Swaragano NPO: Transforming Lives through Community Support

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Recognising the vital role Swaragano plays in the community, Optimi made a significant donation through its divisions, including Home, Classroom and CIO divisions. This contribution encompassed both essential food items and a wide array of educational supplies. The donation included large quantities of rice, maize meal, baked beans, and pilchards, alongside warm clothing and blankets to help families through the colder months.

Swaragano, a non-profit organisation founded by Sanny Mashigo, has been making a profound difference in the Alexandra community of Johannesburg. Known affectionately as Mama Sanny, she has spent over three decades selling food on the streets and sharing leftovers with local children. This spirit of giving led to the creation of Swaragano in April 2020, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Faced with the challenges of the pandemic, Mama Sanny transformed her garage into a soup kitchen, using her personal resources to feed families and children in her community. This initiative quickly became a lifeline for many, offering not just meals but a sense of security and hope in a time of widespread uncertainty and hardship. Swaragano has since grown, thanks to the relentless efforts of Mama Sanny and her daughter, Mpho Mmasechaba, who have tirelessly sought donations and support through social media.

Swaragano's Mission and Vision

Swaragano is committed to empowering underprivileged children and orphans by providing essential resources, educational support, and emotional care. The organisation envisions a future where every child in Alexandra has access to quality education, healthcare, and the opportunities needed to break the cycle of poverty. Their programs include after-school tutoring, homework assistance, food parcel distribution, and cooking for the homeless. Swaragano also aims to expand its facilities to include classrooms and a vegetable garden, further enhancing its ability to serve the community.

Optimi's Contribution

A major highlight of Optimi's donation was the provision of educational supplies. This included The Alphabet wall charts and Impaq education poster bundles for each grade from 1 to 3, ensuring that foundational learning tools were available to young learners.

Additionally, 180 individual hampers were packed for school children, each containing exam pads, crayons, ballpoint pens, and thermal socks. In addition, handbags filled with a variety of toiletries were gifted to the kitchen volunteers, acknowledging their tireless efforts in supporting the community.

Louise Schoonwinkel, Managing Director of Optimi Home, expressed her admiration for Swaragano's work, stating, "At Optimi, we believe in the transformative power of education and community support. Swaragano's dedication to improving the lives of children and families in Alexandra aligns perfectly with our values. We are honoured to contribute to their efforts and help make a positive impact."