The 2024 schooling year kicked off on a dismal note for many learners of public schools, across the country as classroom overcrowding and teacher shortages left them facing another year of learning under challenging conditions. “Overcrowding is a big issue in Alexandra schools,” says Ms Yengwa, life orientation and English teacher at Pholosho Combined School.

Children living in Alexandra Township face a myriad of daily struggles, from food insecurity and malnutrition to poor access to educational opportunities and basic living requirements – shelter and security being major needs that are often unmet. Child sponsorship presents a much-needed solution to these struggles that young people face, not to mention the impact

While many South Africans are anxiously awaiting the December holidays, and look forward to festive feasts, presents and general merriment, there are millions who won’t be as fortunate this holiday. Children are especially vulnerable at this time and will spend their days wondering where their next meal is going to come from, and sadly end

Sport remains one of the world’s most effective means of bringing people together, and we don’t need to look too far to find examples that prove this – the Springboks’ recent rugby World Cup win, for instance, brought the nation together in roaring support of the boys in green and gold (just like they did

Poverty, food insecurity, and poor nutrition are all inextricably linked factors when it comes to the health and development of a child. The inability to afford and access good, safe, nutritious food leads to malnourishment, which in turn results in stunting (low height for age) and wasting (low weight for height). Based on health checks

‘There is no limit to what we as women, can accomplish,’ is the sentiment from Nhlanhla Mchunu, a Gender Based Violence (GBV) community development worker who has been with Rays of Hope assisting victims of GBV for the past five years. In light of the many cases of domestic abuse and violence she has seen

Growing up in a child-headed household, without the guidance and love of a parent or adult, often leads to long-term trauma and emotional scars. Unfortunately, this is the all-too familiar reality that children in Alex face. Lerato* lost her mother when she was just 14 years old. “I used to care for my mother, so

Violence is a global issue, but an even more pervasive problem in South Africa where high levels of inequality, poverty, and unemployment exist. Violence hinders social development and quality of life but is particularly destructive for the country’s vulnerable communities that tend to bear the brunt of these challenges. South Africa’s tendency to violence has

With the frigid winter months fast approaching in South Africa, many of the residents of Alexandra Township will face difficult days and even more brutal nights without sufficiently insulated homes, warm clothing, or food to at least keep their stomachs warm. Just over the bridge that separates Alex from the far wealthier suburbs of Sandton,

Parents naturally want the best for their little ones, and as such, most understand the importance of nurturing a healthy, balanced approach to nutrition in their children. That being said, picky eaters will be picky eaters, and it’s difficult to know where to begin when it comes to feeding your child the right foods at