Vin Ives
After 12 years in Africa which he spent in the communities of Arusha, Otiende and Nairobi, Brother Vin has returned to his native New Zealand. In 1998 he arrived in Arusha, Tanzania to wide ranging supporting role in the ministries in which the community was engaged. Vin taught living skills to a group of postulants. These were the skills which would be needed once they moved into community where they would be required to take up their share of domestic tasks. VIN’s first task, of course, was to learn enough of the Kiswahili language to enable him to handle the hustle and bustle of the local market.
A move to Otiende in Kenya saw Vin caring for the younger brothers in the community. He was also the purchasing officer for the young Brothers attending the Teacher’s College and as well he had a tutoring role assisting students with their English essays.p>
During Vin’s last five years in Africa he was attached to the South Seas community. Here Vin proved invaluable in the role of Community Leader especially in providing hospitality to the many visitors who came to visit the Ruben Complex [See video]. This consisted of a large primary school of 1750 students and a Health Clinic to which upwards of 200 people attended every day. The school itself provided one meal a day to the children.
During the years Vin was in Africa, he made a very significant contribution in various supporting roles in community, school and amongst the local people who came to the Brother’s residence seeking help such as medical care, feeding of children, and assistance with rent.
