Support Children Orphaned by Aids in South Africa

Our aim for this campaign was to raise money to help vulnerable and orphaned children in South Africa. As a result of the generosity of our supporters, we have been able to care for orphaned children in the following ways:

• Offering emotional and physical support to children who have lost their parents and other family members;
• Safety and protection
• Warm and nutritious meals
• Material needs such as school uniforms, school shoes, stationery, and transport to and from school
• Supporting child-headed homes
• Healthcare, including the provision of anti-retroviral medication and monitoring, TB screening, deworming, monitoring for growth stunting, vitamins, vision, and dental care.
• HIV and gender-based violence education and prevention
• Operation of 25 preschools, keeping children safe, well-fed, and educated.

This campaign has raised $159,517 so far, and will remain active until we reach our goal of $170,000!

The money raised through this campaign since its inception in 2022, has enabled us to provide:

• 70,000 warm nutritious meals for the children
• 37,000 visits from our Wellness Wagon Health Program (mobile clinic)

These are crucial in promoting better health, regular school attendance, improved academic performance, and the overall well-being of our children.

We are continuously working to raise money through present and future campaigns in order to fulfill our mission and expand our impact on the lives of the children and their families.

We are exploring other avenues of fundraising including, but not limited to; digital campaigns, corporate partnerships, more fundraising events in other states and countries, and grant applications to secure the necessary funds for expanding our reach.

Starfish has helped over 300,000 children in 23 years, one child at a time!

Links:

• Watch the video 'I am special'

*The names are change for the protection of the children!

Luyanda,Grade 2, and her little brother are part of the Educational Support programme in Mpophomeni near Howick.  Both are part of the Ethembeni (be hopeful) Educational Support Program.  The two siblings live with their ill mother in indigent conditions.

Luyanda recently got a certificate for best attendance, a milestone as initially she was very withdrawn and shy.  By building a relationship with her and the family, through concrete support, home-visitations and by helping the mom access healthcare, a relationship was established with Luyanda.

It emerged that the little girl had been raped.  Twice.  The first perpetrator had been jailed, but the second was an uncle who sometimes assisted the family financially.

Funding from Starfish was used to support the family.  The case was reported to the designated child-protection unit and is being investigated.  Luyanda’s mom has also reported the case to the tribal authorities who will deal with the man appropriately.

Luyanda is receiving counselling and is being supported in a process of ongoing healing. Her teachers have commented on her progress at school and her improved attendance. 

My school supports Starfish. Starfish supports Ethembeni.  Ethembeni supports children like Luyanda. 

All of this is possible because of your support Starfish together with the Partner’s. 

Links:

• See our work on Facebook
• Vist our website today for more info about us!