MaAfrika Tikkun was established in 1994 as a foundation that would make a difference in the lives of under-privileged South Africans by the late Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris (OBE) and Dr Bertie Lubner (a prominent businessman and philanthropist). They were later joined by Mr. Herby Rosenberg, who is currently the Executive Deputy Chairman of MaAfrika Tikkun and Mrs. Ann Harris as Head of Projects. Mr. Nelson Mandela is our Chief Patron and he has hailed our programmes as a “miracle”. He is quoted as saying:
“MaAfrika Tikkun demonstrates in a practical and sustainable manner what can be done with limited resources, great commitment and passion… It is my belief that MaAfrika Tikkun represents the best of what civil society can offer in partnership with Governments considerable efforts.”
In the early days, projects were undertaken on an ad hoc basis, but today our organisation has clearly defined strategies, which enable us to focus on our core strengths within community upliftment projects. We operate nationally and raise funds both nationally and internationally for disadvantaged communities in South Africa. We have national offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town and International Fundraising offices in London, Sydney and New York.
MaAfrika Tikkun (MaT) is an NGO focused on key areas of priority support, these being Caring Programmes, Skilling Programmes, Care of the Aged and Education Programmes. The programmes embarked upon in the different communities are determined by specific Community needs and may differ according to these needs.
MaAfrika Tikkun distinguishes itself by adopting a “bottom-up” approach within the communities that we operate in. We consult and work extensively with community-based organisations, leaders of the community and members of each community to identify areas of critical need. We work together to develop programmes that will alleviate and address these needs as well as facilitate ownership and participation, which are crucial elements of long term sustainability.
A great strength of our organisation is its multicultural staff profile, because our diversity helps us to connect more effectively with the communities we serve. We are able to work on a multi-lateral platform providing these communities with unique opportunities to support and improve their lives.
|
|
|
