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A SOLID FOUNDATION
HIV/Aids is the most crippling pandemic of the century leaving in its wake abused, neglected and orphaned children.  It was this revelation that led ARC to respond to the cry of the children in poor communities who found themselves in desperate need. Our response over the past 9 years has been in the form of immediate relief of food and clothing to a more intentional involvement leading to transformation in the lives of children and sustainability of creches.

We are deliberate in our approach as we recognise the importance of identifying children at risk and how early intervention and quality provisioning makes it possible for children to grow and develop to their full potential.
 It is our belief that given a solid foundation in the early years of a child's life with the opportunities we provide, that these children have the potential to become future leaders of our city and make a positive impact on the community as a whole.

WORKING WITH UNREGISTERED CRECHES
Over the past 5 years ARC has focused its efforts on those children attending unregistered shack crèches of Kosovo and Samora Machel in Philippi, as well as those who cannot afford to attend a crèche and left exposed to vulnerabilities of abuse and neglect, by assisting with food parcels and clothing. We also host a Kidz Club for 300 toddlers in the community each year. 

Working with numerous unregistered creches and 100s of children, we continue to assist in providing resources, equipment and training courses, thus providing a more pleasurable and workable environment for both the children and teachers. Earlier this year we hosted a training using 'waste matrerials' in creative artwork and a Think Twice course, which focuses on instilling self-worth and empowering 4-6 year olds to deal with sexual abuse.
Although we are assisting many of the creches, we are focusing our attention on 5 creches in a more holistic approach. This includes building of classrooms, renovations, resources and equipment which would enable them to become fully functional. We are working closely with the Department of Social Development and Department of Health in a co-ordinated effort towards their registration as ECD centres. See Kosovo Kids pics
See Creche photo gallery of current projects

 THE GREATER COMMUNITY OF VULNERABLE WOMEN - UNDERSTANDING THE BIGGER PICTURE - 2011 CHARITY CHALLENGE FUNDS
Ultimately we believe that the development of a Children's Support Centre for the most vulnerable in this community could serve to meet a great need in the area and make a lasting impact.

We have ear-marked at 2500 sq/m plot bordering on Kosovo, have building plans in place and developed a holistic model, based on Christian values. The Centre has been supported by Helen Zille and we are currently working closely for 2 years with Social Development and Property in a concerted effort to secure this land.

The Centre would serve as a 'refuge/lighthouse' where the children in the community can come to and find love and support knowing it is a safe haven for children. We have also recognised that early and appropriate treatment and care, which the Centre could provide in the form of educare for the most vulnerable, can often reverse the effects of deprivation and make it possible for children to grow and develop to their full potential! It is estimated there are 3-4000 0-5 year olds in the Kosovo shack community alone, most of whom are not in creches as the caregivers or moms cannot afford to pay R100 per month creche fees!. These are the 'most vulnerable'. 

 The Centre would also run a temporary place of safety for the emergency cases, as well as physchological, nutritional, spiritual support with a church for children and recreational support offering weekend and holiday programmes. This will serve to provide a positive outlet as crime and drug using among children is increasing at an alarming rate and children have very little to do in this community during the weekends.There is no facility of this nature in the community despite the high level of child abuse.  

The abandoned, widowed and marginalised women would also be catered for in the Women's Empowerment programme which focuses on restoring dignity through spiritual empowerment, interventions and teaching of business skills. Our community is filled with these vulnerable women who are struggling to raise and care for their children.

SUPPORT GIVEN
Our involvement over the years with Orphan and Vulnerable children (OVCs) has been fortified with the assistance of many corporate and individual donors, spear-headed by  Argusx2,  Webber Wentzel Platteklip Charity Challenge and Life Church (soon to be Watoto). Other donors included Champions Church UK,  Crosslands Mission team (Canada),  Fusion Design, Bucanneer Shoes, as well as individual donors.

Diagrams of proposed Children's Support Centre in Samora Machel (model courtesy of Shiloh, Jubillee Excellence Schools)