Morning Star Children’s Centre

Morning Star Children’s Centre is a day care facility for little children suffering from HIV/AIDS. It is situated in Welkom in the Free State, in premises made available by the Department of Health. Morning Star has been operating since January 2000, when it opened with 8 children, currently the centre caters for 60 children.  The aim of the centre is to provide a well-run day care facility for small children and offer them optimum care and supervision.  This aim is achieved through the provision of good nutrition, appropriate medication, mental stimulation and lots of love.  The secondary goal of Morning Star is to address the immense poverty that exists in the Matjhabeng region due to high unemployment and AIDS. The 2002 antenatal statistics indicated that the Matjhabeng region has the highest level of HIV/AIDS in the country at 41% with 60% of the adult population unemployed.  The children that Morning Star targets are the underprivileged who live in the surrounding townships of Thabong, Kutlwanong and Bronville. In most instances they are under-nourished, inadequately clothed and have lost one or both of their parents to AIDS.
Innovation

Strict control is enforced with regards to maintaining optimum care and support services. The finances are firmly controlled by the internal bookkeeper, treasurer and auditors. The premises are bright, clean and appealing, and a caring atmosphere exists between the children and staff.   Morning Star has found it meaningless to assist the children without extending some hope to their next-of-kin as well. Some of the services include: free access and transport to the Centre, appropriate and ongoing free medication, including free doctor’s consultations for all children on their register. Morning Star also provides sheltered employment for 50 adults and provides skills training in permaculture gardening methods, papermaking, embroidery and machine sewing.
Effectiveness

In the early stages of Morning Star, the aim was to help make a difference to 20 children at a time. Today there are 60 children on the register, and Morning Star tested and assisted 250 families and directly impacts on 500 people each month.  In addition, while the community education programme was in place check file why this is no longer in place?, Morning Star was able to access 3000 – 4000 people per month. Morning Star has a credible reputation both in Welkom and in the townships, and staff are often called upon to give talks and presentations in schools, businesses and local service clubs.  
Poverty Impact

Quantifiable evidence of Morning Star’s success at reducing poverty includes: 50 formerly jobless adults are now employed, 88 of their children’s mothers/guardians now receiving disability/foster care/child support grants, 66 children on the register with 19 on waiting list, 50 children who have passed away have received assistance with funeral costs. Ten Morning Star staff members were formerly unemployed before joining the organisation. 
Sustainability

With funding from the Free State Health Dept secured, the project seems to be sustainable for at least the next three years. A third of funding comes from Government grants, and Morning Star is trying to rely less on government grants. The estimated total cost per month is R50,000. In addition, the right staff,  premises, adequate start-up funding and passionate leadership were needed at start up. The same criteria are relevant for its future success. The seeking of sustainable grants and funding will always remain a top priority.
Replication   

The project is an exemplary model and can be replicated with kick - start funding in other provinces. Credible and experienced organisations and people need to be involved from the beginning stages to ensure success. A close relationship needs to be maintained with various government departments.
Partnerships
Free State Dept of Health and Social Development
National Lottery
Elton John Aids Foundation
ABSA, SAB, ESKOM, Spoornet, AngloGold, B.H.C.

Visit www.morningstar.org.za for more information