Our Ark is situated at Esikhawini J2 section, which is 168 km from Durban and 15 km from Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. We operate from the premises of Esikhawini HP School.

Of a population of about 70,977 people, about 7,767 are unemployed, and there is a total number of 25,672 orphans. In 2003 the community of Esikhawini came together and shared ideas on how they could cater for the increasing number of orphans in the area.

This Ark was the vision of Mrs Nonhlanhla Mngomezulu, a retired teacher. She was touched by the situation of children in need at her school. As HIV/Aids took its toll, lots of parents were dying and leaving children with no-one to take care of them. Children would come to school on empty stomachs and had nothing to eat when they got back home. She heard about Noah through Mr Cutter Nkosi. She shared her vision of starting a project to address the needs of these children. Mr Nkosi was invited to do a presentation and everybody was very welcoming to the Noah model. A committee was formed and trained immediately. Volunteers were recruited and the turnout was very good. They were also trained on child-care, HIV/Aids awareness and counselling.

The Ark was launched at the Assemblies of God Church. It was named Siyadingana, which means “we need each other”. Due to space constraints, the committee approached the principal of Esikhawini HP School who donated two classrooms to be used for the project. The school also offered land to Siyadingana to establish a vegetable garden.

Our People

Margaret Mbambo (Ark Manager)

Our Ark offers:

• Services to 350 registered orphans and vulnerable children
• Facilitation of foster grants
• 9 committee members
• 9 volunteers
• 1 permanent staff member

• A resource centre of our own
• Stipends for volunteers
• School uniforms

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

Our address

J2 1814, Maqinase Street
Esikhawini
3887