United Congregational Church of Southern Africa 

The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA), founded in 1967, has a strong established partnership with Global Ministries.  The UCCSA spans five countries in southern Africa (Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, and Botswana).  In South Africa there are 272 UCCSA congregations with 235,900 members.

One of the South African UCCSA congregations is in Zola Soweto and operates the UCCSA Bridgman Development Centre.  The Centre opened its doors in 1975 under the direction of its founder, Reverend Bernard Spong, and was developed to provide tutorial support and leadership development to high school students.  These students were some of the most marginalized students in the area from a community riddled with poverty, violence, discrimination, and despair.  Despite the challenges from the system of apartheid in those days, there have always been young hopefuls who have participated in the Centre to forge ahead.

Today, the Bridgman Development Centre continues to work hard and maintains its tradition of education and the empowerment of young leaders.  It also faces many challenges including a lack of skilled human resources and financial resources.

Following are the projects and programs that exist today at the Bridgman Development Centre:

The Saturday School

Serving between 50 – 80 students each year, the school provides extra lessons and tutoring in math, physical sciences, English, and accounting.  The Centre also houses a small computer lab and library for students to study, write papers, and research.

The After Care Program

The program provides homework assistance, recreation, and arts and crafts activities to approximately 50 youth between the ages of 7 – 13.  The children attend the program each week, Monday – Friday, from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  They receive a snack each day and have a culminating event each Christmas for the community.

Girls Against the Spread of AIDS (GASA)

According to a recent newspaper article, 34 percent of the community's population is living with HIV and most are not even aware of their status.  In addition, the most affected are females between the ages of 15 and 45.  The GASA program was introduced in 2003 and has recently expanded to develop an AIDS awareness program to target gender sensitive realities.

GASA includes girls ages 15 through 18 in intensive sessions of HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention Advocacy training.  Once completed, the girls share what they have learned with other youth in the community.  The project leader's objective is to train and build capacity among the young women in hopes that they will be able to manage and coordinate the project.

The Bridgman Centre is in particular need of funding for computers.  For people in this area, access to computers is their primary link to the outside world – both through what they can learn on the computer and the difference that having computer skills can make. Bridgman has provided a detailed list of other resources that would enhance the work they are able to do.  The wish list is available to those who are interested.

The Bridgman Development Centre is a wonderful place of ministry and, despite its many challenges in areas of both human and financial resources, it is making a difference in the lives of many children, youth, and young adults in the Zola community.

Bridgman Wish List

The following list shows examples of supplies, furnishings, and services that Bridgman Center would like to acquire. Several items include the cost for purchase. Note that because of the cost to ship materials and the cost and challenge of receiving materials through customs, actual items should not be sent to Bridgman Center.

• Storage containers
• CD ROM Encyclopedia
• Antivirus Software
• Internet Access: $75/month
• Small Christian Prizes
• Resource books for program ideas:
  • Recreation ideas
  • Craft ideas
  • Life skill ideas
  • Bible Snack Ideas
  • Bible Activity Books for all ages
• Office supplies
• Projector: $895

Aftercare Program:

• Sponsor A Special Bible Snack:  $32/ week
• Card Games
• Board Games:  games for kids of all ages
• Recreation Supplies like jump ropes, balls, outdoor games, bowling sets, four square balls
• Large rug for reading corner: $65
• Balloons
• Sandwich Bags
• Air pumps for balls
• Children's CDs
• Flash cards
• Puzzles
• School Supplies
• Children and Young adult resource books
  • Geography
  • Health: AIDS, Diabetes, Drugs and Alcohol
  • Science
  • South African History
  • Technology

GASA Program

• Couch:  $130
• Bean bag chairs:  $35 each, want about four
• Curtains for four windows
• Area Rug:  $40
• Small Table:  $25
• Bookshelf:  $35
• Teenage Posters/Artwork
• Teenage Magazines and Books
• Transportation for Service Projects:  $40 per trip