Hamba Bamba Foundation (HBF) empowered mothers through a nutrition educational programme at the Welfare Centre located in Zone 9, Meadowlands, during their annual Nelson Mandela Day campaign on July 18.
Mothers and children under two were spoiled with essential clothing items, blankets, jars of hope, vegetables and food parcels to ensure access to healthy food.
The founding director of HBF, Monja Boonzaier said this year’s theme, ‘Nutrition Nurtures,’ was inspired by the valuable insights gained from their previous event.
ALSO READ: Kasi Hero Foundation gives Orlando gogo a helping hand
“After witnessing the positive impact of our Jars of Hope distribution, Dr Hema Kesa, director of FERL, proposed a collaborative research study with two Honours students from the University of Johannesburg,” said Boonzaier.
She noted that the study focuses on nutrition education specifically for mothers who are beneficiaries of HBF from the local informal settlement.
The research will explore two critical areas including nutrition and healthy lifestyle knowledge of mothers from HBF in Soweto and the eating patterns of these mothers, she elaborated.
“This research highlights the significant need for robust nutrition education in under-resourced communities, prompting us to focus on empowering mothers with essential nutritional knowledge and resources,” said Boonzaier.
ALSO READ: Local foundation commemorates Youth Day in Diepkloof
This event was made possible through the collective efforts of partners and sponsors including, the City of Joburg which provided the venue and recruited mothers from local clinics.
Assupol Community Trust donated Astroturf and brought 20 mothers from Pretoria.
FERL availed three students from the University of Johannesburg to present on healthy nutrition and designed special leaflets for the mothers.
Pieter Van der Westhuizen from the Flower Foundation conducted a live cooking demonstration, teaching mothers how to prepare a Jar of Hope.
Boonzaier led a practical session through a song on the importance of facial interaction for the nervous system, which is crucial for digestion.
ALSO READ: Winnie Mabaso Foundation celebrates 20th anniversary
She expressed her gratitude to Glory Morake, the CoJ, Regional Manager of Social Development, Moses Demeshane, and the event sponsors and supporters for their invaluable support.
The contributors are Sappi, Enviromall, Blairgowrie Fruit Flower and Nut Market, Maxhaven and Silverstream Retirement Homes, Friends of HBF, Italtile and Ceramic Foundation, Hema Kesa and Family, Judith Mtsewu, Road Mac Surfacing PTY Ltd, TDC Graphics, Mr and Miss Exceptional Models.
FERL and the School of Tourism and Hospitality, Fikele Poka from Heartlines, CROWN Relocations: Donated 100 food parcels, Bundle Media, UJ and Cliff View Primary School.
