Founders of Feed The Need NPO in Toekomsrus said it would take a collective effort before the war against poverty in the area would be won. You too can help make a difference.
Koike Alie, 61, founder of the NPO said although they were dedicated to helping where they could, they were pleading with big business and corporates; NGOs; governmental intuitions; and members of society to help those who are living below the bread line.
Koike said the campaign, which initially started as a 67-minute initiative in honour of the late statesman, Nelson Mandela in 2013, was later expanded to continuously feed children, unemployed residents and those struggling to make ends meet.
“Between December and January, we’ve fed almost 2 000 children in Toekomsrus weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays,” Koike said.
She explained that after serving only samp and beans, they decided to cook a full and decent meal to replenish members of the community, especially after the impact of Covid-19.
Being a resident of the area herself, Koike said it was heartbreaking to see children as young five years left to fend for themselves while their parents looked for solace in substance and alcohol abuse.
“I remember a child once asking me to cook because his family’s SASSA card had been withheld by a loan shark – that’s one of the saddest moments and one of the many reasons why we are feeding people.”
She added that the project aims to do good in the community.
“It is, however, unfortunate that there are those who aren’t willing to reach out to others. Some are even politicising the matter and missing the point that the project merely helps the needy. It’s not about any political aspirations.”
However, those like Toekomsrus Primary School and The Fepa Moagisani organisation have been very helpful, for whom they are truly grateful.
“We want to create the type of the society where people care about each other and not say ‘it’s not my child’ while someone suffers. Every little effort helps to create a better community,” Koike added.
