In the country’s south-western corner you will find a group of people who have given up their time to helping others. These people are volunteers at the Mustadafin Foundation, an organisation that has driven hope back to the hearts of the people of Cape Town.
With the help of these selfless men and women, more children are afforded the opportunity of a life – education. The organisation takes care of the needs of a child who comes from a less fortunate family. Most of these children’s parents or guardians are finding it hard to cope with providing food for their children, so the help that is given by the foundation decreases the stress that comes with having to
care for a child.
The foundation walks with the children from when they are still at early child development (ECD) phase, to foundation phase until the time the child has to go to tertiary.
In recent years, the organisation has been able to assist over 32 young people get full bursaries and place about 16 at colleges nearby. But due to the global pandemic, some of its work, including the disbursement of bursaries has been badly affected. Funding, a large drive of any organisation, has been halted rendering the organisation unable to fulfil its responsibilities.
“Unfortunately we are currently unable to assist with bursaries due to funding. When bursaries are available we will make people aware so they can apply,” said the foundation.
The foundation explained that the every year the Foundation sees that many kids are placed in educational institutes from, ECD, Primary, high school to university. The organization makes certain learners have the necessary tools to start the school year by providing items such as uniforms, stationery and more.
Over 250 young people who are school going age are assisted by the foundation. These young people come from townships like Khayalitsha, Delft, Crossroads, Palican Park and Sherwood Park in Manenberg.
“The objective of the program is to present a positive side of life besides turning to drugs and gangsterism. The youth in our communities need a positive influence and to be guided towards making the right choices,” said the foundation’s director Ghairunisa Johnstone-Cassiem.
Editors Note:
Mustadafin, an organisation that is dedicated to improving lives of young people in Cape Town should be commended for all the beautiful work it does.
Description:
From providing hundreds of families warm meals, raising funds to buy school uniform and stationery for less fortunate children to providing bursaries to help these children realise their dreams is what this organisation is doing to uplift the people in the south-western corner of the country.
Editor: Thato Mahlangu
Project Manager: Anirle de Meyer