Two North Coast non-profit organisations received a digital boost after Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi donated smart devices to support vulnerable children in the region.

The North Coast Courier Orphan Fund and Summerhill House were selected as beneficiaries of the initiative, aimed at improving access to technology among grassroots organisations.

Speaking at the handover at Collisheen Estate last Tuesday, Malatsi said non-profit organisations often had to choose between technology and essential running costs.

“We fully understand the power of effective communication in improving the quality of work,” he said.

The donation will make an immediate difference at Summerhill House, an Etete-based cluster foster care centre that runs three homes caring for 12 children.

Paula Owen said house mothers had previously relied on their personal cellphones and data to communicate. Each home will now have a dedicated device, with another allocated to the organisation’s fundraiser.

The North Coast Courier Orphan Fund, founded in 2003, supports vulnerable children, community organisations and students across the newspaper’s distribution area.

Fundraising co-ordinator Charmaine Premlal said the devices would improve communication for 20 NGO co-ordinators working directly with vulnerable families and children.

Premlal and Owen thanked Malatsi and DA mayoral candidate Privi Makhan for choosing their organisations.

Malatsi said his department would also explore providing digital skills training, particularly for organisations working with children who face growing risks online.

“These devices are our contribution to recognising the work that you are both doing in this community,” he said.