Ixopo Project, South Africa

See the progress you helped make happen in your sponsored community

When the project started, many families were struggling to earn an income.

The quality of education was poor. Lack of access to clean water and toilets left children prone to illnesses like diarrhoea, and HIV and AIDS were a growing concern.

Thanks to your support, your sponsored child and other children in the Ixopo community have improved access to education and healthcare; families have improved livelihoods and there is increased awareness of child rights.

Together we've achieved so much

4,802 children took part in homework clubs in 2016

These clubs provided them with vital support to improve their learning.

  • Facilities at 14 schools were improved in the early years of the project and 15 pre-schools were equipped with jungle gyms.
  • 18 volunteers have been trained to implement a family maths program to improve numeracy amongst children and increase parental involvement in education.
  • Teachers have taken part in skills training conducted through South Africa’s Rhodes University.
  • School Governance Boards have been strengthened so that they can work with local authorities on continuous improvements to education services.
  • High school leavers have been provided with career guidance, including how to access bursaries for further studies.

Parents who report they can provide well for their children reached 86 percent in 2015

This is up from 78 percent in 2014, thanks to the project’s efforts to help families increase their incomes.

  • Producer groups are generating income through vegetable farming, raising pigs and poultry, beekeeping and baking. They received support with essentials including irrigation, materials to build greenhouses and skills training.
  • A 2013 survey showed that the percentage of children in the community eating three or more meals per day had reached 84 percent.
  • 97 percent of producer group members who took part in a 2013 survey reported that they were now self-sufficient.
  • Local street vendors effectively lobbied for the local council to build 55 market stalls in the community’s business district so they can sell their produce in all weather conditions and attract more customers.

Over 90 percent of women now give birth in a health facility

The number of pregnant women in the community attending antenatal check-ups rose from 755 in 2014 to 1,422 in 2015.

  • 30 community health workers have been trained to provide local families with health information and advice.
  • A community group is running a drop-in centre where children orphaned or left vulnerable by HIV and AIDS receive meals, have their clothes washed and get help with homework.
  • Volunteer Home-Based Caregivers have been trained to provide practical support for vulnerable community members, particularly those affected by HIV and AIDS.

"Finally the CBOs (producer groups) are able to sustain food security whilst generating some income through vegetable tunnels (greenhouses)."

- Ntombifuthi, community group member