Project name:
Indlela Pre School

Project location:
Amaoti Township, North Durban

Who runs the project?
A small Durban based charity set up the school, which now employs a few local women as teachers and helpers.

What is the need?
Amaoti is a large township in North Durban. It borders one of the wealthiest areas of the city, yet the poverty is incredible. Very young children can suffer terribly in the township. If they are lucky enough to have parents who are alive then they must still face the majority of the day without supervision as their parents will be trying to earn money at work. These children have very little to do, with little food and stories of abuse being rife. Many children are themselves diagnosed with HIV, suffering from the early stages of the illness.

What does the project do?
The Indlela pre school provides babies, toddlers and young children with the chance to play and learn in a safe environment. Essentially, the pre school allows parents to leave children in a trustworthy place whilst they can look for and go to work.

What difference is being made?
Very young children who would otherwise be left alone or looked after by a possibly dubious friend or relative are being given the chance to learn and play in a safe, friendly and welcoming environment. Those who are sick or dying are looked after and valued, undermining the stereotypes attached to those with HIV and AIDS. Parents are able to go and find work without worrying about the safety and well-being of their children, thus enabling them to earn money for a possibly better life.