2006 Press Releases
Pretoria-Area Community Groups Get Grants from U.S.
October 2, 2006
The U.S. government last week awarded more than R280,000 to community organizations in the Pretoria area to support HIV/AIDS care and prevention programs at the grass-roots level. The grants are part of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which this year has devoted R1.5 billion to support South Africa's Comprehensive Plan on HIV/AIDS.
Among the groups receiving grants was Berakah Educational Foundation - Mamelodi East, (R70,000): These funds will support five caregivers with stipends and transportation fees, and will purchase equipment for a Drop-in-Center that will benefit 50 orphans and vulnerable children. In addition, 100 children and guardians will be educated in HIV/AIDS prevention and life skills.
In signing the grants U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Don Teitelbaum underscored the "...crucial role community organizations play in supporting those affected by HIV/AIDS. This is a time for action, and the groups here today are taking that action to the grassroots."
The Pretoria-area organizations are among 75 local groups throughout South Africa that will share approximately R5 million in the coming year to help their communities cope with the ravages of HIV/AIDS. The money will go for a variety of projects such as training local caregivers, buying jungle gyms and other equipment for use by orphans and other vulnerable children, and purchasing kitchen equipment to prepare food for AIDS patients receiving home-based care. 51 organizations were supported through this program in South Africa in 2005.
Other groups in the area receiving grants included:
Jesus Loves Voice - Silverton (R70,000) to fund training for caregivers, awareness campaigns, stipends, rent, and transport. The funds will also purchase equipment, furnishings and medical supplies to benefit the 120 children supported by this organization. Approximately 80 community members will be reached through awareness campaigns.
Refentse Health Care Giving Programme - Refentse (R70,000) to support 13 caregivers with stipends, cell phone airtime, and medical supplies. The funds will also purchase office equipment and support prevention workshops. This group currently cares for 42 bed-ridden patients. In addition, workshops will inform local populations about HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness.
Women for Change - Nellmaipus (R70,000) to purchase kitchen equipment, furnishings, utensils, computer, and educational items to improve programs serving 48 home-based patients and over 100 orphans and vulnerable children.
Community organizations interested in applying for funding through this program can learn more and obtain application forms by visiting http://southafrica.usembassy.gov/wwwfsh1a.pdf or phoning 012-431-4240.