Experiences that for most children are every day events, are out of the reach of the many youngsters who are growing up in orphanages and shelters. It is for these children that Abused and Abandoned Kids Educational Excursions, or AAA-KEE, caters.
AAA-KEE has hosted several Christmas parties to give the children a memorable end to the year, and it intends to do so again this yearAAA-KEE gives children at such homes a chance to experience a world that may otherwise have been out of their reach. It organises and sponsors field trips to places like zoos, museums and heritage sites. Its facilitators understand how interacting with the environment supplements childrens’ education, but also know that there is a large number of children who are unable to experience such interactions.
As much as reading a book or going to classes can help a child learn about a variety of subjects, seeing something in all its glory, actually being able to touch and feel something tangible allows children to take away more than just the written or spoken word that makes up the bulk of regular teaching.
Michael Anthony, a facilitator at AAA-KEE, is driven to help children at orphanages and homes. “Some of these children come from abusive families, as well as those that are not in a position to support their children for whatever reason,” he says. “We strive to assist the homes that look after these children in meeting their goals and objectives of caring for them on a day-to-day basis, simply because they play a part in creating a better society and empowering the youth.”
The organisation has a number of charity drives aimed at alleviating the pressures on these children and their carers, including a food and clothing drive, a school uniform drive and a Christmas fund, which all aim to provide necessities to children in need.
The food and clothing drive is aimed at changing the way people treat each other and how the organisation can bring change to the lives of underprivileged children. The organisation collects donations from individuals and companies’ corporate social investment divisions and distributes them to its beneficiaries according to most in need.
Most South African schools require pupils to wear a uniform; the failure to do so often leads to the children being barred from attending school. AAA-KEE’s school uniform drive collects funds to provide a uniform to each of the children at the homes it supports, as well as other necessities such as stationery and school bags.
The organisation has a number of charity drives aimed at alleviating the pressures on these children and their carers, including a food and clothing drive, a school uniform drive and a Christmas fund, which all aim to provide necessities to children in need (images: AAA-KEE)In the past, AAA-KEE has hosted several Christmas parties to give the children a memorable end to the year, and it intends to do so again this year.
Over the years, the organisation has been linked to a number of beneficiaries, such as Catherine Robson Children’s Home, Ithembelihle Lsen School, Jumma Musjid and Educational Institute, Lerato Youth and Child Care Centre, Strathyre Girls Home, and Reamogetswe Resource Centre. “These beneficiaries were selected based on their location, their objectives in terms of child care and youth empowerment, and their overall purpose over and above general care,” explains Anthony. “In the near future we will be opening up to enlist more beneficiaries who are in line with our goals and objectives.”
Twice a year, the foundation holds a Golf Challenge to raise funds for its projects, in particular the food fund. Funding is also sourced from individuals and companies. The next Golf Challenge will be held at the Reading Golf Club in Alberton, Ekurhuleni on 10 October
To play your part in improving the lives of the children at these homes and providing life-changing experiences, you can donate money, food or clothing to the organisation. Send an email to michael@aaa-kee.co.za or telephone 011 614 1247 / 759. You can also make donations via electronic deposit; banking details on are the website, which you can visit for more information.
