THE Valley Trust held a business breakfast at Fig Tree Farm in Inanda Road, Hillcrest on Friday, October 21.
The NPO, established in 1953, works to improve the well-being of rural communities in the Valley of 1000 Hills. The Valley Trust’s (TVT) work focuses on early development of children, through nutritional support and education in the first years of life. Their mission is intervention and investment in this phase of childhood, with valuable and far-reaching long-term impacts.
Members of the business community and public, and representatives of civil society and non-profit organisations, attended the function. The guest speaker was author Bhekisisa Mncube. Live music, lucky draws, and laughter formed part of the morning’s programme at Millflour Café.
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Executive director of the Valley Trust S’Bo Vilakazi presented information on their continued work and the Khula Khale Mntwana (KKM) programme meaning ‘grow well, child’ in isiZulu. The KKM aims to ensure young children are mentally and physically healthy, resulting in thriving adults in the future community and economy. The work focuses on education and support for adults who raise children, specifically around the subjects of nutrition, health care and child protection.
Vilakazi said, “We are looking at a tale of two life paths. One is a vicious cycle of malnourished children who don’t do well in school, dropping out and ending up on grants. The second life path is one of a child who is cared for and loved, is school-ready, performs well, can secure good employment, and becomes a significant contributor to our economy. The point is that you, as businesses and individuals, will determine the outcome and which of the stories will be lived out in our country.”
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The guest speaker, Mncube, is an award-winning columnist, journalist, satirist and author of several books, which include The Love Diary of a Zulu Boy and The Rhamaphosa Chronicles. During his presentation, Mncube touched on his time living in Durban as a student and the fact that his first byline was with a Durban newspaper.
Following his entertaining presentation, Mncube emphasised why the Valley Trust’s work is important to him. The author said that he, too, had grown up hungry, that he had paid for his siblings’ tertiary education and is currently raising ten children, including two of his own.
He said, “So, this is a very personal project. In that sense, I understand the importance of looking after children. It’s close to my heart.”
For information on how to help, email info@vtrust.org.za or call 031 716 6800.
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