Edenvale-based NPO Operation Hunger is dedicated to helping those in need and teaching them the skills to sustain their lives.
Led by director and Orange Grove resident Minnie Okwirry, the organisation hopes to improve levels of nutrition in impoverished communities through a sustainable income-generating food-security scheme.
The organisation was founded in 1978 by Dr Selma Browde and Dr Nthato Motlana after the identified the impact malnutrition had on SA citizens and the economy.
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Many of the communities assisted by the NPO reside in rural areas. However, Minnie explained that it assists communities in Edenvale, Bez Valley, Malvern, Alexandra and Tembisa.
Edenvale organisations, which are assisted by the NPO, include Edenvale Care Centre Hospice and Khanyisa Trust.
Minnie said Operation Hunger organises feeding schemes for the community and teaches them a variety of things, which include:
* baking skills
* starting a vegetable garden and building a greenhouse
* bead work skills
* poultry farming
* the importance of clean drinking water.
Minnie said teaching people skills not only sustain them, but empower them to start their own business through which they can help their communities.
“We also work closely with a number of early childhood development centres where we discuss the importance of nutrition and children eating the right food,” said Minnie.
“One of our hopes is to eradicate malnutrition in SA.”
Before joining Operation Hunger, Minnie worked with human capital in the financial sector.
After she was approached by the organisation’s board, she joined and worked in the administration department before becoming a director.
“I get a lot of satisfaction from the work I do now. I love helping, empowering and motivating people to improve themselves.
“Working with Operation Hunger has helped me realise that I am a compassionate person.”
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What she loves most about her job is helping people reach their full potential.
“It is very rewarding to see the end result.”
Minnie said with Mandela Month coming up, the organisation will be working with Nyeleti Children’s Home in Benoni.
She said during Mandela Month, Operation Hunger will help the home establish a vegetable garden.
“The garden will hopefully reduce some of the costs of the home and their dependency on donations.”
Minnie encourages community members interested in helping those in need to contact the NPO.
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She said Operation Hunger needs volunteers to man stalls at the next Horwood’s Farm Family Market and to teach skills to community members.
Additionally, the NPO will welcome any donations of cutlery, crockery and old clothing.
Contact Operation Hunger on pauline.kariuki@operationhunger.org
