Ratang Bana model for development
ALEXANDRA - Ratang Bana Future For Children an NPO, is evolving into a model to emulate for an integrated approach to community development.
Ratang Bana Future For Children (OVC), a non-profit organisation, works through a model which can be emulated as an integrated approach in providing development and social services.
The organisation in Eastbank started as service providers for orphaned and vulnerable children when their population was escalated by poverty, neglect and HIV/AIDS. This service was increased to include support to elderly women; providing unemployed women and men with food parcels; skills development and income-generating initiatives. This has helped to ward off hunger and provides them with a platform for stimulation, engaging with their peers and to restore their dignity.
The centre has now developed into a green area of well-nurtured gardens providing vegetables for home consumption for its beneficiaries and sale for income. It has lush lawn, colourful flowers and play grounds with recreational equipment for children. Its integrated approach includes spaces for recycling waste and patches for other forms of gardening like hanging vegetable containers and the use of old tyres.
Ingrid Moloi, the centre’s founder, was upbeat about these developments. She said the continuous inclusion of other components was a natural, mutually reinforcing and holistic approach to human and social development.
She said they still supported 36 OVC, 68 grannies, 34 unemployed women and 6 men working as volunteers. “The grannies and women converge daily at the centre to reminisce on the past and dispel boredom from their lonely lives when children, grand children, husbands and partners are at school, work or have passed on.”
She said the integrated approach made the centre an attraction for people and sponsors interested in helping the community. It has made them provide computers for information and communication technology skills training of the OVC, donations of bread and other food items for home consumption, skills training in sewing and waster management and others. This, Moloi said includes a partnership with the SPCA, Puppy Haven, a Vet and a good Samaritan for dog care services provided on dog care days. This has taught children on how to care for pets, ensure they are vaccinated and latched properly. Those who can not care for the pets are also advised to give them away to the SPCA and other deserving people.
Details: Ratang Bana Future For Children; 011 264 1094
