By Mehdeen Sehgal | Senior Marketing and Development Associate
Many South African children grow up lacking cognitive, physical and overall necessary development prior to schooling. Children aged 4 and below have the highest mortality rates in the South African population and an alarming rate of stunted progress due to exposure to violence and neglect. This has an adverse impact on their development and can often have long lasting and costly consequences for children, families and society.
Tebogo, a 4 years old started attending Afrika Tikkun’s Early Childhood Development Program at the beginning of 2015. In the beginning, she was shy and disconnected from her peers. She also came to our center with dirty clothes and without having eaten the night before. Based on observations and assessments, Tebogo’s teacher referred her to a social worker, who then, intervened by carrying out a home visit. It was revealed that Tebogo’s situation at home was unfavorable as her mother was unemployed and could not afford to provide for her daughter’s basic needs. Now, apart from Tebogo receiving psycho-social support through her teacher and the social worker, her family also receives food parcels, packed lunch boxes for dinner, clothing and other necessities. Through this process, we are proud to say that Tebogo has displayed a boost in her self-esteem and is able to play with other children confidently.
Afrika Tikkun’s Early Childhood Development Program recognizes that the development and protection of children at an early stage not only safe guards their own well-being but is also the best guarantee of future peace, security and prosperity for the community at large. Afrika Tikkun’s Early Childhood Development Program not only provides quality early childhood education to disadvantaged children but also extends social services to children and their families through Afrika Tikkun’s Family Support Services Program; Nutritional and Food Security Program; Primary Health Care Program; and Empowerment Program for Children with Disabilities and Their Families, to ensure holistic development of our young people.
With the help of donors like you, Afrika Tikkun’s Early Childhood Development Program establishes a strong foundation of a happy, healthy, functional and productive South African citizen. In 2016, 1,170 young people benefitted from our Early Childhood Development Program, out of which 300 students graduated from kindergarten and were prepared to go to school. You have enabled us to provide comprehensive social services to young kids like Tebogo, ensuring not only a better future for them but also for their families and communities.
On behalf of Tebogo and her peers, we thank you for your continued support!
Warm Regards,
Mehdeen Sehgal
By Mehdeen Sehgal | Senior Marketing and Development Associate
By Mehdeen Sehgal | Senior Marketing and Development Associate
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