Vulnerable children get much needed support
Angel has put considerable time and energy into helping these children.
A centre that supports vulnerable children has received a boost through a donation from the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), as part of its annual Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative.
Dwaleni community member Angel Dzimba identified the need to assist vulnerable children in an area outside White River and founded the Umalusi Life Centre, which until now has operated out of her own home.
In partnership with registered non-profit organisation Sinani, the Umalusi Life Centre is making a significant impact on the lives of about 160 children aged between three and 18 years.
They are given nutritious meals and helped with homework.
GEMS donated building materials for the construction of an extension to the Umalusi Life Centre, which will include a life skills area, covered open-plan area, crèche, office, storeroom, sickbay and kitchen. Fencing, as well as rainwater tanks and water pumps, were also donated to ensure availability of water, as the centre is not connected to bulk municipality services.
The construction began in June and is expected to be completed in September. “We learnt about Angel’s work from our client liaison office in Mbombela and decided to make the centre the beneficiary of GEMS CSI project for the year,” explained Dr Stan Moloabi, chief operations officer of GEMS.
Moloabi said education and nutrition are important foundations for building a better life and Angel has put considerable time and energy into helping these children.
For those from child-headed households, Angel and her team provide adult guidance and support. “It is our privilege to support Angel’s work so that the Umalusi Life Centre can do more to support the wellness of the children it serves,” Moloabi said. “Investing in them is one of the surest ways to help uplift this community and contribute to a better tomorrow for our country as a whole.”
They have committed to donating washing machines, fridges and freezers as well as kitchen utensils, crockery, tables and chairs to make the centre more homely.
Craig Rebro, executive director of Sinani, says they have been associated with Umalusi Life Centre for two years and have been deeply impressed by Angel’s dedication to uplifting her community. He expressed Sinani’s gratitude for the contribution GEMS made in supporting the centre’s work.
“Umalusi has been struggling to care for the most vulnerable children in Dwaleni for at least four years. Angel and her team have taken care of the children, even in the most difficult times. The building of this centre will make a world of difference to their safety and development,” Rebro stated.
The scheme’s board of trustees and GEMS staff members visited the construction site on August 1 to see how work is progressing.
“It was a pleasure to meet some of the children,” Moloabi concluded.
