BAOBAB`s Community Involvement

BAOBAB Travel is committed to supporting community development projects either through our suppliers, or directly. We are currently involved in the Dalukhanyo Pre-School project in Langa, South Africa. With the growth of BAOBAB, we aim to initiate and develop new community projects, in areas where these could be beneficial to the local people.

Dalukhanyo Pre School Project

About the School
In 1923, the Urban Areas Act was passed forcing black South Africans to live in townships, which culminated in the creation the oldest township Langa near Cape Town. Today the Langa Township houses an estimated 200,000 people with a high rate of unemployment and one of the highest levels of HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Many of the working women are single mums and need a safe environment for their children during working hours. The Dalukhanyo Pre-school is one of the few nursery facilities in the Langa Township - Dalukhanyo meaning `to bring light' in Xhosa.

The school was established in 1986 by some of the local hostel dwellers, who identified the need to provide a play group facility in the community. It still remains one of the few nurseries for children in the Langa area. In 2006, the local government donated to Dalukhanyo the current buildings, where approximately 185 children are housed. The children are split into four age groups. The nursery currently has thirty-seven 3 to 23 month old babies, under the supervision of two dedicated staff. Fifty-eight toddlers (2 year old children) have an adjacent space with two teachers. Fifty 3-4 year olds and forty 5-6 year olds share a classroom with their four teachers. All educators have received formal training through the Early Learning Resource Unit. The teachers work with a child/educator ratio of about one to 23, compared to an average of one to seven in most European countries.

Dalukhanyo's vital role in the local community
The school undoubtedly improves the quality of life and offers the opportunity of a pre-school education for these children in the community. It encourages community members to take responsibility for the care of their children, and is a place of safety. Furthermore, it plays a vital role in empowering parents and young people. Regular educational workshops are held, focusing on child - care, nutrition and HIV/Aids awareness.

By providing care for pre-school children during the day, it minimizes the incidence of child abuse within the community, and prevents children being exposed to other dangers on the streets.

School Meals
The children receive two meals and snacks per day at Dalukhanyo. The meals are prepared by a dedicated cook in a very small kitchen. The real challenge lies in providing the children with nutritious meals while spending as little as possible on it due to lack of funds.

The school`s monthly food bill exceeds ZAR 5,000, which is a large proportion of their total income. Approximately 37% is spent on carbohydrates (mostly bread and cereals), only about 10% on dairy products and 14% on proteins like chicken and fish. Fruit and vegetables are expensive and because of this only form a small part of the food provision. Specialised baby food is a mere 3% of the monthly food bill.

Funding
Parents pay a monthly fee of ZAR60 per baby and ZAR40 per child. This ensures that the children are looked after and given daily meals. We know that for some, it is the only food they will receive. Many parents struggle with these fees and some cannot afford them at all. The school endeavours to support these parents by offering subsidised and free places. Only 10-15% of parents are able to pay regular school fees.

Financial resources are certainly stretched at Dalukhanyo. The school receives limited funding from the Cape Provincial Administration (approx R2200 per month), which pays the teachers a minimal salary if overheads are covered. In effect, all staff work more or less on a volunteer basis, which may have an impact on the long-term sustainability of the school.

Dulakhanyo has in the past received erratic visits from tourists with a select number of tour operators and guides. The only benefit from these visits up so far has been irregular voluntary donations. The school is now hoping to enter into a more beneficial partnership with a number of caring and `responsible' tour operators, by levying a standard fee of R20.00 per visiting tourist. This will help them to create a more consistent income flow, with casual donations helping to supplement the nursery.

For updates on Dalukhanyo projects please check our blog.

How can you help?
The children of South Africa need your help. The school desperately needs financial support to guarantee its long-term continued success. The school building and playground are in need of repair and rebuilding work, basic materials such as tables and chairs, mattresses and blankets, kitchen appliances, food bowls, toys, children's books, children`s clothes, nappies are urgently needed. More long-term plans include help with more balanced meals and regular school outings.

BAOBAB Travel is raising funds for materials to provide Dalukhanyo Pre-School with a sustainable and long-term future. There are several ways to get involved. You can support a child by donating a regular amount to our charity, or you may choose to donate an amount equivalent to items on the school wish list.

If you are able to help us or have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Join us to bring light to Dalukhanyo's future.
http://dalukhanyo.withtank.com/