Local NGO aims to feed every hungry child across the country
Malnutrition impinges on the development of a child’s active learning capacity.
A RECENT study by the Centre for Social Development in Africa at the University of Johannesburg found that children between the ages of four and 14 who received food at school had lower rates of being underweight and wasting than those who didn’t.
According to the study, 13 per cent of children in South Africa are stunted as a result of malnutrition.
Malnutrition directly impinges on the development of a child’s active learning capacity so that they function at reduced levels of intellectual development and academic achievement.
As early as 1975, local businessman,social activist and philanthropist Danny Govender, was instrumental in assisting World Vision and Operation Hunger to successfully raise funds to feed the masses dying of starvation in the most disadvantaged areas in South Africa. Regarded as a workaholic by nature, and a man not afraid to roll up his sleeves, Govender founded the Goodlife Foundation which was established in 1979 and registered as a Non Profit Organisation in 2010, aimed at assisting and empowering underprivileged and disadvantaged communities, with a special focus on children.
“To date, we have donated over R2 million since 2010 feeding disadvantaged families and especially school children with nutritious meals daily. Our foundation was established to assist and empower underprivileged and disadvantaged communities, especially focusing on children and has, since its inception, enjoyed both visionary leadership and unwavering support from a few dedicated and caring philanthropists. Ultimately, the beneficiaries of the organisation are those who have been marginalised, disadvantaged and poor. Children are forefront in our thoughts, we therefore provide nutritious meals to as many disadvantaged children at schools on a daily basis,” said Govender.
From humble beginnings to a well known and successful entrepreneur, Govender who is a Musgrave resident, says he thrives on challenges and his vision and plan is to educate children about HIV-AIDS and feed every hungry child in all the primary schools across the country because his passion is to serve humanity.
“While there is every intention to grow in scope and magnitude towards a national footprint, GLF is firmly rooted in the pursuit of excellence in the delivery of all its programmes within an all-encompassing value system of Ubuntu. We have partnered with Info4africa which is a comprehensive guide to HIV and AIDS related support services in South Africa and we have trained HIV- AIDS and rape counsellors available to us”, said Govender.”
“Going forward we are engaging with like minded people to come on board with their expertise so that together Goodlife Foundation can make a huge societal change in regards to poverty and hunger,” he said.
Any persons wanting to contribute or assist can conct Danny Govender on 031 209 8300 or 082 569 8300 or email danny@goodlifefoundation.org.za. Visit the website at www.goodlifefoundation.org.za
