Hout Bay non-profit Bright Start has embarked on a “R100 for 100 years” fund-raising campaign.
The NPO, which provides opportunities for children from Hangberg and Imizamo Yethu to attend schools with a good track record, is using the campaign to pay homage to former South African president Nelson Mandela, who would have celebrated his 100th year this year.
The campaign was launched on Facebook on June 18 and runs until Wednesday July 18, and encourages members of the public to make donations of R100 or more through the Given Gain site or via EFT.
Bright Start programme director Laura Collura said Madiba was known for being passionate about children and education, and the organisation felt the campaign would be a fitting tribute to his ideals in this regard.
“If you can put a child through school, it affects the whole community. While you may not see immediate results, when a child matriculates studies have shown they their chances of being employed increase by 70%,” she said.
“The fact is there are very little prospects without education, and a quality education makes a huge difference, Suddenly the child has access to facilities and resources like technology, and because of the aspirational aspect of these schools, there is a greater chance the child will stay in school.”
She said Bright Start’s aim was to allow children to access the type of education any parents would want their son or daughter to have.
Currently there are 36 children being sponsored to attend institutions like Kronendal Primary School, Wynberg Boys’ High School, Camps Bay High, Norman Henshilwood and the German School.
“To sponsor a child for a year is not cheap, about R40 000 a year. There are the school fees, aftercare, stationery and school uniforms to take into account. We are very fortunate that some local practices have given us a reduced rate on medical treatment and dentistry, but there remains a big cost for Bright Start to cover,” Ms Collura said.
To date, the campaign has raised about R3 000. Those who want to contribute can visit the Bright Start website (https://brightstart.org.za/), the Given Gain site (www.givengain.com/c/brightstart/) or call Ms Collura on 021 790 0458.
