Child Aid Doornkop’s year-long #Wash program, focused on improving water access, sanitation, and hygiene, concluded successfully in July with closing ceremonies held in both Zandspruit and Freedom Park. Launched in May 2023, the program was officially handed over to the community during the 3 events, which were attended by various stakeholders, including Ward Councillors.
This initiative was a partnership between Humana People to People in South Africa (HPPSA) and The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), prioritized clean water access, sanitation and hygiene and clean energy solutions. Councillors from Zandspruit and Freedom Park areas expressed gratitude for the program's impact, highlighting its positive influence on raising awareness about climate change, water conservation, hygiene and sanitation. They pledged to collaborate with HPPSA to secure additional funding for future initiatives.
HPPSA, represented by Maria Sewela, thanked the Councillors and both communities for their support. Olga Magwai, the Child Aid Doornkop Project Leader, presented a detailed report on the program's progress, including skills development training, solar powered boreholes and the benefits of biogas digesters.
The successful completion of the #Wash program marks a significant step forward for these communities in achieving improved water access, sanitation, hygiene and environmental sustainability. Through the collaborative efforts of HPPSA, TCCF, the local government, and the community, residents are empowered to manage these essential services effectively.
Masakhane-Tswelelopele High School, Freedom Park and Zandspruit Primary School were major beneficiaries, receiving 3 solar-powered boreholes, a biogas stove, refurbished toilets, and purified water Jojo tanks. The deputy headmaster for Masakhane Tswelelopele high school commented, “the Solar Powered borehole is an ever-lasting solution to our school as we do not have electricity, we are now using this clean energy to power our administration offices, and our office” He continued saying, “they used to store our perishable food at a nearby place and the food would be rotten or others uncounted for, now we use our fridge to store the food.” This alone significantly addresses challenges faced by the school.
The schools previously required three 25kg gas bottles, but with the biogas digester, they now only need one. This significant reduction in gas consumption has led to substantial cost savings over time. The school leaderships have committed to maintaining and protecting these valuable investments.
The communities, also benefitted from the projects as many women, young women and men received entrepreneurships and agriculture trainings. They received accredited certificates after completion of the training.
About HPPSA
Humana People to People in South Africa (HPPSA) is a non-profit organization established in 1995. Their mission is to empower disadvantaged communities by helping them overcome poverty and contribute to their own development. HPPSA employs over 200 people across five provinces (Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape) and reaches over 450,000 people annually.
About The Coca-Cola Foundation
The Coca-Cola Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company, invests in transformative initiatives that address critical global challenges in communities where Coca-Cola operates and its employees live. Their focus areas are:
Since 1984, they have awarded over $1.5 billion in grants to strengthen communities worldwide.
