Aunty Shafeeqa & Her Orphaned Grandsons
Launched:
01 Nov 2021
- R350 000 raised
- The family now lives in their own home
- The grandsons are receiving an education
Raised:
R 350 000
The Challenge
Aunty Shafeeqa Battles to Raise 3 Orphaned Grandsons
- Aunty Shafeeqa is a single elderly woman and uses her pension to raise her 3 orphaned grandchildren
- The entire family lives in the tiny passageway of their landlord’s home
- The family struggles with mounting debt in unpaid rent
Manenberg-resident Aunty Shafeeqa is the sole provider for her orphaned grandsons, Tariq (15), Yahya (13) and Aqeel (12). She is in her late 60s, suffers from poor health and the government pension she receives is her only means of income.
Aunty Shafeeqa and her 3 grandchildren live with nothing more than a bunk bed in the passageway of her landlord’s home. The costs of food, school, clothing and daily living are becoming unbearable. She has mounting debt in unpaid rent and begs for food daily just to get by.
Campaign Activities
Raising Funds to Improve Aunty Shafeeqa and her Grandsons’ Lives
- A fundraising campaign was created, opening donations to South Africa and abroad
- The campaign was promoted on social media channels
- Crowdfunding on LaunchGood appealed to donors worldwide
The campaign ran over a 2-week period and was marketed via social media. Voice of the Cape, a local radio station, shared Aunty Shafeeqa’s story which helped us reach even more people, and spread our call for help. A LaunchGood page was set up for crowdfunding. The campaign video went viral, reaching thousands of people in just a week. A total of R350 000 was raised through generous donors from all over the world.
Results
Aunty Shafeeqa and her family’s Lives Have Turned Around for the Better
- Aunty Shafeeqa’s debt from unpaid rent has been settled
- The family of 4 now live more comfortably in a separate entrance
- 2 social workers have been assigned to help and support the family over the long-term
The success of this campaign has created a lasting positive impact in the lives of Aunty Shafeeqa and her grandchildren. The funds were used to rent a separate entrance in Belthorne, a neighbourhood in Cape Town, for Aunty Shafeeqa and her grandchildren; Tariq, Yahya and Aqeel. This included the costs of preparing their new home with the basics (new beds, couch, fridge, etc.) and everything else they need to get them comfortable.
Two social workers continue to assist the young boys with a holistic approach to managing this change in their lives. The boys have also been enrolled in a better school. The social workers provide help with schooling and provide on-going social and psychological support. Every week they counsel the boys and help them communicate clearly, learn social skills, practice personal hygiene and implement ways to positively build character and confidence.
An English tutor has been hired to help with their language skills and a private Madrassa teacher helps the boys with the basics of being a practicing Muslim (how to do wudhu, pray, etc.).
Aunty Shafeeqa and her family’s lives are being transformed one day at a time. All 3 boys will be supported through the funds from the campaign and through opportunities to upskill, grow in their education, and improve their well-being, until they have completed school and are ready to create financial independence for themselves and their family.
Aunty Shafeeqa & Her Orphaned Grandsons
Launched:
01 Nov 2021