Childline Limpopo, a non-governmental organisation that deals with children’s problems, has embarked on a fundraising programme to uplift the lives of destitute children in Vhembe.

Energetic project members from the Thohoyandou district office recently spent a whole day washing the vehicles of staff members at Musina Municipality as one of their identified strategies to raise funds. They hope to raise enough funds to buy uniforms, food and study material for orphans and vulnerable children.

According to the organisation’s district manager, Babongile Mudau, Childline is an effective non-profit organisation that works collectively to protect children from all forms of violence and to create a culture of children's rights in South Africa. “The organization was formed in response to the very high levels of child sexual abuse which characterise South Africa. Childline is committed, through the support and capacity building of its affiliates, to developing appropriate social services, including a 24-hour toll-free helpline and supportive therapeutic social services for children who have been victims of violence.

"We also deal with education and awareness-raising programmes facilitating the prevention of violence against children and networking to establish strategic alliances with the aim of advocating for policy changes that will facilitate good management practices for abused children. We further research into violence against children within the South African context and ongoing training and development of staff members and volunteers to handle child-abuse issues.”

Mudau thanked the Musina Municipality for supporting their fundraising initiative. “The fact that the municipality is sharing the same vision with us makes us hopeful that we are moving in the right direction. We will continue to work with other developmental institutions to make sure that we get enough funds to support the destitute children.”

Mudau urged community members to report child-related abuses to their 0800 055 555 helpline. For those who want to support the fundraising, Mudau can be contacted on 076 285 7726.