Friends in Ireland is a charity founded by Marian Finucane and John Clarke. We work with community organisations to protect and look after the well-being of over 700 orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS in some of the most isolated and poverty stricken regions of South Africa. We work in areas where large swathes of the population have been struck down by illness in the prime of their lives. Child led families are common place. Children go out to look for food instead of school and unfortunately the cycle often repeats itself. Our aim is to reach these children early and to protect and care for them, with the hope of breaking this poverty cycle. We empower them to take control of their own destiny.
We believe in sustainable development and our modus operandi is to build capacity within communities, to allow South Africans help South Africans. In this section you will be able to find out more about Friends in Ireland, our history and our work. If you have any specific queries that are not covered here please feel free to contact us and we will endeavour to answer your questions. |
Directors Friends in Ireland:
Marian Finucane - Chairperson
John Clarke - Secretary
Mary Corbally - Treasurer
Vivienne Fenton
Pippa Shaper - Founder Trustee Home from Home
Declan McKiernan
Stephen Champion |
The team in South Africa:
Denise Marais - Programme Administrator
Nonzukiso Signoria Mkhize - Child Care Officer
Maeve McKiernan - Project Coordinator
Mongezi Soxujwa - Community Development Officer
Nomvuyo Khumalo - Social Worker |
The team in Ireland:
Vivienne Fenton - Programme Director
Mary Gordon - Programme Financial Administrator
Tommy Sheridan - Development Co-ordinator
Alvina Lim - Volunteer Co-ordinator |
