A Message from Phakamani’s Co-Founders
No child should go hungry
“He who is kind to the poor, lends to the Lord” Prov 9:17
When a child just 15kms from your home, tells you that the worst part of his day is going to bed hungry then feeling weak at school the next day because he had no breakfast either, you’re faced with a choice. When you realise this child is one of hundreds of thousands, it becomes a dilemma. The creation of Phakamani is our personal response to this dilemma and our passion for this work is what we want to share with you.
We were faced with these statistics:
- 42% of South Africans survive on less than $2 a day
- 33% of adults are unemployed
- 35% of those who are employed exist on less than R500 ($75) / month
- 30% of mothers visiting anti-natal clinics are HIV-positive
- 54% of children live in poverty
Building on existing skills
Equally true as the statistics above, is the fact that many people do have the skills to employ themselves and to lift their own families out of poverty. What they lack is a little bit of capital to get started and coaching to help them along. Meanwhile, self-employment is how local economies develop and communities grow.
We have, therefore, started an organisation that will not only feed some of the needy people in our community, but more importantly will give them the tools to provide their own food. Our vision is a country in which even the poorest entrepreneur has the opportunity to create a business, uplift a family, and build a dream — even if that dream is as humble as providing basic food, shelter and education for one's family.
Our wish
If Phakamani Foundation is to become known as a light in the darkness, bringing hope from despair, we will have achieved our hearts desire and been faithful to the words from Isaiah 58 v 7-10 “….I want you to share your food with the hungry and to welcome poor wanderers into your homes. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help… Feed the hungry, help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as day.”
We are excited about bringing hope to hurting people. If this endeavour makes your heart beat a little faster and you would consider being a part of this dream, we would be delighted. Whether it is to pray, give or to do both, please let us know.
Sincerely.
Mark and Shirley Tucker
Co-Founders of Phakamani Foundation
