Local donation fosters education centre
Local organisations create an education centre at the Makaphutu Children's Village.
THE local community has once again illustrated its generosity, as two organisations have made a donation in support of the Makaphutu Children’s Village in Botha’s Hill.
Pupils, parents and staff of the Chatterbox Pre-Primary School in Winston Park not only raised funds for their school at its recent Bike Ride Fundraiser, but also collected some funds, various toys and clothes for the children living in the Village.
The Famous Fun Factory, a local import company, boosted the school’s donation, and the combined funds were used to buy educational toys and equipment designed to teach the children early motor skills.
Natasha Verbaan, the Chatterbox Pre-Primary School principal, said, “When we did the fundraiser for the school we decided that we also wanted to assist a local charity. We approached the village and found out that the children younger than six years old don’t have the opportunity to go to a school. We then decided to help them set up an education centre and to teach the staff how to use the educational toys. The aim was not only to give back to the community, but also to teach our pupils that giving is important. We do not want this project to be a once off donation, we want to keep it going.”
Nic Addison the CEO of the Makaphutu Children’s Village, welcomed the donation. “The staff and volunteers strive to love and nurture the children wholeheartedly. We focus on developing their emotional, physical, educational and spiritual elements, and we appreciate any partnership or assistance that allows us to improve our efforts,” said Addison.
The Makaphutu Children’s Village was established in response to the HIV and AIDS pandemic, thus the NPO provides protection for orphans and vulnerable children.
“One of our primary aims is to change the set victim mentality within the children. We teach them leadership skills and how to provide a service to the community,” said Addison.
Currently the village cares for 50 children, aged two to 19 years. While its does receive funding from the government, the NPO is also dependent on charitable support.
