There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children” – Nelson Mandela.

The care of children matters to all of us. But today there are millions of children around the world that are not cared for adequately. It is a global crisis and one that will only get worse. In South Africa there are hundreds of thousands of children with either one or both parents dead (UN 2013).

For the orphaned and vulnerable children of rural Shoshanguve these circumstances are all too familiar.

“In our efforts to create a world where educational and nutritional opportunities reach the hungry poor, schools are critical. It’s where we lay the foundation for future generations to grow and thrive,” says Nicky Garnett, partner at Adams & Adams.

“It is for this reason that Adams & Adams selected the Bana Ba Kgosi Feeding Scheme as its CSI beneficiary.”
The scheme started by the Reverend Doris Molefe provides 700 children from schools in the area with a meal every school day.  Its aim is to encourage its recipients to attend school regularly - due to a lack of food many children are unable to take part in educational activities.

Since its inception just over a year ago, the children have shown an eagerness to participate in school and improved performance in their classes.  It has also played a significant part in providing the much needed sustenance for children suffering from HIV/AIDS and related diseases to be able to take their medication regularly.

“But it is not only their nutritional needs we are concerned about,” says Garnett.  “Most of the children provided for by the scheme live in extreme poverty where their basic physical needs are not seen to.  During the winter it is commonplace for children to attend school without shoes or jersey, often going home to freezing houses where heating is a luxury.

“Recently, Adams & Adams CSI enthusiasts reached out to these children with a delivery of 700 blankets.  For many it was the first blanket they will call their own. We are so pleased to have played a part in their physical needs too.”

But, as Garnett is quick to point out, improving the care of children requires major efforts in vulnerable families and communities. 

“Families living in poverty need greater access to social protection and basic services. It also means giving children without adequate care a stronger voice and raising awareness of their needs.”