Nazareth House Fourteen Streams

In January 1925 five Sisters were sent to establish a small community outside Kimberely, the Sister named it ‘Nazareth Farm’ and they opened the first school in 1926 for 20 children of the farm workers, aged 7 to 17. The school consisted of a storeroom fitted out with a few rough benches and tables.

Nazareth Farm is about 80 kilometers east of Kimberley in the northern reaches of the Great Karoo and consists of land in a beautiful setting, extending many miles along the wooded banks of the Vaal River.

Today we have three buildings accommodating classes from crèche to Grade 12. The people living in the surrounding areas, from where most of our learners come, are underprivileged and suffer enormous poverty. Unemployment is crippling – the majority of families are living way below the bread-line. We operate a pre-school and nursery (The Crèche) for +/- 50 children, taking care of the early mental, emotional, and spiritual development of the little ones. Our focus is on laying a sound Christian foundation for future families so that they can be self-reliant and cope with the difficult circumstances raising themselves from the cycle of poverty. This way we reach the young mothers as well. The little ones often come hungry to the Crèche and we endeavour to provide three meals daily.

Besides the Crèche we have an Intermediate School – Grade 1 to Grade 9 Currently there are about 350 learners enrolled. Since most of the children come from extremely poor families the sisters provide transport, uniforms, and second-hand clothing. The children receive one wholesome meal per day, which for most of them, is the only nourishment they will get for the entire day.