Pelican Light Foundation donates to the needy
Co-founder of Pelican Light Foundation, Danny Boshomane said their organisation has helped more than 7 489 people and they aim to step up to do more.
Pelican Light Foundation pledged donations of bread and fruits to Barona Child Care and Support on March 23.
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The Zone 2 drop-in centre which advocates for children living with HIV/AIDS was established in 2003 by Fenny Annah Mthembi known in the area as the ”Angel of Diepkloof ” after she attended a summit on HIV/AIDS which discussed the high death rate related to the virus.
From then, they have been working to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS and provide support to children and orphans living with the virus.
Gregory Mathibedi, the programme administrator at the centre said one of their key objectives is to ensure that the children’s biophysical, psychosocial and self-esteem needs are met.
The centre provides children in the area with food and after school extra classes as well as counselling through their trained social workers.
“One of our goals is to be the most efficient and effective organisation in the care and support of HIV/AIDS infected and affected individuals and their families in the whole of Diepkloof.
“We can achieve this through our programmes which includes, identifying the needs and challenges that they encounter,” Mathibedi said.
He added that they also provide various psycho-social activities which are aimed at keeping the children healthy and away from the streets.
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“We are fighting on behalf of the children living with HIV/AIDS in the community as well as against the stigma attached to living with the virus because we still have people who do not understand that living with HIV does not men one has lost their purpose in life or has a short mortality rate than those living without the virus. Just like any chronic illnesses, HIV can be managed,” Mathibedi said.
If there is a need for referrals, the children are referred to various organisations including SANCA, Child-line, and Teddy Bear to name a few and the children get to celebrate their Heritage, Human Rights Days and World AIDS Day at the centre.
Co-founder of Pelican Light Foundation, Danny Boshomane said their organisation has helped more than 7 489 people and they aim to step up to do more.
“We are hoping that more sponsors can come on board to help us pledge for the community and show them that we care,” Boshomane said.
