Compass Quest realises the impact of its social and moral responsibilities in the modern society - and takes it extremely seriously. The company therefore supports Takalani Home for the Mentally Handicapped, based in Soweto.
We endeavour to expose as many of our foreign visitors to the Home, as part of their Soweto tour, showcasing the most common denominator that has contributed towards the successful 10 Years of Democracy – care . Visitors also have the opportunity of supporting the Home by purchasing some of the exquisitely crafted beaded gifts and souvenirs, hand made by the children of Takalani.
More information on Takalani :
Takalani Home for the Mentally Handicapped is a Non Profit and Non Governmental Organisation, formed by the community of Soweto in 1990. Takalani presently caters for 384 (three hundred and eighty four) people. Their ages range from the age of three to the age of fifty and they reside at the institution. Takalani is divided into: The Profound Section- one hundred children, the cottages- housing sixty five adults, Takalani Special School (288 students) and the workshop, which at any given time employs up to two hundred disabled workers/residents. Dr Ntatho Motlana (doctor to Mr Nelson Mandela, then) was the original founder of Takalani Home and it is largely due to his efforts and persistence that the Anglo American Chairman’s Fund and the De Beers Chairman’s Fund contributed R7.6 million towards the building of this magnificently, well-kept, institution!
Takalani receives 75% subsidies from Social Services and Health Department. The other 25% is to be raised by Takalani, themselves. The Home therefore embarks on serious fundraising projects to sustain them and to most importantly, keep the doors open! If they do not uphold the standards set by the Department of Health and Social Welfare, the reality of the matter is that Takalani closes. It is expected by the Department of Health and Social Welfare that Takalani provide children / adults with nutritional, healthy meals, suitable clothing – taking into consideration their physical disabilities - and an exceptionally, hygienic and clean environment! With the subsidies they receive it is almost an impossibility to uphold these vitally, necessary standards! Their working capital to operate month to month is a major area of concern because the bottom line and sheer reality is that they fall short by far!
Compass Quest is proud to be associated with such a Home and will continue to support their cause.
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