Successful Feeding Program for Children in Waterfall, Mthatha

Missionaries of Mariannhill feeding programme in Mthatha

By Fr Michael S’busiso Hlophe CMM – A successful feeding programme was conducted on 5 and 12 April at Waterfall in Mthatha, providing nutritious meals to approximately 305 and 362 children, respectively. The initiative, organised by the Congregation of the Missionaries of Mariannhill of Mthatha Region, aimed to address food insecurity and promote the well-being of vulnerable children in the community.

The programme involved the preparation of meals, transportation, distribution method, volunteer involvement, praying with the children, and playing educational games with the children. A dedicated team of volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth operation of the event, from food preparation to the orderly distribution of meals.

While this programme provided vital immediate relief, it also underscored the ongoing need for sustainable solutions to address food insecurity within the community. Upon arrival, it was discovered that the children do not only need to be fed but they also need counselling, clothing, and other basic needs. The area captured has a large number of children who come from poor backgrounds and single-parent families. It was also noted and brought to our attention that a large number of these children are a result of teenage pregnancy. For instance, we find that in one family there are about seven to ten children. When the parents of these children are not around they are forced to take care of themselves.

The impact of the feeding programme was evident in the positive response from the children and the community. Many expressed their gratitude for the support, highlighting the significance of the meals in alleviating hunger and providing essential nutrition. Observations during the programme indicated a sense of joy and relief among the children as they received their meals. As one of the volunteering parents said “During the weekdays, children are fed in schools, but during the weekends they go hungry.  But by you coming here we are relieved because our children will not go hungry anymore.”