A non-profit organisation from Masiphumelele is hoping that its upcoming charity fundraiser, in support of its education programmes, will help provide meals and aftercare for 400 young children in the community.

Masicorp and Stichting Ibhongo (SI) are partnering to host a charity evening featuring live music and stand-up comedy at Café Roux in Noordhoek to celebrate Mandela Month on Friday 17 July to provide funds for the daily snacks and learning materials for the young ones in Masiphumelele.

Fundraising evening

Guests can look forward to an evening of entertainment featuring some of South Africa’s best-known performers, including award-winning comedian Marc Lottering, singer-songwriter Jeremy Olivier and Cape Town folk duo Jenny & the James.

Masicorp is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Masiphumelele.

Founded in 1999, it works to alleviate poverty by improving access to education and skills development, benefiting nearly 4000 adults and children annually.

The special fundraising event forms part of Masicorp’s Mandela Month campaign and aims to support the organisation’s educational initiatives, including its Stay & Play programme, which helps provide young children in the community with a strong foundation for learning.

“Approximately 6000 pre-school-age children live in Masiphumelele, and many have limited access to any form of structured ECD learning. Informal creches are often privately owned day-care centres which are run by local women with limited resources and space for children to play,” said Masicorp spokesperson, Megan Pringle.

Over the years Masicorp says they have seen significant progress among the children and caregivers.

“Children have improved their social and cognitive skills through crafts, songs, reading and games. Caregivers have developed teaching skills and apply them at the informal crèches. The playground also provides a safe place for children to improve coordination, gain self-confidence and improve their social skills. Regardless of the children’s background or the community they live in, we want Masi preschool learners to have an opportunity to access quality, structured education and enjoy learning,” she said.

Learning support

Fellow partner, SI, is a Dutch non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting ECDs particularly in Masiphumelele.

“We are wanting to raise R50 000 through this event which will go towards the educational support of 400 children attending informal creches in the Masi community,” said Pringle.

The event will also include a fundraising raffle with a range of exciting prizes, giving attendees another opportunity to support Masicorp’s work in the community.

“Our Stay & Play programme – 17 informal crèches and nearly 400 children participated in this programme which aims to improve the standard of early childhood education at informal crèches in Masiphumelele. This long-running initiative sees crèche owners receiving support in stimulating the children in their care,” said Pringle.

Community impact

The Stay & Play hub is located at Masicorp’s Sunnydale Educare.

Children attend an 8-week course to improve early learning outcomes.

Children attend sessions regularly, attendance is taken and children are assessed throughout their time with us.

In keeping with the spirit of Mandela Day, guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation such as rice, oats, maize meal, tinned pilchards or peanut butter.

These donations will help provide daily meals to more than 400 children attending Masicorp’s three early childhood development centres in Masiphumelele.

Seats are limited and early booking is recommended.

For more information contact Megan Pringle at megan@masicorp.org.

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