About Akani - Background
The Akani Diepsloot Foundation is an initiative between the Bryanston Methodist Church and the Diepsloot community.
Akani is a Shangani word meaning ‘to build.’ The aim of the program is to provide a children support centre for Diepsloot and the surrounding areas. As at May 2008 we cater for approximately 550 children mid week in the afternoons and 650 children on Saturdays. The children receive education in support of what they are learning at school including numeracy, literacy, crafts, religious instruction and life skills (hygiene nutrition etc). They are provided with one meal every day and for a number of these children it could be the only meal they receive. A library, and certain sporting facilities are available. We have now employed on a part time basis 11 parents from the community who assist the principal with the teaching. Assistance by volunteers recruited from the community and the Bryanston Methodist Church is also given.
The number of achievements is endless, but the greatest one is that the Methodist Church, from their funding, purchased and donated 22 hectares of land in Diepsloot for the establishment of a Church and a number of projects for community development. The Township was named Bophelong Place of Life and one of the projects within Bophelong is the children support centre now known as Akani. A 2,000 square meter building with kitchens and ablutions has been built to accommodate classes and a large hall.
