Example
Rietvallei - Looking at her, Agnes looks like any other 13 year old teenager. She is a pupil at the Patrick Mashego Primary school in Rietvallei. During school hours she does what all learners do, but when she goes home she is no ordinary teenager. Agnes is the head of her home, bearing responsibilities that no thirteen year old ever ought to bear. Agnes' mother passed away last year from meningitis. Her mother ran a 'Tuckshop' to bring income into the home and Agnes has never seen her father. Agnes, like so many in her situation lives in a 'shack' which she shares with her 3 younger siblings and two adults who rent space from her. Agnes is the second oldest child in the family. Her older sister Joyce moved in with her boyfriend and his family to make space for the renters so that Agnes could get in some money.
Agnes acts as a mother to her brother Xolile who is in grade 4 and her sister Nosipho, also grade 4. Both also attend Patrick Mashego School. A neighbor looks after the youngest sister Nqobile (3) during the day.
The family lives in absolute squalor. The only food they get is an occasional meal and the 2 slices of brown bread they receive from the school. This child headed home is typical of many in the area. Harvest Aid supports thirty such families linked to the Patrick Mashego School. The condition of their 'shack' is appalling. It is shocking to see these vulnerable children living with no food, no running water, nothing to keep them warm. There are no relatives that stay near them, they try and survive on their own.
NEEDS
They need everything from basics such as face clothes, toothpaste, tooth brushes, bath soap, Vaseline, a basin to wash in, washing powder, toilet paper, etc. Even when they find food they have to borrow a paraffin stove to cook it on.
There is electricity in the area but this has been disconnected due to non payment. After her mother died no one informed the city council and the bill ran up until they were cut off. Their water has also been cut. If electricity can be restored, a two plate stove will be needed to cook the food. Pots, pans, cups, plates, knives, spoons, bread knife, can opener and a dish to be used as a sink. They need 8 blankets, 1 double and 6 single mattresses. Currently they are sleeping on the cold cement floor. All the basic foods from salt to porridge and vegetables will have to be purchased for them. There is no food at all in this household. They will need basic cleaning materials such as polish cleaning liquids and dishwashing liquid.
They very urgently need a lock put onto the door which also needs to be fixed, taps put on, carpet, globes, plugs fixed and especially a desk to do homework on.
We need to be the voice of these vulnerable children, to help them change their situation.
Harvest Aid will try to involve the local council in writing off the arrears on the account and reconnecting the water supply. The greatest need is going to be for monthly income to support this family. Initial cash gifts will be used for capital expenses such as mattresses, blankets, a stove, and other essentials.
It must be understood that there are at least 30 similar families in the immediate area where children are heading homes and who have links to the Patrick Mashego School.
Any help with this initial family may enable us to start helping others in the same situation.
UPDATE: Agnus' Family Find A Sponsor! Read the full story... / View Pictures
Sponsoring a Family like Agnus’ will cost an initial R8000 and then R1500 per month. HA will supply regular updates. Email us if you want to sponsor a child-led family.