About 1.5 million people live in Port Elisabeth. To the north of the town lies the large area of Northern Areas, an area filled with “townships”. About 1.2 million people live here. The data are estimates, many living here are refugees, undocumented and without permits.
Jacksonville is one of the suburbs of Port Elisabeth, here live about 10000 people but the boundaries between towns and villages can be fluid.
We chose to start in Jacksonville because here we have established contacts in the local Church and there are spaces for our ministry.
The Church is of great importance in South Africa, it is well entrenched in society and among the people. Churches are often in good contact with each other and cooperate on many issues. It creates a form of informal infrastructure in the country with uncomplicated and fast connections.
The dominant religion is Christianity and the churches often have a broad social activity in which we are happy to be involved.
