Trauma, hunger and malnutrition should never be the reasons a child is held back from realising their full potential, yet for millions of children in South Africa, these factors are daily realities, says Mustadafin. 

"At Mustadafin Foundation's Learning Centre, we see firsthand how poverty and malnutrition can affect a young mind, cognitively and emotionally," says Ghairunisa Johnstone-Cassiem, Director of Mustadafin Foundation.

Malnutrition doesn't just stunt physical growth — it cripples a child's ability to learn, focus and thrive academically. A hungry child is often more concerned about their next meal than the lesson at hand, making concentration and retention of information a serious challenge, says the foundation.

"Often these children struggle with mental health challenges and experiencing hunger only compounds this," says Johnstone-Cassiem.

The impact of hunger goes beyond physical health; it infiltrates the mind, often leading to anxiety, depression and even more severe mental health challenges. Poverty exacerbates this, as many children suffer in silence without access to the necessary support and resources, adds the foundation.

Mustadafin says that its Learning Centre provides hope for many children who have not been afforded the opportunity to receive a good education along with daily nutritional meals. The Learning Centre was launched after Mustadafin discovered that more than a thousand children in Tafelsig had never set foot in a classroom.

Mustadafin says that its holistic educational programme not only helps children develop literacy skills but also prepares them for formal schooling, offering a vital stepping stone into mainstream education.

"Through mental health counselling and nutritious meal programmes at our Learning Centre, we give students the tools to overcome the challenges that they have faced," says Johnstone-Cassiem. "We are currently operating with limited resources and urge the public to consider donating towards our work at the Learning Centre."

By donating to the Mustadafin Foundation, individuals can make a direct impact on a child's mental and physical well-being, says the foundation. 

According to the Mustadafin Foundation, this is what a contribution could provide children:

  • R100 provides a counselling session for a student struggling with trauma or anxiety
  • R500 feeds five students with nutritious meals for a week, and
  • R1000 sponsors a mental health workshop for 20 students, offering them tools to manage stress and build resilience.

"Together, we can break the cycle of poverty, hunger and mental health struggles. Every Rand you give helps us provide essential mental health resources, healthy meals and a safe, supportive learning environment where children can thrive," concludes Johnstone-Cassiem.

For more information, visit www.mustadafin.org.za or contact 021 633 0010. You can also follow the Mustadafin Foundation on Facebook. 

*Image courtesy of Canva