Pastor trained by World Vision wins Commonwealth Point of light award
By Atang Likotsi
A pastor Mr Bonga Mzini, trained in Channels of Hope, through World Vision Lesotho, has won a Commonwealth Point of Light for Outstanding volunteers Award for his dedication to serve the most vulnerable children. He is based in an Area Programme in the South of Lesotho,
The award package consists of: a personalised certificate and letter signed by Her Majesty, the Queen of England, and will be presented to him at a Commonwealth Big Lunch in Lesotho, hosted by the British High Commissioner to Lesotho, Nigel Casey on 14 March.
The Commonwealth Points of Light award was created to recognise outstanding volunteers that have delivered a significant impact on the lives of others, creating innovative approaches to social challenges and have inspired others to make a positive change within and beyond their communities.
After having gone through a series of World Vision trainings on Channels of Hope, he got deeply engaged in child protection issues in his community. The training pushed him to consider how he can contribute to change his community for the better, and the children became his main focus.
He went beyond ministering the Word of God to the children like most pastors would normally do and started a child feeding programme for 300 orphans and vulnerable children. The food is for children below six years.
“During feeding time, children spend time praising God and also offer a prayer of thanksgiving. Faith Leaders reinforce water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) messages with emphasis on good hygiene,” he said.
He says they also take time to teach the Word of God as outlined in the Jesus Source of Living Waters manual – a manual used by World Vision in its Faith and Development work with communities.
The training on Empowered Worldview, a model within the Channels of Hope training saw the Faith Leaders under the leadership of Mzini starting an association aimed at generating income to support the most vulnerable children as primary beneficiaries. With the help of World Vision, 700 chickens were provided as an income generating activity start-up. Their dream is to expand the project so that they can feed more children.
Meanwhile, Points of Light awards began in America under President George H. W. Bush and today over 6,000 US Points of Light have been recognised. The scheme has the support of all living US Presidents. Since 2014 the UK Prime Minister has also been recognising a daily Point of Light from the UK, with almost 900 now recognised.
Commonwealth Points of Light is a special series of awards recognising inspirational volunteers throughout the Commonwealth in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London in April 2018.
Pastor Mzini will be the 30th Commonwealth Point of Light representing Lesotho for his inspiring work in his community of Mount Moorosi where he also led campaigns to end violence against women and children.