Kliptown in Soweto is known to be one of the most impoverished communities in Gauteng, with an overwhelming number of children roaming in and around the squatter camps, making them vulnerable to kidnappers and sexual abusers – sadly a common occurrence in South Africa.

The Pastoral Centre Pre-School and Crèche – a registered non-profit, secular organization - was established in Kliptown in 1991. Situated in the middle of the informal settlement and surrounded by closely-built shacks and narrow dirt tracks, it has become a safe haven for children whose parents are too poor to pay school fees, whilst providing them with a much-needed early education.

The crèche – comprising 9 full-time staff members working for very little salary – also assists grandparents who are raising orphaned children, as well as child-headed households where one or both parents have succumbed to AIDS.

The Kliptown community in Soweto has a long history, going back to the signing of the Freedom Charter on June 26, 1955 in Kliptown Square. Despite its historical significance, Kliptown still remains one of the poorest communities, with the majority of the residents living in squatter camps with no formal plumbing and sanitation. Up to 50 families share individual water taps.

The crèche operates from 07:00 to 16:00 Mondays to Fridays, and provides 3 meals per day to over 300 young children, including breakfast, lunch and a late afternoon snack.

The Douglas Foundation, headed up by Victor D. Williams, has undertaken to assist in the funding of the feeding programme of this Pastoral Centre Pre-School and Crèche.

How can YOU become involved?

The Douglas Foundation – who have established a programme to empower young South Africans - believes that future generations are fundamental in unleashing the potential of South African society. Today's youth must be equipped with the tools to succeed in their tomorrows and to make their dreams come true. You can help make a real difference in the lives of these young people by donating to our Feeding Programme.

Your tax deductible donations will be used to buy staple food items such as oats and mealie meal, rice, sugar and cooking oil as well as extra-large pots and pans, cutlery and crockery, as well as much-needed gas for cooking.

By working together we can keep their dreams alive, and thereby inspire, strengthen and embolden these children to meet the seemingly insurmountable challenges they face. The Foundation also seeks partners who share the desire to provide young people with the assistance for education that will empower them and their families and promote economic development within the community.

Help us make a difference in the lives of these children. Your tax deductible donations will provide three regular school meals of oats, mealie meal and rice to over 300 hungry children.

In these difficult economic times, as financial and political issues take over the news cycle, it is easy to forget that our neighbours in other parts of the world are in need. But consider these facts:

• A donation of as little as $10.00 will purchase a 10 lbs bag of mealie meal
• With a donation of just $25.00, you can feed a child and provide them with school supplies (i.e. supply of paper, pencils, crayons, and books)
• And a donation of $50.00 will feed and provide shoes for these children - shoes are one of the most requested donation items.

We encourage tax deductible donations from corporations, foundations, international organizations, colleges, universities, schools, church groups, sororities, fraternities and social clubs.

The challenges seem insurmountable, but they are not. Throughout South Africa, The Douglas Foundation is working with our South African partners on the ground to build a better future. But we need your help. Every donation makes a difference. Even the smallest donation can have an impact.

Make your tax deductible donation today and help usbreak the cycle of poverty while,at the same time, developing future leaders in South Africa.