We work alongside women who are already making a difference in their communities. They understand the challenges because they live them every day. These women have opened their homes and given their time, energy and resources to create safe places for children and vulnerable people. They are advocates for those whose voices are often unheard and beacons of hope within their communities.By working alongside local leaders, we help develop solutions that are meaningful, sustainable and rooted in the community.

“Our role is to stand beside them, strengthen what they have built and help their vision grow.

WORDS DIRECTLY FROM MA VIOLET — FOUNDER

“Sinothando” is a Xhosa word meaning WE HAVE LOVE.

I started this centre because of a tiny baby abandoned by her mother on the streets. I picked up this baby and took her home. I have not seen her mother since that day, and I raised her as one of my children. She is now doing her 3rd year in university.

This motivated me to think of building a centre and safe house for babies and children like the one I picked up on the street. In February 2009, I sacrificed my home to make a home for these children.

We have taken in children from 0–14 years. Some were brought to us by police officers and social workers. These children come from different situations; some rape victims, some have TB, and others are HIV positive.”

From Monday to Friday, Ma Violet’s daughter Lolo runs a day care center from an extension attached to the home. Lolo is a qualified Educare Principal, and with the help and support of A Reaching Hand, the centre has successfully completed its registration and now qualifies to receive financial support from the government.

A Reaching Hand has also supported Sinothando with essential improvements, including solar power for their hot-water geyser. Reliable access to warm water has made a meaningful difference to the daily lives of the children.

UMINGO DAY CARE CENTER

Phumeza — our “Superwoman”

Phumeza has dedicated her life to creating a safe and nurturing place for children in her community.

When she saw children playing among rubbish and searching for food, she knew she had to do something. In 2008, she started a day care centre with just four children. At the time, the centre operated from a shack and could not meet the requirements for government registration.

Today, the day care supports up to 80 children. A Reaching Hand provides monthly food staples, seasonal seeds and nutrients, while supporting the food garden that helps provide fresh produce for the children.

WORDS DIRECTLY FROM PHUMEZA — PRINCIPAL AND FOUNDER

“As I was walking around in my community, I saw children playing on dirty dumps and looking for food to eat. I thought this was so unsafe for them. That's when I got the idea to start a daycare center so the children can be in a safe space during the day. The parents were happy, and I started with four children in 2008. At that time, it was a shack, and the government said they didn't allow daycare centers to be in a shack. It was very difficult for me with no money, and I had so many challenges. It was at that time I met A Reaching Hand. It was like a big relief because A Reaching Hand took that burden away and made a big change.

Even today, we get everything from A Reaching Hand. In 2018 A Reaching Hand built us a food garden. Now I have up to 80 children and could never have done this on my own.”

TELLY TUBBIES DAY CARE CENTER

Leonie is one of the unsung heroes of our world. Creating safety where needed most.

Leonie is one of the quiet heroes in her community. When she saw children being left alone while their parents searched for work, she opened her own home to provide them with a safe place during the day.

Many families rely on informal recycling for an income, while employment opportunities are scarce. The day care is also located in an area where crime and gang violence are part of everyday life, putting children at risk.

What began as one woman’s decision to protect a few children has grown into a daycare caring for more than 30 children.

IN LEONIE’S WORDS - PRINCIPAL & FOUNDER

“I had no choice but to open my home when I rescued the children from the street. They were caught in the middle of gunshots while the gangs were fighting. It happens every day in our community. More and more parents brought their children and today we have over 30 children. It was very difficult for me because the parents have no jobs and cannot pay me. Today, thanks to A Reaching Hand, we have food, mattresses, blankets, clothing and so much more. A Reaching Hand even bought us a new safe classroom and takes care of uniforms and stationery when they go to big school. It is very difficult where we live and people are suffering too much.”

To help create a safer environment, A Reaching Hand fundraised for a secure classroom and arranged for a shipping container to be converted into a dedicated learning space.

We continue to support Leonie and the children throughout the year with educational materials, groceries, clothing, blankets, carpets and heaters, as well as uniforms and stationery when the children move on to formal school.

For Leonie, it started with opening her own front door. With the support of A Reaching Hand and our donors, that small act of courage has grown into a place where more than 30 children can be safe, cared for, nourished and given the opportunity to learn.