Who we are
About Us
Thembalethu Trust (‘Our Hope’) was registered as a Public Benefit Organisation in 2005. It has been a collaborative response to the problems of poverty in the Sundays River Valley, by three local churches; the Dutch Reformed, Anglican and River Vineyard; who united to consolidate their impact in the Addo and surrounding communities.
Historically, the primary areas of outreach included Home Based Care for Aids patients, Life-Skills for teenagers and Preschool support. These programs were maintained for over 13 years.
In recent years, the outreach has focussed on Early Learning and Preschools Education.
Why we do what we do
Our Drive
Research has shown that poor children are twice as likely to have no access to safe play areas, fundamental for the healthy development and growth of a child.
For this reason, Thembalethu Trust has focussed primarily on the Preschool Program in order to provide a safe, caring environment where young children can receive education, stimulation and basic nutrition.
Currently the Preschool Program is maintained by four local volunteer Trustees (Natalie Hansen, Debbie Miller, Adrian van der Merwe and James Miller). These Trustees are determined to reduce administrative costs and ensure that donor funding impacts the beneficiaries directly. Consequently, no salaries are drawn by the Trustees and their services are voluntary. The service of a bookkeeper is enlisted, and an Annual Financial Report is produced. The Trustees are hands on, and personally oversee any projects taken on by the Trust.
What we do
Nomathamsanqa Educare Centre
Nomathamsanqa is a settlement close to the Addo Elephant Park. It is one of the most deprived communities in the Eastern Cape.
140 children (the number varies according to the citrus employment season (seasonal from April to August) and can peak at 180 children)
6 staff: Principal, 2 teachers, cook, gardener, cleaner
3 Classrooms
The staff at these Educare have dedicated years of service (some up to 27 years) against daunting challenges and shockingly low incomes. It is their commitment that has inspired the ongoing support of the Trust.
Sources of Income
- The Department of Social Development provides a grant of R15 per child per month. At Educare this is capped at 38 children (therefore approximately 100 children of the 140 registered children do not receive any funding). This grant is to provide one meal / child /day /month
- The Department of Social Development pays R600.00 per month to each staff member. These Government funds are paid in lump sums twice a year at unspecified dates, making for very difficult circumstances in which to run and manage the schools (Educare Preschool is still waiting for their grant for the last quarter of 2019)
- Parents pay R80 per month per child when they are employed. Most of the parents are seasonally employed in the citrus industry. Income from school fees is sporadic and unreliable
Thembalethu Trust has provided the following support since 2005 with donor funds:
- Food – daily cooked meal (samp, soya, vegetables, porridge)
- Educational materials (stationery)
- Cleaning materials
- Maintenance (building and outdoor play equipment) and Security – Alarm call-out.
- Supplementary income for the teachers
In order to provide this support, the Trust is completely dependent on donor funding.
Projects at Nomathamsanqa
Painting
The building of the school was structurally sound but was in dire need of a coat of paint (2020)
Exterior of the building before and after
Interior of the building before and after
Projects at Nomathamsanqa
Fencing & Security
The existing fence was rusted beyond repair and had become a safety risk.
Teachers were reluctant to allow the children to play outside, as they may escape through the gaping holes on to the main road. There have been repeated problems with strangers entering the premises resulting in vandalism and theft. A new electric fence was not an option due to the young ages of the children, and as the border of the school is on a public thorough fare.
The best option for an impenetrable fence was “Secure-view”, an Anti-Climb / Anti-Cut / Anti-Tamper security barrier developed in South Africa, including electrification of top section.
Fencing before and after
Projects at Nomathamsanqa
Playing Field
It was very difficult to maintain the outdoor playing area as water supply is erratic (in recent years the Eastern Cape has experienced severe drought conditions). In addition, the area was not level and was therefore not suitable for outdoor activities
Astroturf was installed and the kids now enjoy a soccer and a netball field. Further to this we had the area paved and turned into a cycle track where they are also able to learn the basics of road rules while getting valuable exercise and having fun.
Playing field before renovations
Playing field after leveling the ground and adding artificial grass
Projects at Nomathamsanqa
Paving and Cycle Track
While the playgrounds were being laid out, plans were also drawn up to create a paved cycle track that could double up as an educational area for the children to learn about road signs and road rules. The kids were drawn to it immediately and it brings many hours of fun learning for them.
Get in touch
Contact Us
Email us: hello@thembalethutrust.co.za
Natalie Hansen
072 438 7464
Debbie Miller
083 880 0996
Adrian van der Merwe
072 521 5267
James Miller
083 357 2102