The founders of this initiative are very proud of their achievement of feeding about 4 000 school children in communities of Knysna, Sedgefield and Plettenberg Bay.
In August this year this project, established in 2003, has reached the milestone of having served two-million meals.
Peter Godsell, husband of e’Pap project director, Shelley Godsell, explained why his wife and another partner, Lally Viljoen, embarked on establishing this worthy initiative, saying, "Shelley and Lally had been working for over five years facilitating teacher training for pre-schools. They believed that some of the health and learning problems in the townships could be addressed by better nutrition," explained Peter.
The e’Pap Children’s Feeding Scheme was started with just R1 800 and the project fed some 60 children at two pre-primary schools in Knysna. Each schoolday morning, these children received a highly nutritious porridge for breakfast.
He further explained that an initial six-month trial produced encouraging results. "The children’s health and concentration improved. We slowly included more schools as funding increased and in 2003 the feeding started in earnest," said Peter.
Shelley Godsell said that the current tough economic conditions have resulted in a substantial increase in the demand for feeding. Asked about the challenges of managing such a project, Shelley said, "Keeping up with the demand means additional dedicated volunteers and additional donors. Growth is the challenge."
This project is funded entirely by donations, individuals, service clubs, churches and businesses who have been both generous and faithful. "We even have children from the local primary school donating to us each year," said Shelley.
A team of 75 dedicated and wonderful volunteers operate in Sedgefield, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. "They are the backbone of the organisation. Each one is responsible for a particular school. They deliver the porridge regularly, monitor its usage and support the teachers and children in whatever ways they can," explained Shelley.
She said that the e’Pap scheme feeds children via schools, places of care and outreach projects, ensuring that the project is owned by the community being served.
"In addition to feeding, we have projects to improve outdoor play areas, provide stationery and educational equipment as well as improve the lives of these children," said Shelley.
"The project delivers a triple blessing. It blesses the children who receive better nutrition, it blesses those who serve and thirdly it blesses the donors, many of whom come from overseas as they are able to help in a way that they are sure their money goes directly to the children. Volunteers feel more fulfilled and connected to their community. It connects people, builds relationships and simply makes us all better citizens."
In conclusion Shelley said, "We want to thank the many individuals and businesses whose faithful and generous support over the years has made this possible."
For more information on the e’Pap project, contact Shelley Godsell on 044 384 1237.
Shelley Godsell, project director of e’Pap Children’s Feeding Scheme, is proud that the project has recently provided its two-millionth meal with the generous help from donors, volunteers and various organisations.
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A child enjoys the nutritional porridge.
ARTICLE: ROZANO ALIE, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
