Rays of Hope needs your support to assist the Alex community

Rays of Hope encourages Sandton residents to help bridge the inequality gap that Covid-19 has exposed between the areas of Sandton and Alexandra.

The non-profit company manages a number of social outreach projects in Alex and operates out of Rosebank Union Church in Hurlingham.

Rays of Hope CEO Sihle Mooi explained that during lockdown many Alex residents were traumatised by being forced into small spaces (for example, one-roomed shacks housing many residents), and having to endure abuse, unemployment, a rise in the use of alcohol and drugs, and feelings of hopelessness and despair.

Some of the challenges as a result of unemployment in Alex include Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres becoming overcrowded and under-funded, with many parents unable to pay fees.

Job losses also resulted in increased need for food support. Many suffered with leaking homes during heavy rain and unbearably cold living conditions in winter.

Rays of Hope assists to provide food hampers for the most vulnerable and counselling to various community members.

“Another challenge is connectivity in the community. Online learning, assignments and meetings are a big challenge and we are working to get more reliable Wi-Fi to the community,” said Mooi.

Since lockdown began, Rays of Hope and its 30 community partners have provided food for more than 76 000 people. Families also receive hand sanitisers and soap regularly. Volunteers sewed more than 10 000 masks and distributed more than 14 000 sandwiches to children along with toys, books and educational games to encourage children to remain in their homes.

“Our weekly outreach to assist school-going children reached more than 150 who received worksheets and input in maths and English. We increased our capacity in the counselling centre and are providing counselling to many concerning gender-based violence, trauma, grief and general counselling support. We have, through partner support, also equipped 400 children with stationery packs for 2021.”

Sandton residents are urged to volunteer their time or donate in cash or kind to assist individuals and families. Locals can commit to making sandwiches on a weekly basis to ensure children get something to eat or volunteer to tutor maths or English on a Saturday or Sunday.

Community members can also sponsor children to participate in a number of helpful programmes which include counselling, nurture and love, homework assistance, nutrition, safety and home repairs, clothing, outings to places of interest and camps.

Companies can also partner with Rays of Hope by volunteering their time to sort donations or donate financially.

Rays of Hope thanks Sandton community members for their ongoing support to provide a bridge between Sandton and Alex over the past 30 years.

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