Kakaretso Development and Training Trust
Started in 1997 by a local nurse, Kakaretso Development and Training operates in Qwa Qwa, one of the poorest areas of South Africa with the second highest rate of HIV/AIDS in the country Since ASAP started working with Kakaretso in 2003 as the only funding agency, they have developed a network that supports 70 Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres and they currently monitor more 4200 vulnerable and orphaned children under 6 years old in their care.
An apartheid-era homeland situated in a remote dry, mountainous area of the Free State province, Qwa Qwa remains a marginalized community of about one million people with very limited access to basic infrastructure, services and industry. High rates of HIV/AIDS, unemployment and adult illiteracy hamper development efforts. The standards of healthcare and education are dismal, and tough environmental conditions are a great challenge to productive, sustainable agriculture.
Despite this, Kakaretso has persisted and the centres deliver essential health and child care services to increasing numbers of orphans being monitored by the organization. The young children have stimulating, caring environments and the 325 women who comprise this vast network have received Early Childhood Development and Child and Youth Care training, gardens, grant access assistance, first-aid supplies and access to resources through group membership. Their orphan care programmes are expanding as they develop drop in centres at the early childhood centres. Departments of Health and Social Development are delivering HIV/AIDS training and increasing administrative and programme grants making ASAP’s exit strategy possible and ensuring sustainability for the future of the organization.
In their own words…
"ECD centres mainly function in privately-owned buildings, varying from zinc shacks to simple brick structures. In the majority of cases, a single room or garage is utilized for Educare purposes. Despite physical and financial limitations, women are keen and enjoy their work. The training and transfer of skills to formerly unemployed women empower them to generate an income through the running of Early Childhood Development programmes in their homes.
Orphans are absorbed creating safety for them. No longer being abused, no more children loitering in the streets. Children get food at the centres. Practitioners are aware of orphan's status and provide special care, but orphans are not differentiated from other children as they are absorbed by the community."
| 2003 | 2008 | |
| ASAP Grants | R7,000 | R355,285 |
| No. Of OVC | 230 | 4244 |
| ECD Centres | 24 | 70 |
| ECD Practioners | 54 | 335 |
