Company makes dent on poverty

Sorrowful faces of poor children and parents has resulted in a company partnering with a local development organisation to alleviate their suffering.

The company which requested anonymity donated food and material items to Thusong Youth Centre for its project, Thusong Be My Friends which provides after-school meals to more than 500 poor children. This in addition to stationery, school uniforms and winter clothing.

Beauty More of the centre said the company had supported them for years, and it encouraged other businesses to contribute to improving the livelihood and welfare of 3 to 15-year-old school-going children and their parents.

She said the circumstances of the children caused them to be shunned by society which should instead assist them. “As a result, we receive support mostly from outsiders with a passion and commitment to eradicate poverty through food and clothing. The food gives them energy to concentrate in school and the clothes restore their dignity.”

More said many of these poor children turned to crime and substance abuse, and there were many teenage pregnancies. She urged the children not to succumb to sexual abuse in return for food and other rewards. “Children who fall pregnant or impregnate others should realise they overburden their parents and grannies who have to care for grandchildren with meagre resources,” she said. “There should be regular workshops to encourage them to refrain from getting into relationships at a young age.”

Johanna Lekgote of the company said the centre was the hub of Alex where every desperate person turned to for help. “It’s important for companies and local residents who are well-off to support them and also their children’s education to help them exit poverty,” she said.