The Phoenix Poverty Reduction Association started hydroponic farming with one tunnel housed at the Department of Social Welfare in Phoenix. This expanded to two tunnels in 2006, when the tunnels were moved to Brookdale Secondary. Networking with the Department of Agriculture a three-day workshop was held for unemployed community members who were trained in hydroponic tunnel farming. Over the past five years members of the community have sold the tomatoes that were harvested to defray costs. Both tunnels were sponsored.
It has come to our attention that many of our learners in schools go to bed at night without having supper. Learners are both hungry and exhausted in the morning before their lessons. This makes concentration in class extremely difficult.
It is with this understanding that the Breakfast Club was introduced. We have currently 2000 children from 80 schools as members of the Breakfast Club. Each child receives a mug of Future Life every morning before going to class. The organization would like to increase the number of learners depending on the response of donors. Our aim is to feed 6700 learners daily in keeping with Mandela's legacy.
The challenges children face with regards to poverty sometimes makes it impossible for them to celebrate during the festive period. It is with this in mind that the Phoenix Poverty Reduction Association organizes an Annual Christmas Party for 500 of the most indigent children from 120 schools. This programme entails receiving a personalised gift from Santa, a sumptuous meal, games, party packs, clowns, face painting and live music.
Children in schools are encouraged to participate in a Poverty Awareness Day programme. The weeklong programme includes assembly talks, debates, speech contests and other activities around the issue of poverty. Each child receives a sticker and makes a contribution of R2. The awareness is far more significant than the raising of funds.
This programme takes place once a year at the beginning of the Winter months, May/June. Learners, on behalf of their families, receive some kind of relief to deal with the adversity of winter. This programme is supported by the Gift of the Givers and the Al Imdaad foundation. The learners are provided with blankets, soup packs, woollen hats and vanity packs. Currently the programme caters for 1200 learners each year.