KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Believing that early education is a critical need and will set children on a path to change their futures, Themabanthi supports 170 children, ages 2-5, at grassroots organizations in rural Zululand. These programs work closely with the surrounding communities to fill in gaps created by poverty and HIV/AIDS.
"Vusi's mom works far away in the city. Before he attended the center, he was lonely and kept to himself. He usually seemed angry and used to cry all the time, but now he laughs and plays."
Rural Zululand is one of the areas most devastated by HIV/AIDS, the legacy of Apartheid, and poverty. Unemployment rates are over 60% and the prevalence of HIV is at 25%, with rates peaking at 59% in women ages 25-29.
In 2013, Thembanathi started construction of the Siyabonga Creche, bringing support to a community and hope to its children.
Thembanathi supports the Holy Cross pre-school and is assisting a nearby community to start the Siyabonga Creche. These centers provide the support, structure, cognitive, emotional, nutritional and physical development that children growing up in adversity need to succeed.
