Our Mission

Key of Hope reaches children, youth, and young adults, in disadvantaged communities with the hope found in Jesus Christ through lifelong mentoring relationships.

Our Vision

To unlock the future of Africa by empowering children to be ambassadors of change in their families, schools and communities.

Our Core Values

We are guided by our discipleship approach based on Matthew 28:19-20; guiding holistic growth and development:

Heart: giving children emotional support through mentoring relationships at home visits.

Soul: teaching children about who Jesus is and how the Gospel impacts their life at our Kidz Klub, Youth Night, and devotions.

Mind: providing children’s school fees, uniforms, and transportation to receive tutoring at our Hope Academy program.

Strength: nourishing and strengthening children with food parcels and our Sports programs. 

Our History

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 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 poverty was born.

Key of Hope was formed in January 2007, and fundraising began in earnest. Dan and Rachel 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.

Slowly, with each relationship built, inroads were made into these areas. The work literally began with one child in one informal settlement, and has grown steadily from there. Key of Hope now operates with a staff of 35, ministering in over a dozen different slums with 2,000 children being visited at home each week.