Community development

As we reflect on the past year, we are pleased to share an update on the impact made through our Community Development Project. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the project provided meaningful opportunities and support to children and families within the communities we serve.

During the reporting period, the project focused on providing weekly food support to children, facilitating educational sessions on health and personal wellbeing, and creating opportunities for children to experience nature and conservation through an educational camp and wildlife activities.

These experiences offered practical support while encouraging learning, confidence, and personal growth. They also gave participants the opportunity to explore the natural world in ways that may not otherwise have been possible.

As our organisation continues to grow, we have reviewed the project to ensure it aligns with our long-term mission and the needs we encounter through our community outreach work. Moving forward, the Community Development Project will focus on supporting educational opportunities, community engagement, career exposure, practical experiences, and animal welfare education alongside our existing outreach activities.

We appreciate your support and look forward to sharing this next chapter with you.

At Mohlanatsi Community Centre in Selwane, a simple meal means so much more than food.

For many of the children who arrive each afternoon, it may be the only substantial meal they will have that day. Thanks to you, and your generous donations through GlobalGiving, ARRC is able to provide nutritious meals twice a week, helping ensure that children have the energy they need to learn, play, and simply enjoy being children.

The number of children coming to the centre continues to grow, often reaching well over 150 each day. While the meal itself may be simple, the impact is enormous. A full stomach helps children concentrate on homework, take part in activities, and feel safe and cared for in a place where they are always welcome.

We are also incredibly grateful for the support of Debonairs Pizza in Phalaborwa, who have nominated ARRC as a beneficiary of their surplus dough. Each week they provide in excess of 250 freshly baked flatbreads, made from dough that would otherwise go unused. These flatbreads are a wonderful addition to the meals served at the centre and have made a real difference — since we began collecting the bread, the number of children coming to the centre has noticeably increased. It is clear that something as simple as fresh bread can help draw children to a place where they are safe, supported, and cared for.

Because of you, hundreds of children are not only receiving food, but also the energy to learn, play, and look forward to coming to the centre each day.

Thank you for helping make this possible.

The ARRC Team