The Importance of Charity STARFISH foundation, SOUTH AFRICA Starfish is a charity based in South Africa, whose aim is to help and support vulnerable children and citizens diagnosed with AIDS or HIV by working in partnership with community based organisations, as well as having workshops set up around the country. Examples of activities they carry out include: conducting regular home and school visits, distributing emergency relief supplies, operating early learning centres for children, holding regular volunteer meetings, supporting the development of vegetable gardens, soup kitchens, as well as generating projects and organising community awareness campaigns. When I was looking through Starfish’s website, I was struck by the many success stories they’ve had (and the 200,000 children they’ve helped so far).
A story that really moved me was that of a 14 year- old girl named Lindiwe. After her school attendance inexplicably declined, a school principal decided to request a Starfish home visit. This revealed that one girl was shouldering the full responsibility of maintaining a household and caring for four younger siblings. However, through regular homevisits and Starfish carer support, her family is now back on track with financial support and Lindiwe is excelling in school. Personally, this is what charity is all about- kindness and giving.
