Ronan couple helps build houses in South Africa
Nicole Tavenner
Thomas and Dixie Hall of Ronan work with a non-profit organization called Mosaic to build homes in South Africa. Thomas rides his fold-up bike long distances to fundraise and starts the next leg of bicycle-fudraising in June.
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
RONAN — It’s hard to imagine that only 22 years ago, South Africa abolished apartheid, allowing the segregation of blacks from whites through government legislation, to end. While much progress has been made, many in the country have been ravaged by an HIV epidemic and a poor economy, meaning that many black people have been left orphaned or unemployed, according to Thomas and Dixie Hall of Ronan.
The couple have worked in the country with a non-profit organization called Mosaic to help address such issues.
Mosaic, with the support of volunteers such as the Halls’, bring teams of 12 to 15 people to South Africa to assist with various issues the country faces, including more than five million orphans, a 65 percent unemployment rate, and a lack of habitable houses. The team builds a house for families that agree to take in at least two orphans. Local people and volunteers learn skills needed to build houses, helping them both in a sense.
“If you’re willing to work, pay rent, and take two orphans, you will get screened by Mosaic (to have a house built),” Dixie said.
The rule of thumb for the organization is to not merely give things away, but to involve the community and family, in which the house will benefit, and to teach them marketable skills.
Many of the people that are assisted have little to no education and have only been trained to work in places such as mines.
“We give a hand-up to rehab and redevelopment and create educational opportunities,” Thomas said.
Mosaic, composed of various Christian entities, has also helped to build community centers. Computers are often donated by other organizations. After the centers are built, life skills training occurs, such as financial literacy and after-school programs.
The Halls became interested in Mosaic in 2008 when Meyer Conradie, the CEO and co-founder of the organization, came to their church. They have been involved ever since and even brought a team from Sanders County.
“He was amazing. We go over every year,” Dixie said.
The trip lasts 10 to 11 days, costs a couple thousand dollars per volunteer to go, and includes more than 37 hours of travel. On top of this, South Africans speak about 11 different languages, which can sometimes make communicating a challenge with the crews of local people that help to build the houses.
It can be a culture shock to those who volunteer as well. Teams are given culturally relevant training prior to their departure.
“There’s some pretty intense moments. We’re not brick layers. You get thrown in to it; it can be tiring,” Thomas said.
The teams that come to build the houses also get to taste and experience South Africa. Safaris are a highlight of the time spent away from hard work and local food is shared.
“They want us to experience their country,” Dixie said.
Although the couple only visits the country once a year, Mosaic and its purpose are never far from their minds.
Thomas works to fundraise by doing various things like riding his fold-up bike across vast distances.
This year Thomas will complete 1,500 miles of the EuroVelo 13 bike route, nicknamed the Iron Curtain Trail. He begins by flying into Oslo, Norway, on June 6, then catch a plane to Kirkenes where the adventure begins. He will travel by bike through Finland, stop in Russia, take a ferry to Tallinn, Estonia and finish his journey in Riga Latvia. He hopes to raise enough money, around $15,000, to help purchase supplies to build one house in South Africa.
He will depart for his bike ride directly after his son’s wedding.
“Bless the marriage, bless the bike,” Thomas said with a smile.
Dixie is a financial advisor for Thrivent Financial, a Christian based financial organization. Every year, the group awards three advisors from different geographic regions an award of $30,000 to donate to non-profit organizations of their choice. This year, Dixie won for the western division.
She chose to donate a large portion of the award to Mosaic and a small portion to Imagine Missoula.
“It’s not about me. We serve some incredible people,” Dixie said.
