Tsakani – The Feed A Child, Feed A Nation initiative was founded last November by Gugu Nhlengethwa.
The organisation was inspired at church during a long service.

Nhlengethwa noticed that children were getting hungry and that there was no after-school feeding scheme in their community.

“We aim to address a need for underprivileged school children to be able to come in and have a meal. More so on weekends and during school holidays.

“We aim to close the gap and make sure that underprivileged school children attending classes on weekends and holidays find our organisation’s feeding scheme open and eat so they can focus on their school work,” explained Nhlengethwa.

She emphasised that the organisation’s main purpose and vision are to eliminate hunger in the Tsakani community. Another aim is to make sure no child attends classes on an empty stomach.

“Our target beneficiaries are school children. We identify underprivileged school children by having a list of the children who always come and enjoy meals and get school essentials.

“Vulnerable families too. We have a list so our organisation can provide services like sports, puzzle play for toddlers, reading activities to keep their young minds focused and school essentials,” she cited.

Last December, Lynn Lubbe and her family brought 51 underprivileged children Christmas clothes. Nhlengethwa explained that the family also held a Christmas party for the children.

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“The joy on the children’s faces was overwhelmingly beautiful. They received gifts such as clothes, chocolates, perfume and toys that made them feel special.

“Lynn has been supportive since that day and we thank her for her generosity and kindness,” said Nhlengethwa.

She added that her organisation received support from Tsakane Mall in May when they donated a R5 000 grocery voucher.

Nhlengethwa stated that they were able to provide nutritious meals and cater to a large number of people throughout the month.

Recent community projects implemented by the initiative include:

• Donated 100 pairs of school shoes to the Tsakani community (to a church and at Mbongeni Mgududu Secondary School).
• Donated 100 pairs of school socks to Mbongeni Mgududu Secondary School
• Donated 50 Hungry Lion meals to support a community church school shoe distribution drive initiative
• Distributed 300 Rise Against Hunger meals to families in a Tsakani church
• Organisation distributed 240 loaves of bread donated by AA Bakery on February 20.

“We currently have 40 blankets donated by Landy and Bic pens to distribute,” she said.

The current needs and challenges faced by the organisation are a shortage of food items to prepare nutritious meals and keep the feeding scheme operational daily.

“As schools are closing soon, some children attend classes during school holidays and need to eat,” she emphasised.

Nhlengethwa urged individuals and businesses, or the government to support their work and needs by donating food items to help prepare meals. They need chairs, cutlery, and sustainable shelter.

“Our future plans are to expand the initiative so that we can feed more people and provide grocery hampers to vulnerable and child-headed families in Tsakani.

“The goal is to help alleviate poverty and bring hope for a better tomorrow to those who need it most,” she highlighted.

She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to their donors, partners and community members for the incredible support they have shown the organisation.

“As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. By working together, we can build stronger communities, restore dignity and create a brighter future for generations to come,” she concluded.

For enquiries and donations, contact Nhlengethwa on 073 913 2316.