NPO helps create jobs and a cleaner Hillcrest
A local NPO helps create employment for those who would otherwise find themselves begging at street corners.
THE concern that beggars were proliferating in Hillcrest resulted in the formation of the non-profit organisation Phuma Okhoneni Garden Project (POGP).
The NPO started three years ago with the aim of helping beggars and street children to learn to become self-sufficient, and to encourage the public not to support them.
A grant from the municipality has helped the organisation to fulfill its aim of instilling a culture of work instead of beg and to this end Thabane Nzimande, the chairman of POGP is mentoring beggars and helping them become independent. “This aim was set in motion by them cleaning the rail reserve of litter – of which there was a considerable amount and they were paid for their work,” said Marge Mitchell, chairman of the Keep Hillcrest Beautiful Association.
“The public have been asked not to give to the beggars but it is true that their plight does affect us all and we relent and give them a coin. We ask that instead of throwing them a coin you donate to the POGP.” All of the transactions are audited and its books are open to scrutiny.
Marge Mitchell is the treasurer of POGP. Contact 083 419 3807 to make a donation to the NPO.
