The team at Focus on iThemba is deeply concerned about our neighboring Embo community and the effects that the HIV/AIDS pandemic have cast on them.  High levels of unemployment, poverty, disease and the breakdown of the family unit are only a few challenges that children in this community have to endure. Focus on iThemba aims to restore lives by bringing hope and assisting this community through:

 

iThemba Academy scholarships/bursaries Education leads to choice and freedom. Receiving a strong foundation phase education is crucial in shaping a child’s educational path. We aim to fund 60 scholarships in 2012 for children from the Embo and wider community.

 

Training seminars and workshops for families
One of the core beliefs of Focus on iThemba is the importance of strong family structures and wholesome family values, which in turn will curb the effect of HIV/AIDS. Through upholding these values the family unit is strengthened which has a magnitude of positive effects. Married parents who show love for one another have a significant impact on children and family life. We open our doors specifically to community leaders but also to the community to share invaluable wisdom through educational seminars and programmes relating to these topics.

 

Empowering rural teachers and pupils
We empower rural teachers and pupils through training and computer workshops and sharing knowledge on how to deal with huge classes and few resources. "Before the children only used to do one activity a day, with this new teaching method our children are now doing five activities, even though we only have very few resources," said Cindy (Mnamata School Grade R teacher).  

We run additional educational programmes in various rural schools in Durban targeting high risk behaviors such as HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy, depression, suicide, bullying, drugs and alcohol. 

 

Donations of food and clothing Focus on iThemba is extremely grateful to receive donations of food and clothing. If there is overflow or if the donation is not needed directly by ourselves we facilitate the sharing of it to ensure that the donations are utilized effectively and efficiently. Support the need