The Amakhala Foundation and Sunshine Coast Charity Trust recently invited the media to visit Isipho Charity Trust in Paterson. Isipho is an HIV/Aids organisation which has been operating from abandoned, unsafe municipal buildings for the past five years.
The Amakhala Foundation and Sunshine Coast Charity Trust recently invited the media to visit Isipho Charity Trust in Paterson. Isipho is an HIV/Aids organisation which has been operating from abandoned, unsafe municipal buildings for the past five years.
The trust was founded by David Banesi and Sindiswe Dumana in February 2002 because they wanted to do something for their community which is being ravaged by HIV/Aids. The Paterson couple had also been particularly inspired by the first World Aids Day celebration in 2001.
"Our vision is to take care of people living with HIV/Aids as well as orphans and vulnerable children as they are the most abused members of the community," Banesi says.
Isipho is located in the small rural town of Paterson near Addo Elephant Park and is known for its unemployment and economic challenges. Jill Lake, chairperson of Isipho, explained that the organisation was informed by the municipality to vacate the premises because the building is being converted into offices, forcing Isipho to find a new home.
However, Lake says "last year a fantastic opportunity came about when a property 500m away from Isipho went on sale. At the same time an American couple, Ryan and Laura Rothschild, were out on holiday and were visiting the centre. They offered to donate nearly half of the asking price if we could raise the rest."
Amakhala Game Reserve rallied together with other organisations and individuals who all helped to raise funds to buy the building. But even though this was most successful, Isipho still struggles to find donations to help complete the renovations of their new home.
They are in need of R5-million to complete phase one, (dormitories and classrooms) and phase two for offices, ablutions, classrooms and dorms. However, this is a long term goal and will cost approximately R1-million. Through exposure via the media the trust hopes to receive more donations to complete the renovations.
"What we are hoping to achieve by building a new centre for Isipho is to have a safer and happier environment for the children and staff, as well as better facilities, which will enable Isipho to reach more members of the community and provide a better service," said Lake.
The main goal is to complete renovations and thus be able to comply with government regulations to register as a youth and childcare centre, which will allow them to receive government funding and provide food for volunteers and the children.
