Children's Literacy (South Africa)

In the face of a once in a lifetime pandemic, Masinyusane has provided emergency food support to families, launched innovative ways of reaching children, and are now poised to help schools reopen successfully and ensure children get as much support as possible during this difficult time.

As Covid-19 tears through South Africa, we are very worried about the children. In the moment, they are going hungry. But in the long-term, losing a year of their foundational schooling could be devestating.

In response to hunger, we launched the largest feeding programme in the city, Project Unity. With two partner nonprofits, we have distributed over R2,000,000 of food to children and families in need throughout the crisis. We have partnered with the Department of Education to distribute food parcels to over 75 schools, with an emphasis on the most impoverished. We built a website (www.projectunity.co.za) if you'd like to learn more.

Here are a few comments from principals:

"Masinyusane has become a beacon of hope for all schools in the middle of this very difficult time." Principal Sandi (Cingani H.S.)

”May God bless you for showing such a warm hand through donations of food parcels for the community of Ashton Gontshi. As the school principal educators and SGB at large, we really appreciate the warmth and kindness received from your organisation. Thank you very much.” ~ Principal Ketshem (Ashton Gontshi P.S.)

“I’m requested by the staff, parents, learners and the community of Phakama Primary School to pass words of appreciation and to thank you for the food parcels. This is huge and made a big difference, may God bless you.” ~ Principal Maphuza (Phakama P.S.)

In response to our children's educations, we took the following steps during the lockdown: (a) We launched a children's television show so we could reach our kids at home during the lockdown and school closures. This airs twice a day on Bay TV across the city. (b) We distributed educational materials and supplies in the aforementioned food parcels.

Now that schools are reopening, our team is on the front lines. Reopening our libraries and literacy centres so our youth workers, who are at a far lower risk than the older teachers, can provide the much needed educational support to the children who just missed 4 months of school. We are also allocated some of our youth to work in classrooms where older teachers are unsafe (and understandable, unwilling to work).

A heartfelt 'thank you' to everyone who has continued to support our kids and families throughout this pandemic. Your generosity means so much right now.

Sincerely,

Jim

Links:

• Our Covid-19 Emergency Food Relief Project
• Our Website