The Seed Fund was established to bring about transformation in severely disadvantaged communities.
Their flagship community is the Malacca Informal Settlement, which is located on the outskirts of Durban North. Most of its residents live on less than US$2 per day – which is the World Bank’s definition of extreme poverty. “The goal of the Seed Fund is to transform the community in Malacca Road into an environment where each individual, especially the children, are able to realize their full potential. We are wanting to awaken and ignite the dreams within those living there and help them understand that even though they were born into poverty that doesn’t have to be their destiny.”
Their goal is to equip the next generation with life skills, tools, ability and mind-set to shift from a life of poverty, sickness, crime, drugs and alcoholism to a life of purpose. To give them a future where they can become teachers, doctors, lawyers, business men and women and fulfil their dreams. They believe that by uplifting these children they can uplift entire communities, causing a seismic change in society; creating jobs, businesses and education, adding to the economy and alleviating poverty and crime.
The Seed Fund believes that transformation begins with the children – without minimising the importance of family and community. As far as the children are concerned, The Seed Fund’s key areas of intervention ensure that each child is: • Registered at school and that fees are paid • Kitted out with school uniforms and stationery • Safely transported to and from school
• Receives daily lunch
• Has access to homework assistance and literacy development programmes
• Receives suitable healthcare
• Is exposed to social growth and development outings with the view of inspiring dreams
They’re also in the throes of opening an Early Childhood Development Centre – which will take care of the pre-school children who are currently playing in the dirt – unsupervised and unstimulated at a crucial cognitive, linguistic, emotional and motor developmental stage of their lives.
Other ongoing projects include the improvement of environment and infrastructure, life skills and health and employment.
To find out how you can support The Seed Fund, visit their website or give them a call.