THE P.O.N.D.O. CHILDREN'S VILLAGE TRUST is an organisation whose ambit encompasses residential childcare homes and community-oriented initiatives to support the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

The trust was formed in 1992. The aim of the trust is to be part of a solution by creating small, family-type homes. The first, the Stone House (as it became known, after its style of construction), began in February 1992, with the aim of being a model for further homes. As the existence and the aim of the home became known, children in need were brought to the home by local welfare services. Presently we care for eleven children in permanent placement. All eleven children come from tragic backgrounds.

Mission Statement
"To create environments for children of any race, colour, gender or creed who are in need of love and shelter. Places where children experience love and peace and where the challenge is to express themselves through joy and excellence for the benefit of the planet. Places where dignity, compassion and laughter rule."

The Approach
"The approach of the trust is to assist the children, parents and others in the contributing environment, on their life's journey towards awareness of healing and wholeness through the creation and maintaining of residential care centres, supporting the creation of community centres, day care centres and such community projects as would impact positively on such individuals.

In the development and support of such activities the trust seeks to be fully inclusive and respectful of diversity, of different faiths, communities and belief systems; and seeks to co-operate with and complement the work of others sharing the same vision."

The Future
Our mission was and remains to take the children currently resident at the Stone House through to their highest educational potential. The P.O.N.D.O. Community project currently proposes to minimise the incidence of children being placed in residential care. This being the case we have broadened the original vision. Our future thrust now lies in the direction of community-based intervention.

Funding
Historically, funding for the Stone House project has been sought from corporate sponsors and individual donors with mixed success. Funding subsidies from government agencies account for approximately 40% of funds realised, although these payments are frequently in arrears.

Funding opportunities in the corporate sector in South Africa are generally unpredictable and depend largely on the degree to which government policy confers tax incentives to that sector.

Our major needs, therefore, revolve around financial support for the continuation of the Stone House project. The ways that we attempt to address our needs are through sponsorship for individual children - in the form of a network of individuals who sponsor a specific child's needs, i.e. clothing, birthday outings, gifts or "general running costs". In short, in any way that the individual sees fit to support.
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