers were mobilised. Mr Nkosi was responsible for introducing Noah in Umthwalume and the leadership accepted Noah.

Our People

Thembani Khumalo (Ark Manager)

Our Ark offers:

• 4 staff members
• 7 volunteers
• 5 committee members
• A nutritious meal once a day to 231 children
• Home visits to 60 children
• An aftercare programme
• Extramural activities such as sports, music, and traditional dance
• A vegetable garden
• Assistance with grant applications

• Children: School uniforms, school fees & bursaries, food parcels for those children who do not attend the centre, school shoes, trainers (takkies), school bags, school stationery.
• Ark: Toilets, income generating projects.
• Volunteers: Stipends, income generating projects.

Or contact Noah if you have services or skills you would like to bring to Vusimpilo Ark.

Our address

Cabhane Primary School
Ward 16, Cabhane Location
Umzumbe, Hibberdene
Umthwalume
4220