Supporting Children and Families through Charity Work

Weekly Guest Show Onita Sibanda speaks to Gugulethu Mnkandhla, the founder of Lesego Memorial Trust to understand her work in charity and children.

O S: Welcome to tonight’s show, our topic is; Supporting Children and Families through Charity Work, with our special guest, Gugulethu Mnkandhla. She is here to share her valuable insights and experiences, particularly through her work with Lesego Memorial Trust. Let’s get started!

Welcome to the show Gugulethu. May you kindly introduce yourself!

G M: Good evening. Thank you Onny Sibanda and TBM for inviting me!

I am Gugulethu Mnkandhla, a Gwanda native. I am 29 years of age and very passionate about child protection and safeguarding. I am the founder of Lesego Memorial Trust, a community based organization operating in Gwanda district. I hold qualifications in Sociology and Social Work

O S: Thank you for sharing that with us, Gugulethu!

What inspired you to start Lesego Memorial Trust?

G M: I always say, I am who I am today because of the community I have grown up in. From all my experiences, I have realized the impact of shared values and support regardless of relation, which is part of what’s needed in human development. We can’t talk of economic growth or success without issues of humanities and the realization of children’s rights, which is what we do at Lesego Memorial Trust.

The organization was named in memory of my late brother who succumbed to brain tumour in 2014. Because of the community we have, it helped our family as we were in mourning. Lesego Memorial Trust’s interventions are also to ensure that children get to realize their potential hence the charity component in our programming.

O S: It is clear that your upbringing and community have had a profound impact on your values and mission. 

G M: Indeed, the goal is to preserve the values of a nurturing and supportive environment that preserve the spirit of Ubuntu and upholds child rights.

O S: Ubuntu is such a powerful concept, emphasizing the importance of community, compassion, and interconnectedness. It is wonderful that Lesego Memorial Trust is working to preserve and promote this spirit.

Can you share some of the most significant challenges you have faced while providing humanitarian assistance to children and families in distress?

G M: We have encountered dishonesty amongst community members when capturing data and conducting our needs assessments to select beneficiaries for donations. There are cases of favouritism and dishonesty. For example, we have had cases of economically stable households listed as intended beneficiaries for groceries, leaving out the most vulnerable.

Other instances have been road network challenges where we would have to make u -turns on our planned activity days. Limited resources also inhibit us from implementing activities and reaching out to all beneficiaries as we would like.

O S: That is really challenging, Gugu! It is disheartening when community members don’t act with integrity, especially when it comes to supporting vulnerable individuals. Regarding limited resources, that’s an ongoing struggle for many organizations.

G M: It is! I’m sure the assumption is everyone should benefit from any aid and most communities assume that we only receive lists without doing further research on who receives support.

O S: True that, transparency and accountability are crucial in aid distribution. How does Lesego Memorial Trust identify and select the children and families who receive assistance?

G M: We collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including traditional leaders, local authorities, Child Care Workers, churches, the Department of Social Development and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.

From the lists, we further conduct vulnerability assessments to group beneficiaries as per their needs

O S: That’s impressive, Gugu. Collaborating with such a wide range of stakeholders must help ensure a comprehensive approach to supporting vulnerable children.

What form of humanitarian assistance does the trust provide and your geographical coverage?

G M: We cover the entire Gwanda district offering assistance in education i.e. provision of school stationery and uniforms, payment of fees, rehabilitation of schooling infrastructure, distribution of grocery hamper, sanitary wear, assisting in medical care.

O S: That great Gugu! It’s clear that Lesego Memorial Trust is committed to addressing the holistic needs of vulnerable children in Gwanda district.

What role does education play in the trust’s work, and how do you support children’s educational needs?

G M: Education is one of our main programming areas to empower vulnerable children to reach their potential. As I’ve mentioned above, we support Orphaned and Vulnerable Children with fees, uniforms, stationery and other needed supplies to reduce the risk of school dropouts. Outside of charity donations, we run school based awareness programs on various issues such as drug abuse, gender based violence, early marriages, sexual and menstrual health

We also disseminate information and conduct advocacy campaigns in communities on children’s rights as we believe increased awareness leads to community development

O S: It is fantastic that Lesego Memorial Trust is tackling the complex issues affecting vulnerable children in Gwanda district. Your holistic approach to education including awareness programs, is likely having a profound impact on these young lives. 

What are some of the most rewarding experiences or success stories you have witnessed through your work?

G M: To gauge the impact of our work, we have seen and been told of positive behavioural changes amongst our beneficiaries, improved academic results and the cheer on the elderly’s faces when we handover groceries, clothing and blankets.

O S: That’s wonderful Gugu. Those moments, especially the smiles on the elderly’s faces, must make all the hard work worth it.

G M: It motivates us to be consistent and widen our reach really.

O S: What are the trust’s future plans and goals for expanding its reach and services to support more children and families in need?

G M: More of advocacy campaigns on child rights issues to reduce exploitation, abuse and neglect. We hope we can extend our academic scholarships to tertiary level. We are looking to having income generating projects, skills training programs and social enterprises for our beneficiaries to be self-reliant. We also hope to establish a home in Gwanda for vulnerable children.

O S: That’s great, keep up the good work. Establishing a home for vulnerable children will provide a safe and nurturing environment.

How can a media house like, The Besana Mail collaborate with Lesego Memorial Trust to amplify the trust’s mission and impact, and what potential partnership opportunities exist?

G M: Platforms such as this WhatsApp group help raise awareness on child protection and safeguarding issues. The Besana Mail and Lesego Memorial Trust can publish stories on the challenges faced by Orphaned and Vulnerable Children, bringing to lights their effects and the importance of every individual’s role in child protection.

Publishing investigative stories on issues like child abuse, child Labour, drug abuse amongst school children are other possible programs to collaborate on.

As Lesego Memorial Trust we are open to partnering with individuals and organizations who share the same vision as us and have children at heart.

O S: Thank you Gugu! I agree. Publishing investigative stories and personal accounts can be a powerful way to expose the harsh realities of child abuse, child labour, and drug abuse amongst school children.

Collaborating on such programs can help spark meaningful conversations, raise awareness, and drive collective action to address these critical issues.

Your last words?

G M: Indeed, there’s needs for more awareness on child issues. Children who grow up in safe and supportive environments become responsible, confident and productive adults. I’d like to urge community members to invest in child protection as it ensures stronger and healthier societies tomorrow.

O S: Well said. Investing in child protection is indeed investing in a brighter future for our communities. Your message serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding the well-being and safety of our children.

Thank you Gugu, for sharing your insights with us. Thank you again for inspiring us to take action and make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children.

It was an absolute pleasure having you.

G M: Thank you for having me. I look forward to hearing of impactful stories

towards changing the plight of vulnerable children. Be blessed.