Share the festive spirit with Afrika Tikkun

Afrika Tikkun, an organisation based in Hyde Park which is dedicated to uplifting others, reflects on the past year.

This year Afrika Tikkun embarked on an internal campaign focused child protection to not only reinforce their Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct but to challenge a culture that tolerated violence and ignored victims.

From September 2016 to March this year, two child protection cases were reported at the organisation. However in September 2018, that number had increased to 42 which symbolised those young people, their parents, and staff have started to take child protection seriously, and are no longer tolerating violence, but reporting it.

This year, Afrika Tikkun identified that 21 per cent of children in their early childhood development programme were at risk of developmental delay and focused on these children to help them improve their motor skills. By the end of the year, assessments show that only 4,6 per cent of children showed a risk of developmental delay. Catching these delays in time means the children are set up for success in their education, and beyond.

Another success was their collaboration with Sesame Workshop and the Lego Foundation. It has allowed them to train parents on the importance of play, and give them the tools to play with their children. They have seen the involvement of parents in their children’s lives improve and with that the child’s own sense of well-being and development.

Their work does not end at Grade R and this year they supported the development of over 1 170 children in the early childhood phase, and a further 4 680 young people throughout their school years. “It’s a commitment of being there for the child’s life for 12 years. And it pays off. The pass rate of our Grade 12s in 2017 was 97 per cent, 22 per cent ahead of the national average. Our young people go on to achieve in life and through our alumni programme we make sure they stay in touch and don’t fall through the net in tough times,” explained Catherine Sofianos from Afrika Tikkun.

Next year, Afrika Tikkun plans to grow even more and continue to be inspired by the success of young people and the commitment of every one of their partners.

As Christmas draws nearer Afrika Tikkun would like to spoil families at their centres.

The following donations would be appreciated:

• Toiletries such as toilet tissue, soap, face cloths and facial wipes
• Cleaning materials such as industrial carpet cleaner and liquid (50l),
• Food items such as mealie pap, rice, tinned tomatoes and aprons as well as kitchen utensils such as plates and cups
• Electronic items such as fingerprint scanners, projector screen, industrial vacuum cleaner and tablets.

If you can help, contact Elfrieda at 011 325 5914; media@afrikatikkun.org

Related Articles:

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/207757/afrika-tikkun-celebrates-youth-through-its-annual-talent-day/

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/213196/over-r250-000-raised-to-support-afrika-tikkun/