In addition to numerous individual donations for a wide variety of projects in Imizamo Yethu, we regularly support the following institutions and NGOs. Our donations thus constitute an integral part of their funding.

One local educational institution Help IY is supporting, is the Noluthando Day Care Center, a creche for children from disadvantaged families in Imizamo Yethu. Currently Noluthando is looking after 45 children – from 7 months to 5 years. Since May 2011 we provide the monthly food supplies for the children, which was enabled by a regular sponsor. Moreover we are supporting the creche with learning material and toys.

Background

The history of Noluthando goes back to 1994 when a student of the University of Cape Town researched the availabilty of educational and caring facilities for disabled children in Imizamo Yethu. The result of this research was that there were no facilities available for children who could not be integrated into standard daycare facilities.

Due to this lack of facilities, the ‘Disabled Children Action Group’ started a support group in Hout Bay. Active members were mothers with children in need and the ones not working were recruited and trained to care for the children. Eventually, in 1995, Noluthando (which means ‘Place of Love’ in the local Xhosa language) was founded by those mothers.

In 1998, Noluthando moved to its current facilities which are provided by the Department of Public Works. The rooms are part of a building which hosts several public facilities and borders Imizamo Yethu. This makes its location convenient for the supported families.

In 2000, the financial situation of Noluthando became extremely critical and the creche was almost closed down. However, these woman and mothers who donate their time and often their own private and extremly limited money for the vision and support of others did keep this little creche alive.

The amount of children increased and today Noluthando is looking after disabled and not disabled children alike. The 45 children are aged from 7 months to 5 years, 70% Xhosa and 30% Coloured, as well as Malawian or Zimbabwean refugees.

What all of them have in common is very limited financial options. As the creche´s budget is based on monthly payments from parents who sometimes have the money to pay for the creche and sometimes not, donations are a highly needed to keep the creche alive. Therefore, Help IY has decided to support this unique educational facility.

Management and financial situation

Three mothers are currently responsible for the managment of Noluthando: Thozi, Juanita and Nocawe. The creche’s monthly budget of approx. R6000 is spend mostly on the four permanent staff and the two assistants who earn together about R4000. The rest is for food, cleaning material, heating, and electricity. The contributions from parents get fully used every month. Therefore, renovations, educational materials, games, books, interior etc have to be covered by donations.

Amoyo Foundation

We also regularly support the Amoyo Fondation financially whos MISSION it is to uplift the communities of Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg, one child at a time, through an after-school and holiday programme offering high-quality dance, drama and performance classes. Each beneficiary transitions from Amoyo as a success-driven, integral and foremost employable young people who has acquired core values, life and communication skills in a genuinely caring and nurturing environment.

Their VISION is that each Amoyo child will continues into tertiary education after school, equipped with performing arts skills also with life skills, self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-discipline to conquer life successfully.

Amoyo’s PHILOSOPHY is one of gratitude. Amoyo means “spirit of appreciation” (appreciating everything and everyone) and our unique approach to upskilling and empowering the children of Hout Bay is already having a huge impact, not only on the children but on their families and the broader community, too.
More Info under Amoyo Foundation

Kronendal Music Academy (KMA)

KMA provides a stable, safe and nurturing afternoon environment where the magic of music tuition develops children’s self-confidence, leading to enhanced cognitive, emotional and social skills and helping them grow into future-fit, resilient individuals whilst advancing and preserving South African musical culture.

Since 2007, Kronendal Music Academy has offered the universal language of music as a stepping stone in the lives of impoverished children from Imizamo Yethu informal settlement and Hangberg fishing village. As the only fully-fledged music school in the valley, at any given time they have well over 100 pupils in lessons and ensembles, and regular performances and external qualifications complement our teaching model. High standards ensure that their core humanitarian values are maintained. Their award-winning programmes not only foster racial and social integration in their community, but also guarantee enriching opportunities for all our children, developing important cognitive skills while exploring previously unavailable horizons.
More info under KMA