Foundation gives children hope

Emasibathandeni children had something to smile about as they got goodies from the Hope Foundation.

Every year the Hope Foundation makes sure it raises funds for the homes in the townships.

After getting such funds it then holds fun days or buys blankets, clothes or television sets and beds for the children in the homes.

This year was no different, as a fun-filled event was hosted by the non-profit organisation on Saturday March 7 at the Emasibathandeni Children’s Organisation in Nyanga, a home for vulnerable children.

The organisation’s founder, Ntombozuko Bota, said they are committed to transforming communities through the education and empowerment of young children.

She said the organisation, formed in 2017, was motivated by poverty in the townships.

The daughter of a poor single mother, Ms Bota praised her mother for always being inspirational to her.

“I grew up in a poor family where my mother would scratch bins and take old clothes to clothe us.

“That stuck with me and I wanted to help other poor children in the same situation. It is not by luck that we are here today.

“The aim is to motivate, educate and give help where we can,” she said.

But how do they choose the homes and who funds the organisation? Ms Bota said they have a good team that always keeps its ears to the ground.

She said in the past few years she was happy to have held 22 initiatives, including fun days for orphanages in the townships.

The day saw a host of activities and wonderful memories being made.

“We have been successful in our endeavour. Unfortunately, we have to go around asking for donations from corporate companies. But we also use social media to ask people.

“We are lucky because most people always respond positively.

“Even here we have the goodies from one giant cellphone company and its staff,” she told Vukani.

Acknowledging they are “quite privileged”, to have dedicated members managed by her and

Akhona Dodo, she made a call to all the companies and individuals to join them in the help for poor homes. She said everyone has an obligation to help one or two individuals.

Emasibathande manager, Mzoxolo Rubushe, thanked the organisation for its generosity.

He said in spite of many challenges the home continues to work on the development of new strategies to provide meaningful support to the children and in the community.

“We have approximately 28 children now but we are still going strong. “ We have support like these guys who are here today. We always welcome such support from individuals and organisations,” he said.

He said support like this brings hope to the staff of the home and the children.

The day had a lot of activities including jumping castles face painting, fun field games, music, and interactive dance sessions