Chintsa Feeding Scheme
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Contents |
Background
It must be hard for a child to sit through a full day of education when being hungry is the foremost thought on their mind. For others it is all too easy to say that such things should not happen, but who can take on the role of providing for these children if society and the state is unable to support its own? This is the unfortunate situation for many, if not most, of the children who attend the Chintsa East Primary School.
This is a big problem in many parts of Africa; however progress can be made little by little when certain key factors are in place. Firstly there needs to be a ‘body’ who can advocate for the group of children and provide structure and continuity, secondly there must be financial support, thirdly the mechanism of procuring and securing equipment (cookers, pots, gas, spoons, bowls, etc.), the employment of cooks then of course the weekly purchase of food. Each of these roles means long term responsibility.
Strategy
So, motivated by the success of the Bulugha Farm School/Buccaneers partnership and following the good practice which it demonstrates it is possible to apply the same approach to benefit the children of the Chintsa East Informal Settlement.
- The Friends of Chintsa, an independent Non Profit Organisation (NPO) formed in 2008, will be involved in managing the financial support received. The Friends group will report on the project on this wiki so donors are able to track progress and expenditure.
- Donors are providing the means of financing the project through monthly contributions. Donors are asked to commit to supporting the project for two years, also one-off donations of any size are greatly appreciated. All donations are gratefully received, though as a guide, montly donors are asked to contribute circa £5, €8 or $8 a month (or of course more)to provide continuity of service to the scheme. Donations can be made here... click here
- Thirdly, Volunteer Africa 32˚South (VA32) operating in partnership with the school is able to provide the structure from which the logistical aspect of the project can be achieved. VA32 has been active in the schools since 2005 and has very strong relationships with the school management structures and Friends of Chintsa. VA32’s daily presence in the school allows for a close facilitatory role in the effective implementation of the feeding scheme through ordering, collecting and delivery of food supplies.
- And of course the school's component is of paramount importance.
A partnership agreement has been drawn up by the school, Friends of Chintsa and Volunteer Africa.
Action
In July 2009 the first donations started arriving in South Africa for the Feeding Scheme and from these small roots a complete feeding scheme has been built. With the plan of action agreed by key roleplayers including the school principal and some staff members, care givers, VA32 representative and Friends of Chitnsa representative the feeding scheme could now make progress.
- The school made the appointment of a second cook (paid by the Friends)
- A shopping trip saw the purchase of all remaining equipment and utensils requirements
- A bulk food purchase was made
- All logistical arrangements for deliveries, perishable items, etc. were made.
In October 2009 the learners of Chintsa East Public School felt the benefit of a whole school feeding programme!
The initiative was started because of the effect of the shortfall in the government supplied food. The government food (usually maize, rice, samp and beans, soya mince, salt, etc and a small amount of cash for fresh veggies) only caters for the younger learners of the school and it has been said that deliveries are known to be unreliable. The Feeding Scheme is designed to ensure a daily, hot and nutritious meal for every learner who attends school; no matter what else happens, so by being a whole school feeding programme it means that every child, whether the government food arrives or not, has the chance of a good meal
Continued international donations would ensure that every day, every learner has the opportunity to eat a hot, freshly prepared balanced meal whether other deliveries or donations arrive or fail.
This is no small achievement! The estimate of the number of meals produced by the Mama’s, Winkie and Phyllis, in the humble kitchen during 2009 is 8000 meals (not including the ‘trial run’ during a 2 week holiday club).
In addition to the regular monthly donations which keep the scheme running a couple of larger one-off donations have enabled the development of a service station and rainwater harvesting system. From their station the Mamas can prepare and serve the learners efficiently with fresh water at hand for cleaning and hygiene.
In 2010 the scheme continues to function well. The management of the scheme remains largely on the shoulders of the staff of VA32 to coordinate the purchase of stock, logisitics and ensuring communication. However, as experience grows the school will be taking some of these responsibilities.
Cost Analysis
The following is the anticipated monthly breakdown of costs, drawn up to assist with budgetting.
- R 600 Gas bottles for cooker
- R 640 Maize, rice, etc
- R 175 Fruit and Vegetable
- R 300 Bread
- R 450 Wages
- R 100 Delivery/Administration
A minimal amount is included for delivery and administration to offset some of the cost of maintaining this initiative.
We will try to update this website with the monthly expenditure as the project progresses, please watch this space.... Feeding Fund
Donations received
Thanks to everyone who is contributing to the success of this project, including:
- Mothers Union, St. Marks Church, Cardiff
- Rumney Primary School, Cardiff
- Many other UK supporters
There are numerous individual sponsors who really make this happen. We can't thank you enough!
Click on the link to read about a Donors experience on their visit see the school in South Africa.
Links
A presentation made for the Chintsa Ladies (who make sandwiches for the Pre-Grade R's) - Slideshow
A summary of achievements of 2009
A update of the first half of 2010
Gallery
Here are just a few photos of the success of the Feeding Scheme, please enjoy. However to really see the progress at the school the best place is our Flickr account.
Our picture library is improving slowing, in the meantime I hope you enjoy the picture in these slideshows.
 Chintsa School's kitchen before |
 Kitchen Cleanup |
 Daniel the Gardener |
 Yummy Food |
 Washing Up |
 2010's new stock |
