Donation encourages children to read
KidZAid Trust supports a baby clinic and six creches for vulnerable children, situated in Mariannhill, Mariannridge, Ntshongweni and Inchanga.
THE recent visit to various creches in the Mariannhill area by the KidZAid Trust, a registered PBO in Kloof, brought much joy to the little ones.
The organisation was started in 2004 by former Kloof resident, Helen Lee. The Trust supports a baby clinic and six creches for vulnerable children, situated in Mariannhill, Mariannridge, Ntshongweni and Inchanga.
KidZAid chairperson Mary-Ann Pringle-Steiner said the creches face severe challenges in the form of shortages of water, ablution facilities, educational resources as well as funding.
On the day of the visit, the PBO trustees took along books and children’s clothing donated by a Kloof clothing manufacturer.
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“We also gave the children Zulu and wordless books produced by CT publisher ‘Book Dash’. KidZAid will workshop the books with the teachers to show them how to use song, rhyme, and dance to encourage the children to read. Each child will be given the books to take home with a pamphlet of reading tips for the parents,” she said.
The organisation provides regular funding for food as well as donations of educational resources, clothing, blankets, books, and games whenever available.
According to Pringle-Steiner, annual agreements are signed by the beneficiaries committing to the proper allocation of the funds and to providing a quarterly written report to the Trustee.
“Regular visits are made to the beneficiaries to remain in contact, to find out about their needs and challenges and to ensure that the funds are being appropriately assigned.”
The Trust’s next project is to install ablutions at some of the creches.
“This is to enable them to qualify for ‘Early Childhood Development’ classification, a government requirement to qualify for government funding.”
She added that KidZAid receives some support from a charitable trust, a few donors, and churches.
The chairperson appeals to individuals or companies who are able to assist KidZAid under their Corporate Social Investment Portfolios to contact her on 083 289 4520.
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