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Food, health, primary and secondary school fees coverage, after-school programs. One hundred and thirty children and their families are now able to share in these services. These are some of the “fruits” of development programs begun in South Africa by the Action for New Families Foundation, financed by sponsorship from abroad.
South Africa, an immense country with nearly 50 million inhabitants, the home of Nelson Mandela, is in the limelight these days for the World Cup, which instead of covering over, has actually highlighted the wounds of this society that was released not long ago from the terrible scourge of apartheid. However, alcoholism, drug abuse, child prostitution, and high unemployment (50%) remain among the main ills that afflict this country today.
Even though they knew it would only be a drop in the ocean, the AFN Federation chose to work in South Africa since 1992 through its Distance Support Project. A solid team of volunteers who work on location, helps to ensure efficient coordination and service. It is involved in trying to improve the human and social condition not only of children, but also of their families, so that assistance will continue to bear fruit in their ongoing growth and development.
Assistance does not end when children finish school. The plan foresees that beneficiaries continue to receive professional training and assistance through the activation of microcredit and college scholarships.
There have been several projects to date. The first goes back to 1992 with a kindergarten in Zonda, a suburb of Soweto (Johannesburg), in the slums of Silver Town. A canteen has also been set up 10 km from the town of Mafikeng (North West Africa), operated in collaboration with Mary’s Mission.
In Soweto (Johannesburg), children who have been orphaned by AIDS find welcome in foster care as they await adoption into a permanent home. Also through support from abroad Angolan military families who are living in economically disadvantaged villages receive support: in this case the project covers food, school fees, and transportation for school children. Finally there is support for some Congolese refugee families (and other African countries) through economic aid, and group and/or personal therapy.
Worldwide, the AFN Foundation offers real opportunities for development to 16,400 children in 102 projects in 52 countries on 4 continents (Europe, Middle East, Africa, the Americas, Asia). In Africa, about 3,500 children are supported through 18 projects in Algeria, Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Republic of South Africa, Central African Republic, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.
