Project: Arebaokeng
MAMA: Flora
Started in: 2004
Partner since: 2016
Location: Township Tembisa, province Gauteng
Number of children: 177 (supported by MAMAS), 300 (total)
Special because: Arebaokeng means 'let us nurture them'

‘Let us nurture them’. That's the meaning of Arebaokeng and the shortest summary of its activities. In the ruthless world of AIDS and poverty in Tembisa, Arebaokeng is a safe home where 177 children are nurtured. They are assured of healthy food, guidance, attention and love on a daily base.

It is not a safe place for children to grow up in: the townships of Tembisa, near Jo’burg. Poverty, aids, violence, drugs and alcohol abuse are leaving children with little chances. They often live in small, dark and crowded shacks, their parents don’t earn any income, they don’t qualify for governments child grants, they experience lack of materials and drop out of school early in their educational life.

In this harsh reality MAMA Flora started a program for the most vulnerable children. She registered her OVC program in 2004, with the mission to give every child a happy, safe and memorable childhood by creating a safety net for them.  At this moment 177 children find their way to the center of Arebaokeng every day. The center is a safe haven were they are welcomed, loved, stimulated and helped to build a brighter future.

Arebaokeng is working with 6 programmes:

1. Early Childhood Development - 49 children that are not yet in the school going age come to the center  5 days a week. They receive two meals and a snack and have a full program with singing, dancing, learning, napping and of course playing.
2. After School Care - 128 children from 6 years up are provided with uniforms. After school they come to the center, receive a nutritious meal, do their homework under supervision of one of the MAMAS and join in educational and recreational activities such as dancing, drama, sports or debating.
3. Isibindi – Arebaokeng conducts home visits  to support parents / caregivers and to identify problems. The MAMAS give extra support where needed, for example in cases of neglect and abuse or when families need help by applying for grants or documentation. 28 child headed households get extra attention. Food parcels for the most vulnerable families is also part of the programme.
4. Dreams – girls in the teenage age (10 – 13 and 14 – 19 years) are counseled and trained in small groups and learn about topics as aids, sex, sugar daddy’s, future dreams and more.
5. Youth Empowerment Programme – youngsters from 17 years up are helped in finding a job or applying for university. They receive skills training, learn how to write a CV, are researching the options to start a small business, etc. Arebaokeng is looking for opportunities to expand this program!
6. Parent training – in six meetings parents are informed and trained on topics as child development, child rights, the importance of stimulating education, etc.

Arebaokeng has big ambitions to expand the program further and make a bigger impact on their children’s lives. One of the wishes of MAMA Flora is for example a suitable place to professionalize the Youth Programme, which is so important if you really want to break out of the cycle of poverty.