Thousands of South Africa's youth live in child-headed households. Help us provide 20 child-headed households with a generous food and toiletry hamper and a special lunch for South Africa's national Child Protection Week this June. One hamper costs just $20. The gift of food for the needy feeds not only a physical need - but also provides hope, dignity and reduces their vulnerability to abuse and exploitation. It is in OUR hands to support those who can't support themselves!
Poverty, illness, urbanisation and non-traditional family structures have catapulted thousands of children (18 years and younger) into adulthood, the need to provide for siblings and responsibility beyond their years. With no income and a disrupted education, in an already underserved and under resourced community, these children and their siblings face a bleak future. Without being able to provide for themselves, they are vulnerable to abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Providing child-headed households with groceries to make it through another few weeks, as well as hygiene supplies to stay healthy during a time of crisis, not only offers the most basic commodity of food - but also dignity, the ability to provide for their younger siblings and the hope they need to keep fighting for a better future.
When our youth are given the support and resources they need to finish their education, they become able to pursue opportunities to enter the workforce and support their families independently - eliminating their vulnerability to abuse and breaking the cycle of poverty they potentially face.
