THANDA’s unique approach to fighting poverty and HIV/AIDS is about developing sustainable solutions to ongoing issues in rural Africa. Through local capacity building and collaboration, Thanda empowers people to become problem solvers in their own community.

Thanda works with already-existing resources, traditions, and structures to ensure that the solutions we formulate are realistic and lasting. Thanda has been designed as a local think tank so we can thoroughly research the underlying causes of poverty and HIV/AIDS from the epicenter of the crisis. Our program implementation is creative and flexible to make certain that we meet the needs of South Africa’s ever-evolving rural population.

Thanda’s interventions produce tangible, positive change over time and are actually working to develop Africa’s FUTURE LEADERS.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, we founded Thanda Zulu to fund Thanda’s non-profit endeavors. Thanda Zulu is a socially-conscious business that provides jobs for more than 50 men and women in income generation projects throughout Southern Africa.

Together, Thanda and Thanda Zulu are bringing HOPE and pride to some of Africa’s most vital communities.

Thanda has created a new model of care for these orphans and vulnerable children that addresses these issues within the existing social context. By using local structures and available resources, Thanda’s approach enables these children to receive daily support while they continue to live at home.

The prototype for this model of care is Thanda After-School, which operates in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. At Thanda After-School, we employ young role models from the community and use local school buildings to create a place where children can learn, play, have fun, and receive the support they need to grow up as leaders.

Students in the program receive a meal each day and participate in engaging activities provided by the local staff. These children are part of a stable SUPPORT SYSTEM that offers guidance, mentoring, skills development, and a way forward – every day.