A Kloof, Durban, organisation dedicated to promoting holistic Early Childhood Development in historically disadvantaged areas is set to transform its entire outreach programme in KwaZulu-Natal, thanks to the donation of a vehicle, valued at R590 000, by the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT).
The Kloof-based Zero2Five Trust, a non-profit organisation, sets out to improve the nutritional, health and educational outcomes of children under the age of five, located within marginalised communities across KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, by utilising an integrated, community-centred and sustainable systems approach through Early Childhood Development Centres.
Commenting on its vehicle donation, SAMCT representative, Mr. Gaff Osman, said: “The Zero2Five Trust services a vast area, inclusive of the King Cetshwayo District, the uMgungundlovu and uThukela Districts, and the Eastern Cape with extremely limited access to transport. An additional vehicle means being able to serve needy communities in KwaZulu-Natal beter.”
The organisation, established in 2014 and whose broad vision is to see a future where every child in South Africa thrives by the age of five, regularly transports large bags of porridge, Rise Against Hunger cases, LEGO and Duplo cases, vegetable seedling, books and toys, amongst other goods, to the youngsters it serves in both this province and the Eastern Cape.
Mr. Gaff Osman said: “Learning about the severe transport limitations faced by the Zero2Five Trust, the SAMCT was quick to respond, providing an appropriate second field-work vehicle, so enabling the organisation to completely transform its entire outreach programme, immensely strengthening its crucial multi-pronged endeavours in under-served rural areas.”
Through its community involvement, the organisation aims to improve learners’ health and education outcomes through the widespread implementation of vital nutritional and educational programmes.
“We of the SAMCT recognise the importance of early childhood development, especially amongst those who have been historically disadvantaged in this country. Accordingly, we were pleased to have had the opportunity to assist in enabling the Zero2Five Trust transform its outreach programme to the benefit of marginalised youngsters in KwaZulu-Natal,” Mr. Gaff Osman said.
The SAMCT was created in 2008, the result of a partnership between Old Mutual Unit Trusts and Al Baraka Bank, for the creation, marketing and distribution of a suite of Shariah Funds. The organisation provides funding, services and other resources for the improvement of the lives of the vulnerable, deprived and disadvantaged.
It has been singularly successful in delivering sizeable assistance solutions throughout South Africa – irrespective of race or religion – and continues to work to support needy organisations in the fields of healthcare, social development, poverty alleviation and education.
The Zero2Five Trust provides three programmes at rural Early Childhood Development centres, inclusive of Nutrition & WASH, Play & Learn and ECD Registration & Support. The organisation currently interacts with some 12 000 children.
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For more information about the SAMCT and its Zero2Five Trust Vehicle donation, please contact:
Rasheeda Motala
Social Responsibility Officer
Tel: 084 506 2280
Email: samct@samct.co.za
www.samct.co.za