Taken aback by the high levels of poverty in Amalinda Forest, East London resident Babalwa Mbuku decided to make a difference.
She started Operation Feed-A Child with partner Siyabonga Madi in May because they wanted to ensure that no child went to bed on an empty stomach.
“So I created the Facebook page just calling on people to donate whatever they could, whether it was food, money or clothes, and the response has been so great that we are now not only able to serve food, but we are able to clothe them as well,” she said.
Mbuku then roped in friends and family to help her – and today the team of seven serve a full meal to more than 200 children every Saturday.
“I cook the food from my own kitchen and I do not mind because I really want to teach other people who are well off, the importance of giving back to our disadvantaged communities.
“As young professionals or business owners, we really need to reach out to our communities and provide help where we can; every little bit helps and can go a long way,” Mbuku said.
Yesterday she held a picnic for community members, saying she was trying to put a little cheer into the lives of the children because “feeding them alone is not enough, you have to warm their souls also”.
Alice Vika, who lives with her eight-year-old grandson, said she appreciated the gesture.
“This is something I know our children will never forget; it’s not just about the food and picnic but it’s about the opportunity to experience something new and just have fun.
“As a parent, I appreciate Babalwa and her efforts because it really does lighten the load and makes our children happy.”
Liyema Damoyi, 10, could not stop gushing over the jumping castle.
“This is so much fun. I have never seen one before,” Liyema said. “I have often heard other children talking about the jumping castle but I have never got that chance. Now I can start telling my own stories. We also got free T-shirts. It’s been a nice day.
Helping feed children for hope and fun
She started Operation Feed-A Child with partner Siyabonga Madi in May because they wanted to ensure that no child went to bed on an empty stomach.
“So I created the Facebook page just calling on people to donate whatever they could, whether it was food, money or clothes, and the response has been so great that we are now not only able to serve food, but we are able to clothe them as well,” she said.
Mbuku then roped in friends and family to help her – and today the team of seven serve a full meal to more than 200 children every Saturday.
“I cook the food from my own kitchen and I do not mind because I really want to teach other people who are well off, the importance of giving back to our disadvantaged communities.
“As young professionals or business owners, we really need to reach out to our communities and provide help where we can; every little bit helps and can go a long way,” Mbuku said.
Yesterday she held a picnic for community members, saying she was trying to put a little cheer into the lives of the children because “feeding them alone is not enough, you have to warm their souls also”.
Alice Vika, who lives with her eight-year-old grandson, said she appreciated the gesture.
“This is something I know our children will never forget; it’s not just about the food and picnic but it’s about the opportunity to experience something new and just have fun.
“As a parent, I appreciate Babalwa and her efforts because it really does lighten the load and makes our children happy.”
Liyema Damoyi, 10, could not stop gushing over the jumping castle.
“This is so much fun. I have never seen one before,” Liyema said. “I have often heard other children talking about the jumping castle but I have never got that chance. Now I can start telling my own stories. We also got free T-shirts. It’s been a nice day.
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