Makhoba is an extremely rural location on the mountainous border of South Africa and Lesotho, near to the Rama’s Gate border post. Friends in Ireland have renovated the large community hall at St. Mathews Mission in Makhoba. This is a Drop in Centre for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in the area. Initially 13 children were accessing this facility but now in 2011, 50 children are receiving 2 nutritious meals a day. Each child has breakfast and then a meal after school. A vegetable garden is successfully growing vegetables to supplement the nutrition programme
In addition to the renovation of the hall Friends in Ireland have constructed a large ablution block.
Friends in Ireland work with community stakeholders to form a community based organisation in Makhoba that represents the community’s interests. The Committee are called “Ncedanani Makhoba Community Project “ and in July 2010 they received their Non Profit Organisation number from the Department of Social Development This structure is comprised of very dedicated volunteer representatives who effectively channel the support and ideas of community stakeholders for the programmes role out. This organisation is responsible for the daily running of the Nutritional Programme at Makhoba. In July 2010 they received their Non Profit Organisation number. To assist the Nutrition programme a garden has been established and vegetables are being successfully grown.
Friends in Ireland have constructed two cluster foster homes at Makhoba. Once registered, these will accommodate 12 Orphans as they grow to adulthood. Friends in Ireland are in the process of registering these homes with the Department of Social Development. We are hopeful that by the end of 2011 the department will have registered the homes and after which children can be legally housed there.
15 kilometres south of Makhoba, Friends in Ireland run another vital Nutritional Programme for the Orphans of Lubeleko village. With the dedication of our volunteers 30 children, many from Child Headed Households, receive meals daily. Here too, Friends in Ireland are assisting the children with registration and grant application. |
