Alex gogos and mkhulus soon to be tech-savvy
goGOGOgo also runs an iGoGo programme that teaches gogos how to access, use and explore the internet and training on how to use their cellphone devices.
Grannies from Alexandra who raise their grandchildren from their meagre monthly government grant were recently treated to a sumptuous lunch during a get-together gathering at the Morningside Mall in Sandton.
Jane Simmonds and her goGOGOgo non-profit organisation that operates from the Itlhokomeleng Old Age Home on the corner of Josias Madzunya Street and 8th Avenue, which seeks to capacitate the selfless grannies to carry on with their noble cause, described them as agents for change that bind families and communities to keep them together.
Read more:Â Synergies at work in The Goat and goGOGOgo NPO
“Without these gogos, the fibre that keeps the families and communities together is weak, but with the gogos, it can stand the toughest test of time,” she said, speaking just a little ahead of the sumptuous meal she treated them to.
The 80 gogos and 20 mkhulus-strong organisation was formed in 2020 and Simmonds estimated that more than four million children in South Africa are being raised by their grannies.
“These grannies and mkhulus are part of the outreach programme at Itlhokomeleng that goes deep into the township to delve into the problems affecting child-headed households and other grannies who may not belong to goGOGOgo but despairingly need assistance,” Simmonds said.
Besides the outreach programme, goGOGOgo also runs an iGoGo programme that teaches gogos how to access, use and explore the internet and training on how to use their cellphone devices so they are not left behind on technology advancement.
“We also offer eye testing for the gogos and mkhulus and provide them with glasses. We have safe sex classes for both the gogo and mkhulus to ensure they do not contract HIV/Aids.
“To keep them fit, we have physical exercises and boxing activities once a week but we are desperate for funding to keep the boxing activities alive,” Simmonds said.
Also read:Â Former President Thabo Mbeki visits Alex with bags of goodies for the gogos
Details: 083 230 3655; jane@go-gogo-go.org.za
Related article:Â Vuma helps Alex gogos to be tech-savvy
