Cape Town - Instead of having a birthday bash tomorrow, the director of Molo Songololo, Patric Solomons, has encouraged all those close to him to donate and raise funds for the child protection organisation.
This comes after their latest funding application from the National Lotteries Commission(NLC) was declined because of the “2021/2022 charities distributing agency budget being depleted”.
Solomons said: “This is a major setback for Molo Songololo and threatens our ability to maintain essential social support and empowerment services for child victims of sexual abuse and exploitation, those at risk and their families.
“Molo Songololo needs funds to cover staff salaries, operational costs, programme and activity costs. Funding from the Department of Social Development (in the) Western Cape is not enough to cover all our expenses. We need a big injection of funding from NLC and others to survive.
“NLC funding applications for charities are long and drawn-out processes that can take more than six months to be finalised. Molo Songololo is finalising a new application for NLC and hopes that it will be successful. The next three months are critical. If another funding application is not successful, Molo Songololo will be forced to reduce staff and much-needed services for children,” he said.
Established in 1979, their first magazine was published in April 1980 but stopped in 2015 due to funding challenges. They decided to produce information and awareness leaflets on child rights issues, life skills and sexual health.
Solomons said: “Molo Songololo is one of a few NGOs that focus on child sexual exploitation and trafficking in children. In recent months we have received increased reports from community stakeholders on child sexual exploitation attributed to the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the regulations and restrictions.
“Its programmes and activities are designed to respond to the needs and interests of children living in poverty and in vulnerable situations.
“Molo Songololo wants to expand its work and help more children in our targeted communities and elsewhere. Unfortunately, our funding is limited, and we cannot employ more staff and volunteers,” he said.
The Observatory resident, who grew up in Harfield Village, has been with the organisation for more than 30 years.
“There are so many memories at Molo Songololo; however, my fondest (is) seeing children who ordinarily would never have opportunities, learn, grow and develop, make positive decisions, complete school and become successful.
“(My love for children) started with my own childhood experiences. Experience of living under apartheid, having my rights violated every day and being silenced. Reading stories about the human conditions, rights and freedom.
“I enjoy outdoor life such as walking along the beaches, mountain paths, parks and along the Liesbeeck River. I also love arts and cultural events, live music, theatre shows and going to the cinemas,” Solomons added.
NLC spokesperson Ndivhuho Mafela said: “The National Lotteries Commission cannot release information about specific grants applications, allocations and declines to individuals or entities who are not part or members of the said applicant.”
A spokesperson for the Western Cape Social Development Department, Esther Lewis, said: “We are unable to comment on other organisations’ funding processes.”
Weekend Argus