Community centre expands support to feed vulnerable children and elderly
A local organisation has broadened its services to include a daily feeding scheme for schoolchildren while continuing to support elderly residents with meals and care programmes.
Battling Kids Community Centre in Orlando East continues to be a refuge of hope for the children and elders in the area.
The NPO, which operates within the Sofasonke community, has become an ideal of hope for elderly residents and vulnerable children who depend on the centre for daily meals, care and social support programmes.
Founded by community activist Gogo Rachel Mthembu (75), the centre initially focused on programmes for older persons, including meal provision, exercise sessions, singing and knitting activities aimed at improving their wellbeing and reducing social isolation.
Through funding support from the Gauteng Department of Social Development, the organisation has been able to sustain these critical services for senior citizens in the community.
Gogo Mthembu said the Department’s support has helped ensure that many elderly residents continue to receive meals and care, particularly those who struggle with poverty and unemployment within their households.
“The support from the Gauteng Department of Social Development has assisted us greatly in ensuring that older persons are cared for and do not sleep hungry.
“Many of them depend on this centre not only for food, but also for companionship and support,” she said.
As the needs within the community grew, the organisation extended its services to include a drop-off and feeding programme for approximately 70 children from nearby primary schools.
The programme currently benefits learners from Lukholweni, Zakheni, Silope Thema and Zithumeleni Primary Schools.
Gogo Mthembu said the centre could not ignore the plight of children who arrived hungry and without adequate after-school care.
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“We realised that many children in our community also needed support. Some come from difficult backgrounds and often arrive here hungry.
“Even though our funding currently focuses on programmes for older persons, we continue to assist the children because we believe no child should go hungry.”
The organisation also receives food donations from retailers such as Pick’n Pay and Woolworths, as well as occasional support from the City’s Metro Police Department.
However, the growing demand for services continues to place pressure on the centre’s limited resources.
Gogo Mthembu expressed appreciation for the partnership with the Gauteng Department of Social Development and remains hopeful that future support will also help strengthen services for vulnerable children.
The work done by Battling Kids Community Centre demonstrates the important role that partnerships between government and community-based organisations play in restoring dignity, fighting hunger, and improving the lives of vulnerable residents across Gauteng.
