One thing that makes Emasithandane special is our interconnectedness with the community around us. We open up our programmes, such as soccer and after-school classes, to all kids – even those who do not stay at Emasi. We also provide meals for 25 additional children from the area whose families cannot afford to put three meals on the table every day. We make sure that they go to school with a breakfast and after school they come back to have another meal. We believe that you cannot teach a hungry child. When there is extra food or clothing donations, we share them with families in need.

But beyond these tangible factors lies an even deeper connection to the community. When a child is in trouble, the neighbors know that they can turn to Emasi. When Emasi needs help, we know we can turn to the community. Emasi simply reaches out to the community and knows they are safe. Through this collective growth, this Ubuntu, the children learn valuable lessons and become part of a strong community by doing volunteer work in the community whereby they clean local clinics and schools.