The school day doesn’t end when the final bell rings!

Every child deserves a safe after-school space where they are seen and heard—where they can do homework, share a nutritious meal, join activities, and spend time with caring mentors.

After school, the majority of children living in townships are left without a safe and supportive place to spend the afternoon. Most of them find little at home – their shacks offer nothing – so they wander the streets, exposed to weather, danger, and unhealthy temptations.

After-school care and community kitchens offer these children a safe place to complete their homework, share their stories, enjoy a nutritious meal, and take part in educational and recreational activities—all under the guidance of supportive, caring mentors.

The community kitchen will be a central part of our after-school care programme. It is far more than just a place to prepare food.

For a wandering child, these after-school hours can make an enormous difference.

A caring social environment gives them something vital: a sense that they matter.

Studies show that children supported by environments like this grow far more confident and are set up for a brighter, more successful future.

What we have in Langa: an empty building is available. It was previously used as a community kitchen but has been closed for years, since the government could no longer fund it.

What we need: Funds raised will help establish and equip the kitchen, including essential cooking equipment, refrigeration and storage, preparation areas, tables, and serving equipment. Once set up, we will need a continuous flow of funds to cover the ongoing costs of purchasing food to prepare for the children.