changing communities through sport for 500 kids

Urgent Needs Summary.

To continue and expand our services, HIS urgently requires: • Feeding Program Funding: Support to increase meal provision to two meals a day, with a focus on enhancing meal variety and nutritional value. • Laundry Program Resources: Funding to resume the Thursday laundry program with an emphasis on integrating life-skill training for children. • Sports Equipment and Coaches: Resources to purchase sports equipment, access facilities, and train coaches to develop a structured sports program. • Educational Sponsorships: Additional sponsorships to cover outstanding tuition fees for primary and high school students. • Digital Literacy Facilities: Support to establish a digital learning space and library, essential for the children’s access to digital literacy and educational resources.

1. Feeding Program

The feeding program, currently, meal options are limited, focusing on staples like vegetable peanut butter stew and soya chunks. There is an urgent need for additional funding to keep the over 300 children in need of food fed. We need to increase meals to 2 meals a day, increase nutritional variety, and meet the dietary needs of more children.

2. Laundry Program

The laundry program was held every Thursday but had to be temporarily discontinued due to resource reallocation toward the feeding program. HIS aims to relaunch the laundry service with a renewed approach that incorporates a life-skills component, where children will learn to manage their laundry under supervision. Securing resources for this relaunch remains a priority to foster self-sufficiency and practical skills among the children.

3. Sports Program

Currently, sports activities at HIS are informal and limited to Saturday games. Moving forward, HIS will take on a more specialized role in structured sports development, creating organized and consistent athletic opportunities. This new focus is guided by our vision of transforming lives through sports, offering vulnerable children a platform to thrive. Our mission and mandate prioritize holistic support through community sports, fostering excellence and inclusivity. To achieve these goals, we need funding for equipment, trained coaches, and sports facilities to build a robust program that serves as a pathway for the children’s personal and physical development.

4. Life Skills Camp

In August, HIS hosted a Life Skills Camp specifically for orphaned and vulnerable children, aiming to empower them with essential skills for personal development and independence. The camp provided practical guidance in areas like teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving, nurturing growth and self-confidence among the children. The goal was to sponsor 65 children with a target of $1,550, but through the generous support of donors, we were able to sponsor 45 children. This initiative remains a vital part of HIS’s commitment to creating impactful, life-changing experiences. We continue to welcome support to make future camps possible, and we aim to expand access to reach even more children.

5. School and Scholarship Support

We have urgent needs for sponsorship for 17 primary and 15 high school students. Ensuring continued support for education is vital to our mission of holistic child development. Additional sponsors are essential to bridge the financial gap and prevent disruptions in the children’s education.

6. Relocation Program and Future Planning

HIS is actively preparing for relocation from Testaram in line with a broader government shift toward community-based family care. This transition will involve restructuring HIS facilities into small family-style homes with dedicated caregivers, ensuring a stable, nurturing environment. Discussions with authorities regarding land acquisition are ongoing, and our plan includes designing spaces that provide a homelike atmosphere for each child.

7. Clothing Donations

We’ve received donations from well-wishers, which we’ve distributed based on age-appropriate needs. There is still a specific need for clothing for children aged 7 to 10. We encourage targeted donations to meet this pressing requirement and provide suitable attire for all children in our care.

8. Digital Literacy and Mobile Library Initiative

A core part of our educational mission includes providing access to digital literacy resources. We are actively seeking a dedicated space to establish a library and computer room, with budget planning currently in progress. An alternative space near the kitchen is available, though limited. The urgent need for financial support to set up this facility is paramount, as it would offer essential skills and educational resources to the children.

Summary and Next Steps

Harvesters in Sport Trust has made meaningful strides in providing essential services, thanks to the support of our donors, partners, and community members. To build on these efforts, we are prioritizing fundraising efforts to address our urgent needs, enhance our programs, and prepare for the upcoming transition to a family-based care model. Acknowledgment We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all donors, sponsors, and community members whose dedication and generosity make our mission possible. Your support is instrumental in enabling HIS to offer care, stability, and growth opportunities to each child. We look forward to continued collaboration as we strive to create brighter futures for the children in our care.