Abraham Kriel Childcare in desperate financial straits
JOBURG - Gloom replaces festive season excitement at Abraham Kriel Childcare (AKC), as the 112-year-old organisation seeks solutions to its financial crisis.
Established in 1902 as a haven for children orphaned in the South African War, AKC cares for more than 1 000 children in Observatory, Yeoville, northern Johannesburg and the East Rand. AKC provides shelter, care and rehabilitation for victims of abuse, neglect, trauma and poverty between birth and 18 years. The organisation operates 21 children’s homes and provides a multitude of services through community programmes, including food, shelter, pastoral care, social services, and skills development. If its dire financial situation is not addressed, however, this venerable organisation will be forced to reduce its invaluable services.
Halfway through the current financial year, AKC faces a R3.6 million shortfall, due to reduced state funding, loss of income from government childcare training, and donations that remain below budget despite donor loyalty and fundraising efforts. Despite reducing expenses, the organisation was forced to draw on emergency funds, which will be exhausted within three months without immediate help.
It is no cheaper for a care centre to raise a child than it is for a middle-class family, and residential care is AKC’s biggest expense, according to marketing manager Hilda Du Toit. However, AKC is battling to provide basic necessities to children under its protection.
According to chief executive Paul Momsen, crisis ironically comes as AKC celebrates positive outcomes including an international filmmakers award for one alumnus, and more than 50% of school-leavers from programmes in Soweto and Westbury requesting assistance to enroll in tertiary studies. To continue its work, AKC is pursuing all possible income sources, but faces restructuring in order to operate more sustainably.
“We may look a bit different in a couple of years, but we have no intention of stopping our work,” said Du Toit.
In the short term, meanwhile, cash flow is an urgent priority.
“Without the help and support of donors in the very near future, we are unlikely to be able to maintain services at current levels. We are appealing to all existing donors to consider donations to the core costs rather than the ‘nice to have’ gifts,” said Momsen.
Details: www.abrahamkriel.org
