Partnership with The Children’s Bridge Foundation (CBF)

Children getting ready to play a game at the Emmanuel's Wish Foundation's Early Years Centre in Richmond, South Africa
 
 

It all started when…

Emmanuel’s Wish Foundation (EWF) is proud to partner with The Children’s Bridge Foundation (CBF) who sponsors a portion of our operating costs to run the Early Years Drop-in Centre in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

The Caregiver Education & Support/Early Years Drop-in Centre will provide education and support to caregivers of young children (grandmothers, aunties/uncles, child-led households, etc.) in the impoverished townships of KwaKofi, Ndaleni, Magoda and Pateni in the province of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa (photos below). It also provides a safe space for at-risk children and youth to access support and services, as well as nutritious food and mentorship.

The EYC targets caregivers who are raising children in child-led households, kinship placements, single-parents and those being raised by community members.   By supporting, empowering and providing compassionate programming, we can believe we can interrupt the cycle of intergenerational trauma, one household, one caregiver, one child at a time.

CBF has donated start-up costs of the EYC which provided:

  •  Paint and paint supplies for EYC (walls, ceiling and tables used for the children)

  • Floor mats and bean bag chairs for reading corner and infant corner

  • Snack supplies such as water jug, plastic plates, spoons and cups

  • Extra baggage costs to transport donations from Canada to EYC (large bin of books, craft supplies, school supplies, household and clothing donations for weekly donation table)

  • Repair of broken pipes which allowed for running water to be restored

  • Staff time to paint and clean the centre space

 CBF also generously contributed financial support for 12-months of EYC programming and operations. This donation has provided:

  • Healthy and nutritious snacks for caregivers and children (yogurt, fruit, homemade baking, boiled eggs, etc.)

  • Craft supplies for specific art projects

  • Cleanup supplies and extra snacks for “Richmond Park Community Clean-up Day” which was organized and funded by CBF/EWF (photos below)

  • Staff time (one staff member) to operate the drop-in centre

  • Safe transportation to and from the drop-in centre

  • Opportunity for staff to reach caregivers during transportation time to educate on safety issues as well as identify struggling at high at-risk households (provide resources and/or support when appropriate)

To learn more about The Children’s Bridge Foundation and their programming, please visit: https://www.childrensbridgefoundation.ca/