Creating a haven for Aids orphans
DIEPSLOOT – Abcon Group Foundation and Impilo Foster Homes NPC for Aids Orphans join forces to develop Impilo Village Timsrand
Current statistics indicate that there are some 2.5 million Aids orphans in South Africa, of which an estimated 300 000 live in Gauteng.
Impilo Foster Homes NPC, a charitable organisation, has for years been involved in making a difference in the lives of Aids orphans.
In line with its mission and vision, the organisation, together with Abcon Group Foundation, decided to join forces for the development of the Impilo Village Timsrand.
Still in the construction phase, the village which is being built in Mnandi Road, Diepsloot is set to make a real impact in the community. Londiwe Mthembu, spokesperson for the foundation said the village would comprise 20 residential units which will accommodate up to 200 HIV/Aids orphans, a clinic, a creche, a primary school and a special needs school.
This will provide the orphans with a safe place to live with parental support figures in place. The education and training support will enable the children to progress and become contributing members of society.
Mthembu said, “The skills transfer and training centre will provide further opportunities for the Aids orphans as they mature and look to enter the workplace. It will offer a range of training and skills transfer opportunities such as those that are specialised for the construction and property sector. These will not only give support to the wider community through job creation but will also positively benefit the industry.”
The design of the village makes provision for an attractively landscaped open green space which can house various recreational areas and a vegetable garden. The intention is to have the village as sustainable and self-sufficient as possible.
The village is designed in a manner which will provide several support facilities to the local community such as:
- A clinic and convenience shop
- A new village hall incorporating a multi-purpose gathering space
- A library
- An information and training centre
- An external piazza.
The completion date of the village is not yet known, however, with proper funding it is expected to be completed towards the end of next year.
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