Thousands Strong: Volunteer Ministers Transform Communities
Over 40,000 South Africans have completed the 19 Tools for Life courses, gaining practical skills to resolve conflicts, educate youth and strengthen their communities.
Across South Africa, from Gauteng to Durban, Bloemfontein to Soweto, over 40,000 Volunteer Ministers are helping citizens gain everyday skills—whether solving problems, restoring order or lending a hand when it’s needed most.
Firefighters at the Johannesburg Central Fire Station began the 19 VM online Tools for Life courses, learning methods to stay organized under pressure and handle tense situations calmly. Teachers at Peleng West Primary School learned new tools to help students. Community Policing Forum patrollers in Soweto explored ways to manage disputes and communicate effectively with local residents. Graduates immediately applied their knowledge, mentoring others and introducing problem-solving techniques within their workplaces and neighborhoods.
One person completing the Children course shared, “I learned about the importance of raising a child the correct way…. We should love them and show them care and compassion.”
Another, after finishing The Technology of Study course, said, “I learned that, to succeed in your studies, you must have the willingness to know and understand what you want to study.”
Graduates immediately applied their knowledge, mentoring others and introducing problem-solving techniques within their workplaces and neighborhoods.
A participant completing the How to Resolve Conflicts course remarked, “It has given me insight on how best to assist people with conflicts and to understand that listening is more important than reacting.”
VMs also conduct Community Development VM Empowerment Seminars, showing local leaders how to integrate the Tools for Life into their organizations. One seminar series in Durban gave a financial advisor the know-how to teach communities how to make better decisions using these skills. Workshops in Bloemfontein helped municipal staff address conflicts within their teams.
South Africa’s VMs are creating tangible change—arming citizens with the confidence and skills to strengthen families, workplaces and neighborhoods.
FACTS
EVERYDAY DISASTERS
VMs have solutions for every circumstance—major catastrophes and everyday disasters.
40
PERCENT
of marriages end
in divorce.
1.2 MILLION
STUDENTS
drop out of high school every year in the United States alone.
421 MILLION
HOSPITALIZATIONS
internationally each year.
19 MILLION
EMPLOYEES
were laid off from their jobs in a single year in the United States.
74
PERCENT
of people surveyed in the UK said they are so stressed that they are overwhelmed or unable to cope.
GIVE WHERE IT COUNTS
The Volunteer Ministers bring indiscriminate help to all corners of the world. Your donation plays a critical role in bringing relief to those in desperate circumstances, where every second counts and every contribution matters. Together we will make a lasting difference in the lives of others, showing them that “Something Can Be Done About It.”
