At Starfish Greathearts Foundation, our mission is simple but profound: to break the cycle of poverty for children orphaned and vulnerable in South Africa by offering them the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive. Since our inception, we’ve worked tirelessly to provide life-changing support to vulnerable children who face the harshest of challenges, children often living in situations where poverty, violence, and inadequate education are the norms.
In quarters 1 to 3 in 2024, our organization continued to make a significant impact, and we are excited to share some of our key updates and statistics. These numbers are a testament to the collective efforts of our donors, partners, and volunteers. Together, we are creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond today and into the future.
When she arrives home, Lerato must fetch water from a river 1½ miles away, and then carry the 6.6 gallons on her head for 1½ miles home. Once that is delivered, she must search for wood, chop it, and bring it home in a huge pile on her head. The wood is used for food preparation and heating. Lerato will then need to attend to the washing of school clothes for her and her brother for the next day and help prepare a meal
Impact Report: Empowering Children, Transforming Futures
This year, Starfish Greathearts Foundation reached even greater milestones in our ongoing efforts to help children break free from poverty. Here are some highlights from our 2024 impact report:
- 834 Children Supported by our Early Childhood Development Program: In quarters 1 to 3 of 2024, we have expanded our reach to 834 children, providing them with essential services such as education, healthcare, social services and nutrition, support. Through our unique “Starfish Model,” we can create a comprehensive and individualized support system that addresses the physical, emotional, and educational needs of each child.
- School Retention: Our focus on education has had measurable success. In the face of adversity, the children supported by Starfish have stayed in school, a remarkable achievement considering the many barriers to education in vulnerable communities. This means more children are likely to graduate and continue with further education from our Early Childhood Development Centers.
- Healthcare Access for over 14,000 Children & Adults: Access to healthcare is a critical aspect of poverty alleviation.
Through partnerships with the Department of Health and health professionals, we have been able to provide medical assistance to over 14,000 children and adults this year.
- Looking Forward: A Sustainable Path Out of Poverty
While the numbers are encouraging, there’s still much work to be done. Breaking the cycle of poverty is a long-term commitment. Our goal is not just to help children survive, but to thrive, by providing them with the tools, skills, and confidence to transform their futures.
As we move into 2025, the Starfish Greathearts Foundation remains committed to the following:
- Expanding Educational Opportunities: We will continue to support children in their educational journey, ensuring they have access to quality learning environments.
- Strengthening Family and Community Networks: By working directly with families and local communities, we aim to strengthen the social safety nets that help children thrive long-term, reducing the likelihood of falling back into poverty.
- Advocating for Systemic Change: We are committed to influencing policy changes that can lift more families out of poverty. This includes advocating for improvements in healthcare, education, and social welfare systems.
- Building a More Resilient Future: By giving children more opportunities to develop our early childhood development practitioners with leadership skills as well as emotional resilience, ensuring that all entering our centers, are prepared for the future.
How You Can Get Involved
None of this would be possible without the support of our generous donors, partners, and volunteers. Here are a few ways you can make a direct impact:
- Donate Today: Your contribution can help provide children with school supplies, healthcare, and the emotional support they need to thrive. Even a small donation can make a big difference in a child’s life.
Donate Now
- Spread the Word: Help us raise awareness about the importance of breaking the cycle of poverty. Share our work on social media, tell others about our mission, and encourage your friends and family to get involved.
Visit Us Online
For more information on how we are changing lives, please visit our Website. There, you can learn about the children we support, read testimonials from those whose lives have been changed, and find out how you can become part of this vital mission.
Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of children who need it the most. Thank you for standing with us in the fight to break the cycle of poverty.