Posted by CORA (Caring for Orphans in Rural Areas), a fully registered non-profit organisation, was founded by Kathy Schultz in 2009. The organisation’s roots lie in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape, where abject poverty and lack of opportunities for both adults and children drove Kathy into action. Whilst schools and other education facilities do exist, there are glaring gaps for children of pre-school age. These early years are critical for a child’s development as they are a time of rapid physical, emotional and mental growth. CORA therefore believes in basic early intervention and addresses these needs by developing pre-school enrichment centres for early childhood development and learning.
Vision:
To provide basic early learning and development, stimulation, nurturing and nutrition to rural pre-school children.
Mission:
To promote positive growth and create opportunities for rural children
To replicate working models of CORA enrichment centres throughout the Eastern Cape.
To train and empower teachers and carers
CORA PHILOSOPHY
CORA strives to take a holistic approach in supporting orphans and vulnerable children within their own communities.
In effect, CORA looks to fulfill the whole spectrum of children’s needs: education, nutrition, health, safety, life skills, community integration, as well as teacher/carer training.
Please list links to your Website and Social Media Platforms here:
www.cora.org.za
instagram = cora.sa_
FB – cora.org.za
Describe in detail what your Organisation does:
CORA develops pre-school enrichment centres in disadvantaged rural areas, in the Eastern Cape, including basic numeracy and literacy, teacher training and feeding schemes.
CORA assists with fundraising, upgrading and developing existing structures, feeding scheme and vegetable gardens, management, awareness raising, mentoring and assisting centres to register with Social Development for ongoing ECD funding and support.
How long has your Organisation been operational?
since 2009
In your opinion, what has been the most challenging aspect of running your Organisation?
lack of funding and govt support
Describe your Nonprofit Journey in three words:
Heart wrenching, frustrating, hopeful
Do you collaborate with other Causes? If yes, would you like to mention them?
Not yet
If you had one Organisation wish, what would it be?
That there is enough funding for us to continue our work, without having to see billions wasted in the EC (specifically) whilst millions of children bear the brunt of poverty and abuse!!
In your opinion, which skills do Nonprofits in your Country lack?
business skills, communication skills and good governance
Looking back at your Cause Journey, what advice would you give a newbie Organisation?
Make sure of financial support, before using all your own resources…also try to find other orgs in the same area, to collaborate with
If you could change one thing about the Nonprofit Landscape, what would it be?
That funders will have a better understanding of what they are expecting from orgs, that NPOs are treated and funded the same as for profits, that funders defer to the people who actually have in depth knowledge of what they are doing (ie those working on the ground), and that the emphasis on “ticking boxes” to satisfy funders, was changed to actually ticking boxes that are of value and importance to the non-profits and their projects. and most importantly to treat NPOs with the respect they deserve… we are doing the job of govt, and civil society/corporates, mostly with no or very little remuneration…..and for more NPOs to collaborate, without feeling that they will be losing their “share” of the ever decreasing funding pot.
Which Cause achievement are you most proud of? Feel free to elaborate on why and include any links:
Of all our centres, for the upliftment and empowerment of the communities, the training of the teachers, the quality of early learning that we are bringing to rural villages (where pre-schools are mainly non-existent) and the incredible difference this is making to the children of these poverty stricken areas
Last question, if your friends had to describe your Organisation in three words, which would they use?
inspiring, empowering, visionary