because you care

We at SOMAMA believe that education is the root for many of South Africa and other 3rd world countries shortfalls. Even when kids do go to school they are not getting the education they rightfully deserve due to a variety of factors. It has therefore been on our hearts to share our blessings of education with kids who are in this situation. However small our effort is we still believe that it can make a difference, even just for the kids we teach.

SOMAMA have been involved with a group of 12 young girls in various ways in order to improve their basic skills like maths, English and computers. They all come from very poor backgrounds, living in a nearby squatter camp. They often have to cook, fetch water from a source a few kms away and don’t get time to do their homework.
Last year in July, two of the most promising young girls, Avela and Hlengiwe, were given the opportunity to attend Inanda Seminary School (www.inanda.org), which is a private school in Inanda and the Alma mater to a number of prominent government and business women. This was made possible through the generous donation of monies from various companies and individuals and this year they have been sponsored by Rotary. We were fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity to pay for some of their education and were able to bless them with R10,000 to give them a chance to shine and hopefully bless others. Some of this money was also used for girls at Sparks like Nokwanda who’s parents couldn’t afford the school fees.


Every Tuesday afternoon, Coral (the inspiration for our name SOMAMA) makes healthy lunches for them and joins up with 2 other ladies at Sparks Estate Secondary School where we help them with their schoolwork. Last year we concentrated on English and the year before mainly Mathematics – two major educational deficiencies of underprivileged communities in South Africa. The girls are developing a love for reading and drama. At the end of 2010 they put on a mini play which was very entertaining and rewarding.

The one young girl (Nokwanda) has now got a group of 5 preschoolers that meet with her once a week, in the squatter camp where she lives, so that she can read to them and help develop a love for reading at an early age.


Alan, Grant, Brad and Jonathan meet on a fairly regular basis with the girls on a Saturday to teach them computer skills. This has proved to be very popular with the girls and obviously lacking in of these communities. The exposure and the resources on the internet has amazed them and encouraged them to think broader than they previously would (which is often underdeveloped in their classrooms).
Often when you give of yourself you don’t realise it is often you who receive and benefit the most. The look in their eyes and the appreciation is well worth the time, money and the effort. If you wish to get involved in any way please drop us a mail and we will try our best to include you. The best you can do is try to find a place in your locality where you can give of your time, expertise, heart and passion.
If you can read this webpage you are blessed in more ways then you could imagine. SOMAMA encourages you to find a way to share your blessings with others less fortunate.

PS – You can also arrange for your My School card (usable at WW and other shops) to benefit Sparks Estate Secondary School, we all have.

Sign up here - https://www.myschool.co.za/supporter/apply/