Different NGOs came together and helped the poverty stricken people of Nancefield Hostel.
In an event which took place on Sunday, illiterate residents were invited to attend Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) classes and clothes were donated to them as well.
This was an initiative by the Community Information and Development Centre together with Senzoesihle Family Foundation, Pilane Community Projects and Mpilonhle.
These organisations partnered with the Department of Social Development in bettering the lives of hostel dwellers.
Residents were given information on how to go about getting help from different government departments.
The issue of identity documents which seems to be a major challenge for many hostel dwellers was also addressed. The Community Information and Development Centre committed itself in helping all those who are having difficulties getting identity documents.
Unemployed youth who have matric are going to be employed in the ABET programme as teachers. Awareness on family values was raised by the Senzoesihle Family Foundation.
The foundation promised to deal with issues like domestic violence which affects many families in the hostel.
Simphiwe Khumalo from the Community Information and Development centre said, “This is not about giving handouts to the people but we are on a quest to building better societies and the best place to start is the family.”
He said they are going to be looking at skills development as well to make sure that they deal with poverty once and for all.
“We are encouraging residents to form cooperatives which will help them put food on the table,” said Khumalo.
A committee made of hostel residents was formed to oversee all projects launched on the day.