Abraham Kriel Childcare (AKC) has provided care for orphaned and abandoned children in South Africa for over 100 years. It currently cares for over 800 children across multiple facilities. In recent years, AKC has expanded its vocational training programs and invested in green energy projects. It aims to equip children in its care with skills to become positive contributors to society. AKC relies on donations from individuals, businesses, and grants to continue its important work of caring for and developing disadvantaged children in South Africa.

1. Child
inter alia
by CD Anderson
The Joy of a
“The child (has) grown into a
giant journey through the whole
world,” said former president
Nelson Mandela, quoting poet
Ingrid Jonker, highlighting the
responsibility of building the
hopes and dreams of young
people of South Africa.
hildren in South Africa are abandoned, orphaned Now, almost a hundred years later, with childcare
and subjected to all types of abuse at alarming campuses, satellite homes, drop-in centres and vari-
rates. The needless follow-on effects of this situ- ous schools and development centres all over South
ation shape an entire generation facing a bleak future Africa, the hardworking management and staff of the
of inadequate nutrition, poor access to education and organisation diligently and selflessly nurture and de-
healthcare, and, ultimately, an indelible mark on society. velop over 800 children, across all ages, population
Thankfully, organisations like Abraham Kriel groups, religions and social standing.
Childcare (AKC) have borne the brunt of these social
ills with tolerance, compassion and hard work, ensur- Highlights from 2009 to 2011
ing that children are always entitled to their right to AKC has, over the last two years, progressed to
education, healthcare and love. take its transformation of services a step further, and
Since 1902, when Reverend Abraham Kriel estab- in the face of enormous challenges, has managed to
lished the first haven in Langlaagte, Johannesburg, blossom with the support and goodwill of business,
for children abandoned or orphaned during the government and ordinary South Africans.
South African wars, the organisation has provided The organisation received over R7-million from
an anchor for the hopes and futures of hundreds of the National Lotteries Distribution Fund, which ena-
South African children through a strong Christian bled it to implement some elements of its Childcare
framework that develops, empowers and reintegrates Environmental Protection Strategy, including the
socially disrupted and disadvantaged children to con- installation of solar-powered geysers in the various
tribute positively to society. AKC facilities.

2. inter alia
AKC was able to enable some of its young residents, to society, 2010 saw the inception of the aforemen-
as well as residents of Emdeni, Soweto, close to the Maria tioned Skills Development Centre in Emdeni, Soweto.
Kloppers Campus, the opportunity to receive vocational AKC has contributed one percent of its net surplus to
skills through their Skills Development Centre. The initial various Socio-Economic Development initiatives as well
focus is on computer literacy skills, but over the next year, as two percent to Enterprise Development programmes,
young graduates of AKC will be all outside of the normal AKC operational services. The
skilled in other vocational skills, organisation is also fully subscribed to the principles of
such as entrepreneurship, life the King III Report for good corporate governance.
skills and small-scale agriculture. The AKC Environmental Protection Strategy in-
The Skills Development Centre cludes grass level education initiatives for the children
also received its first mobile in its care; highlight the desire to inspire young people
kitchen in 2010, and is current- to make a meaningful contribution to the protection of
ly offering its young wards the resources and the environment.
opportunity to development com- Practical objectives taught by the facilities include
mercial catering skills. the reduction of water, electricity and virgin paper us-
The formation, in 2009, of the age. Effective waste usage and recycling are also part of
AKC Information Technology these initiatives to create awareness and a culture of con-
Board Committee has enabled scientious consumption in their facilities.
the organisation to solidify and
structure its IT assets in an effort How can YOU help?
to modernise its systems and ef- Companies and individuals have the opportunity to
ficiently do its important work. contribute to the growing success of the Abraham Kriel
In addition to the 22 full time Care organisation in a variety of small or large ways.
staff within the organisation, the As a registered non-profit organisation, the AKC
AKC have also taken on the is fully reliant on monetary donations, but this does
services of over 30 dedicated not undermine the importance of the small, practical
volunteers in all facilities to offer contributions, such as clothing and food donations,
care and attention, as well as dedi- and indeed, the contribution of time to support the
cate time and skills in the care and children of the organisation.
love of its children. The organisa- For businesses and their Corporate Social Investment
tion hopes that over the next year, departments who are interested in making a donation to
more citizens will become active- the organisation, AKC encourages them to support AKC’s
ly involved in the organisation’s socio-economic programmes. Alternately, the organisa-
work, in whatever way; small or tions’ various projects and events throughout the year are
large, full-time or part-time. open to sponsorships in the form of fundraising or aware-
The most important objec- ness creation for causes in the communities where AKC is
tive of the AKC’s work, of course, is helping children, active. In terms of South Africa’s Tax Act, businesses will
orphaned or abandoned, to find happy, loving homes be able to enjoy tax benefits from their contributions to
or reunite them with family who can ably care for them the organisation. Being a Level 2 BBBEE contributor, all
and show them unconditional love. In the last two years, support to the AKC organisation and their work counts
the organisation has placed 50 children in foster care, 100% towards a company’s socio-economic development
overseen four successful and sustainable adoptions and element on their BBBEE scorecard.
reunited 17 children with their families. For individuals or smaller enterprises, contributions
The AKC continues to enjoy the ongoing support of in the form of food, clothing and educational toys are al-
its donors, some of which have been loyal to the organi- ways welcome by AKC, but there are many other ways
sation for many years, enabling them to carry on doing to contribute to the development of the organisation’s
the good work in creating loving and learning homes for children. The family and friends holiday projects are an
young people in South Africa. opportunity for children to enjoy the time and interaction
with loving families. The time spent during the projects
Good Governance builds confidence and encourages human bonding, while
The contribution of the AKC organisation towards at the same time, creates an atmosphere of love and care
Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) for all. Companies such as museums, zoos or entertain-
has been emphasised by its recent accreditation, by ment centres can also offer the opportunity for children
independent assessment, as a Level 2 contributor. to partake in educational outings and experiences out-
In line with this achievement, and developing on its side of their environment. The outings are important in
original mission and vision to develop and cultivate equipping children with strong social skills, also helping
children and young people into positive contributors to inspire their hopes and dreams.
For more information, visit www.abrahamkriel.org