The People for Ukajede Foundation

The Birchwood Hotel started the foundation six years ago and named it ‘The People for Ukajede’ Foundation. Ukajede is an acronym for five informal settlements, namely: Ulana, Kanana, Angelo, Jerusalem & Delmore, all located in the east of Johannesburg. These settlements have an estimated total population of 80 000 inhabitants living in crude shacks without any sewerage, electricity, running water, garbage collection, healthcare or schools. A large percentage of these shacks house families with no adults. The eldest child, usually not older than 10 years of age, has to try and find food and also protect the younger children.

• The foundation started with a daily feeding scheme in 2004, which still continues to date.
• Nine crèches have been built and uplifted, to provide warmth, comfortable educational environment for the children to learn in. They now have running water and proper toilet facilities.
• To date, of those nine crèches, four have been formally registered with and recognized by the Gauteng Department of Education.
• Five pre-school teachers were registered for formal grade R training to ensure quality education.
• Good nutritional foods have been provided for 300 children on a daily basis.
• Next to it’s engagement in the development of small children, the foundation sponsors 16 children at the Balmoral college and the Ukajede soccer team to get the children out of unfavorable environments.
• Regular activities and events for the children are held throughout the year. Annually ‘The People for Ukajede’ foundation organizes trips to the Johannesburg Zoo and arranges Graduation Day celebrations for the children leaving for primary school .
• Winter fundraising to supply the children with jackets and blankets to get through the cold winter periods.