Date: 25 May 2025 - 30 May 2026
Sometimes changing a community begins with nothing more than a dream, a few wooden poles in the ground, and a leader who refuses to give up.
When we first met Melonique Morris, she had a vision: to create a safe and nurturing place where the children in her community could learn, grow and belong. At the time, that vision looked incredibly simple—a few poles marking where a new classroom would one day stand.
What happened next is what Empower is all about.
One idea sparked another. One act of faith inspired a community.
Albertus Botha took on the challenge of running 100 kilometres through the mountains during the local MUT challenge, asking people to support his run. What started as a personal endurance challenge quickly became something much bigger—it became an opportunity to empower a local champion.
Runners, volunteers, churches, businesses and friends came together around one purpose: to help build a classroom for Melo's Marshmallows.
Hands that had never met before picked up shovels, carried bricks, mixed concrete and gave generously of their time, resources and encouragement. During a local church serve day, even more volunteers joined the project, transforming what began as a dream into a reality.
Today, Melonique continues to lead her community with remarkable passion, humility and integrity.
In the years we’ve walked alongside her, we’ve seen Melo's Marshmallows grow from around 20 children to more than 50, providing hope, education and a brighter future for families in her community.
The classroom is more than a building.
It is a reminder that when ordinary people come together around an extraordinary leader, lives are changed.
We believe the future of every community is shaped by local champions like Melonique—people who choose to serve faithfully, love generously and lead courageously.
To every runner, volunteer, donor and supporter who played a part in this journey: thank you.
Because of you, children have a place to learn, a leader has been empowered, and an entire community has been reminded that they are not forgotten.
Together, we are empowering champions. One community at a time.
To eradicate unemployment and poverty in the community. In the process of achieving this objective, we hope to connect people, support ideas and provide a platform for them to grow emotionally, relationally and spiritually before being launched successfully into a job creation environment.
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