Who We Are

Though it ranks only 25th in the world in total population, South Africa is home to the highest AIDS population of any country on the planet. One in five is HIV+. More than 35 people die of AIDS every hour in South Africa alone. This horrific AIDS epidemic in South Africa has leftbehind 3-6 million orphans, with millions already suffering the effects of parents who are sick and dying of AIDS.

Staff

Dan and Rachel Smither

In 2007, after ministering to thousands of inner city children for more than ten years with The Power Company Kids Club (Pontiac, MI), Dan and Rachel founded Key of Hope. Dan has a bachelor’s degree in theology from William Tyndale College, and Rachel studied music theory at Oakland University. They have been married since 1995, and have four beautiful daughters. Email Dan: dan@keyofhope.org or Rachel: rachel@keyofhope.org

Siyanda and Thembile Goba

Both born and raised in Durban, Siyanda and Thembile have three boys of their own. In addition to heading the Family Rights program, Siyanda leads our Cross Training sports program, and serves as Area Coordinator for three squatter camps. Email Siyanda: siyanda@keyofhope.org

Roz Wilson

A retired school teacher with more than 40 years of experience in primary school, special education, and preschool education, Roz heads up our preschool Crèche Project. Email Roz: roz@keyofhope.org

Thokozile Khumalo

Thoko runs our girls’ netball teams as part of the Cross Training sports program. She also assists Roz Wilson in the Crèche Project. She and her husband have two children.

Thomas Masimini

Thomas is a local pastor who believes strongly in reaching the children of his community. He is coordinator for three areas, and he and his wife run an after school feeding program.

Our Story

After more than ten years serving at The Power Company Kids Club since its founding, Dan and Rachel Smither felt that God was calling them to begin a unique ministry to children in the worst AIDS affected area in the entire world: Durban, South Africa. Based on the power of long term mentoring relationships and the language of music to communicate the truths of the Gospel, the dream to reach thousands of children affected by AIDS was born.

After deciding to make the move to Africa, Dan and Rachel set about preparing to make that dream a reality. Key of Hope was formed in January 2007, and fundraising began in earnest. The Smithers sold their house, cars, and furniture, and made a trip to Durban to begin making arrangements for housing, school for their girls, and other essentials. One year later, in January 2008,they stepped off a plane onto the runway at Durban International Airport with 16 suitcases and clear vision of what God had assigned them to accomplish.

Relocating to a developing African nation known as the crime capital of the world was not an easy transition to make. Safety was a major concern in a country ranked in the top three in the worldfor murder, kidnapping, robbery, assault, and rape. Overcoming racism was also a hurdle, in a country with a long history of white oppression, racial violence, and political corruption.

Slowly, with each relationship built, inroads were made into these areas. The work literally began with one child in one squatter camp, and has grown steadily from there. Key of Hope now operates with a staff of seven, ministering in eight different squatter camps and two black township areas, with more than 300 children being visited at home each week.

Financial Accountability

Click to read our Tax Exempt Determination Letter
Click to read out Section 21 Registration Documents