In August 2010 Khanya Nkenkwezi fulfilled the requirements of a signed constitution, opening a bank account, completing the application form and received their Non Profit Number. This is a crucial step for the centre as it will ensure that all other activities can be registered with the relevant South African Departments.
In Jan 2010, the crèche opened and there are 40 orphans and vulnerable children enrolled. One of the project partners, the Daughters of Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus has provided a teacher and she oversees the day to day management of the crèche.
In March 2011 the Drop in Centre opened and 60 orphans and vulnerable children were identified by the community as most in need. Each child receives breakfast and a nutritious meal after school.
Construction of the cluster foster homes is finished and the FII Social Worker is working closely with the Department of Social Development to have them occupied in 2012. The children cannot be placed in the homes until the Department of Social Development approves and completes registration of them.
Discussions with the Department of Health are continuing about the Step Down Paediatric Clinic. The clinic would be a place of short term stay for the children and their careers where counselling and education can take place to improve the adherence levels for paediatric clients who have difficulty accessing the system.
In June 2010 Friends in Ireland was successful in receiving a grant from Gorta. The project called Gardening for gain has established a large seedling nursery and vegetable production garden. The vegetables are used to supplement the Nutrition programme and also provide seedlings to other gardens. In addition training and mentoring has been provided to members of community in gardening skills. |
