KOPANANG
The Trust is a legally constituted association of 41 women (at present) all of whom support large families. About half the membership has grandmother status with the other half being natural of adoptive mothers. Putting children orphaned by HIV/AIDS into care, is part of the local culture…”we all help each other”. Kopanang means ‘gathering together’ in Sotho.
None of the members has employment. They are not employed by the project since each member relies on her own activity for her ‘Pay Out’ at the end of the month. Currently the old age pension is R1120 per month and the child support grant can reach R720 for an adopted child. Accessing these grants is often troublesome. By working together with and within Kopanang, the members and their children will be kept out of this vulnerable group. A member can earn enough at the project, if she is committed, to keep food on the table. The Kopanang network supports approximately 500 families.
      |
