This organisation was founded in 2000 as a response to orphan challenges in South Africa. Since then, it has successfully mobilised 14 communities in seven provinces. It has developed a best practice model in order to be able to reach over 11 000 orphaned and vulnerable children. The effects of HIV/AIDS are crippling the South African economy as more children are being orphaned by the pandemic and the workforce is being adversely affected.
Heartbeat Centre for Community Development is an NGO that focuses on providing educational, material, health and social services to orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and their families in South Africa. In 2002, The Medical Research Council estimated that by 2015, some 5.7 million children would have lost one or both parents to AIDS. The statistics are grim, but with organisations such as Heartbeat Centre for Community Development, communities are able to make changes and give these children a better life. To date, the organisation has supported more than 55 000 orphans and vulnerable children.
The programmes are targeted at child-headed households, granny-headed households and potential orphans living with terminally ill parents.
Programmes:
Children’s Empowerment Programme: which includes workshops, individual counselling, support groups and youth camps.
Education programme: provides homework assistance, school uniforms, stationery etc.
Access to rights: helps children to acquire birth certificates, IDs, electricity and water.
Material Support: Support is provided in the form of food parcels, clothing, blankets, toiletries, gardens.
General monetary donations are helpful and they can be done by Credit Card, Bank wire or online. Another easy way of providing help is by sending an SMS with the keyword HEARTBEAT followed by your name to 40137 to donate R20 towards YOUNGHEARTS.
You can also make a difference by donating your time, materials or by simply sponsoring a child (Young Hearts). You can also help with fundraising and by volunteering.
Contact Heartbeat Centre for Community Development here: 087 150 2328 or 087 150 1685. Email: info@heartbeat.org.za.
Visit: www.heartbeat.org.za