The Adopt-a-Project initiative gives Telkom executive managers the opportunity to give back to their communities through meaningful partnerships with organisations that provide a nurturing and caring environment for the underprivileged, the sick and the needy of South African society.
Each senior leader is asked to identify a worthy cause to adopt and the Foundation provides the necessary funding.
Once a project is selected, the executive is encouraged to stay with that organisation for two or three years, contributing to its growth, strength and sustainability.
This year, 30 executives adopted projects, many continuing their associations of previous years.
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
Affiliated to the Gauteng Department of Education, the centre is involved in creating awareness and improving the teaching and learning of mathematics, science and technology.
St Francis Care Centre
A haven for the terminally ill, striving to meet physical, spiritual, emotional and social needs. Funds went towards the care of frail adults and those who have no one to look after them
New Hope School
The executive supported a skills development and job creation programme for mentally challenged learners.
Central Gauteng Mental Health Society
Provides medical care equipment and services for almost 550 children with psychosocial or intellectual disabilities.
Kwasiyalalela Counselling Services
Provides accessible, relevant and free counselling services to communities. It also works with home-based organisations and provides psychological support to caregivers.
Association of Human Values for Youth Leadership
Promotes the values of commitment and service by building capacity to respond to community needs. Runs a mentoring programme for the youth.
Bright Smile Bright Future
Spreads the message about oral health among children countrywide, issuing interactive kits containing learning tools such as DVDs, workbooks and posters, along with samples of toothpaste and toothbrushes.
Docks Mission
The executive donated mini mobile libraries to promote a culture of reading and learning at an early age.
Aristea Primary School
The executive supplied additional whiteboards and digital projectors and refurbished the school hall.
Hawston Primary/Hawston Secretary
Upgrading existing computer centres and refurbishing of existing end-user devices
Pulsrus Primary School
Additional interactive whiteboards, digital projection equipment and contribution towards the school’s community outreach programme.
Etata Trading
The funds supported a maths and science project for matriculants from township areas.
Winterveld Old Age Home
Provides geriatric care. Grant went towards providing for the needs of adults infected and affected by HIV and related diseases.
Mufumadi Wa Tshepo Care Centre
Centre cares for 200 orphaned children, arranging registration at school, offering after-school activities and attending to the children’s health needs.
Fatima House
A refuge for pregnant girls from 12 years of age, which focuses on education, and on physical and spiritual growth.
Mmakaunyane Centre
Provides support and stimulation programmes for the frail.
Tembisa Child Welfare
Grant financed school uniforms, ADSL line and laptops.
Bosele Middle School
Funds were invested in computer lab with connectivity and printer.
Namo Primary School
As with Bosele, a computer lab with connectivity and printer was installed.
ICT Government Business Services (with departments of education and communications)
Six executives contributed to the provision of computer labs with mobile satellite connectivity.
Even though he lives in Soweto, Telkom Group Executive: Enterprise Risk Management, Thokozani Mvelase, was not aware of the Central Gauteng Mental Health Society (CGMHS), which operates its West Rand office from the township. That changed in 2011, when a conversation with a local church representative alerted him to the Society’s great need for assistance. He started supporting it in 2012 and then brought the Telkom Foundation on board.
The society provides services to those affected by psychiatric and intellectual disabilities or dealing with crises. Further, it is involved in public awareness of mental instability and advocacy campaigns. Most of the monthly 300 beneficiaries are children, which, when one considers that there are just 13 staff and six volunteers, represents an onerous workload and a heavy responsibility.
Thokozani has always been struck by the attitude of the small team. “This job is not about money, but about love and passion for those in need.
“They’ve had to deal with break-ins and attempted thefts, and, when I became involved, they were relying on public transport to reach out to the community and transport the mentally handicapped children. My first priority was to make sure they received a vehicle.”
Then, with the funds allocated by the Telkom Foundation for 2014/15 the centre set about building a wall and erecting palisades to improve security. The balance was set aside to construct a classroom for rehabilitation workshops.
Over and above the financial contribution, Thokozani visits the centre as often as he can and makes himself available to attend events and participate in fundraisers. “Most humbling,” he says, “was the gala dinner for the foster parents of these children, because it highlighted the tremendous challenges they face and the patience and drive they, and the staff, have. But, above all, it demonstrated the great love they have for the children.
“I respect these wonderful people greatly. My association with CGMHS has made me appreciate all the special individuals dealing with special needs children. And, if I can make a difference, we can all make a difference.
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