A Summer Camp for 400 children from disadvantaged areas in the Addo region was held last week and ended with the facilitators donating more than 600 gifts to poverty restricted families in the community.
The camp was held by Place of Mercy and Hope, a non-profit public benefit organisation, which has been operating in the Addo region for the past 13 years. It was held at Intsikelelo Care Centre in Langbos, an informal settlement without water and electricity.
The facilitators of the Summer Camp run activities with the children such as sport, arts and crafts, dancing, reading, health education, career guidance, gender based violence awareness, leadership, mentorship and personal development.
“This is a unique experience for the Addo community as most young people do not have any aspirations or role models,” said Jason Grieve who founded the programme together with Sisters of Mercy.
“Out of more than 30 children, only two of them had aspirations of making something of their lives. This is an extremely horrifying indication of the morale and general aspirations of the children in this community.”
But, the children for each Summer Camp arrive with big smiles, lots of energy and a genuine need for love and attention from the leaders of the camp.
“This is the only week and programme during the year for most of the kids where they receive true attention, love and care. It is also the only week for most of them, where they are guaranteed a small meal on each day,” said Grieve.
Although the Summer Camp ended last Friday, Place of Mercy and Hope runs other programmes throughout the year.
- For more information contact Jason Grieve on 083 656 1868.
