March 14, 2013 (Powerhomebiz.com) The Chairman’s Fund provided two separate grants of R300 000 in 2010, and R350 000 in 2011, towards the nutritional support of children in the feeding scheme. Phindile Hlalele, ACFS executive director, notes that Anglo American’s support has proved to be crucial to improving the lives of the children and their parents.
“Funding is always a problem for NGOs, and the Chairman’s Fund’s grants came at a time when our organisation was struggling financially.
“Thanks to the Fund’s consistent help, we are now able to ensure that these children don’t go hungry, which is essential if they are to realise their full educational potential. The Fund is therefore helping the children, especially those affected with HIV/AIDS, to have a better and brighter future.”
Hlalele adds that the grants from the Chairman’s Fund have not just changed the lives of children, but also that of their parents and guardians, by equipping them with essential life skills such as sewing, gardening and baking. She notes that these skills will ultimately allow the caregivers to function on their own, and not have to rely on organisational assistance.
The ACFS focuses on feeding and caring for vulnerable children, youth and destitute families, and operates from most townships in Gauteng including Alexandra, Tembisa, Katlehong, Kwa-Thema, Mamelodi and Soweto. Each township has one or more centres where food is distributed daily to children, by individuals from the community who volunteer their skills and time to serve the children.
The organisation manages and runs 13 feeding centres across its operational area. It also has 11 mobile food distribution points that carry meals further, and is involved in health and HIV/AIDS interventions, food gardens and job-creation initiatives.
The ACFS was established in 1945 by Father Trevor Huddleston and Judge Robin Stratford with the purpose of addressing the critical needs of malnourished and undernourished children living in townships.
Norman Mbazima, Chairman’s Fund Chairperson concludes that the Fund’s continued support of the African Children’s Feeding Scheme is aligned to its overall commitment to children’s welfare.
“Anglo American’s Chairman’s Fund is completely committed to community upliftment, and supporting organisations that make a real and lasting difference in the lives of children is a central aspect of this philosophy.
“We are therefore proud to support the ACFS, as by promoting conditions of care, education and social upliftment, the organisation is ultimately ensuring that numerous young children have total development, and are afforded the opportunity of a better life.”