Traditionally, the South Africa Heritage Day celebrations run from the first to the 30th of the month. During the month, people celebrate by enjoying their creative expression, including performances and music, language, inheritance, popular memory, and even South African food.
GAPA celebrated World Heritage Day celebrated in South Africa on the 24th September 2022.
She first learned about GAPA through another elder in her community who saw Yula's struggles and invited her to join. The elder assured her that GAPA could help her find support and solace in her difficult situation. Yula decided to attend, and from that moment, her life began to change. At GAPA, Yula was given the chance to share her story, which brought a tremendous sense of relief. She no longer carried her burdens alone. Not only did GAPA provide a place for her to speak and be heard, but they also prayed for her during her darkest times. It was through these moments of prayer and connection that Yula found the strength she had been missing.
Before GAPA, Yula’s life had become a mess. After losing her children, she was consumed with grief. However, through GAPA, she discovered a community that not only helped her heal but empowered her to find happiness again. Now, her life is easier and more peaceful, supported by the love and prayers of her new GAPA family. Since joining GAPA, Yula's life has transformed. Surrounded by other grandmothers who support and uplift her, she feels as though she has found a new family—brothers and sisters who stand by her. GAPA has filled her life with companionship, faith, and joy. The once overwhelming sadness has lifted, replaced by laughter, hope, and a sense of belonging.
Yula looks forward to every Tuesday, the day of GAPA’s weekly meet-ups. It has become a beacon in her life, a time when she knows she can share her thoughts, joys, and sorrows with those who understand her. She eagerly anticipates these gatherings, where she feels fully alive, laughing, learning, and living in the moment with her fellow GAPA members. Her message to others is one of hope: "If you are going through something similar in your life, GAPA is here to help. I have found love, strength, and a new family in GAPA, and I encourage anyone facing hardship to join. At GAPA, we laugh, we cry, we pray, and together, we heal."
Do you have a skill, health information or words of encouragement you would like to share with our seniors? Come and join us for one of our health clubs! We would love to learn from you.
Volunteers (local and foreign) are also welcome to help at GAPA in a variety of ways. We have had volunteers who assist us with our children at the aftercare; as well as volunteers who spend extended time with us, supporting us with an array of operational tasks.
Complete the form below and our Occupational Therapist will get back to about how you can share your time with us.
You can help GAPA by donating food, clothing, educational items, garden items, and many other goods and services.
You may deliver your donation directly to the GAPA office during business hours. See our Contact Us page for a map and other details. Alternatively, we can arrange for your donation to be collected from an address that you specify in the form below. (Cape Town area).
Please complete the form below so that we may keep a record of your kind donation.
