Jumping Kids

Currently a Grade 7 learner at Sicelo Primary School, Nhlanhla Molele became a beneficiary of the 

 Prosthetic Fund after his teacher recognised his potential and reached out for assistance on behalf of Nhlanhla’s family.

Nhlanhla was born with a congenital condition that caused a deformity on his left leg below the knee. Following the successful application for prosthetic intervention and assistance from Jumping Kids, he was fitted with his first customised prosthesis on 15 January 2021 – about a month before his 11th birthday.

Showing an interest in Life Skills, Human Rights Ambassadorship in particular, Nhlanhla’s passions certainly lean toward areas where he hopes to one day help make a difference. For him, it is about the simple things that his prosthetic equipment enables him to do.

“At school I’m able to play sports and participate in gumboots dance, and at home I can help with house-hold chores like fetching water and cleaning the house. It is important to be able to do all these things independently.”

1.What is your favourite subject at school and why?


Life Skills because it taught me to make informed decisions about my health and wellbeing. It has built my confidence and self-esteem.

2.What would you like to pursue as a career one day?


I would like to become a doctor or do social work.

3.What types of sport and extracurricular activities are you involved in?


I participate in gumboots dance, flag hoisting, and human rights ambassadorship.

4.What do you hope to try with your new prosthetic sports blade?


I would like to try out more sports and start swimming lessons.

5.What is your message to children living with a physical challenge?


You are amazing just the way you are! Your body might work differently, but that’s what makes you unique and special. You are not alone, there are lots of people who understand what you are going through and they are here to support you.

September

Mpho Selepe is all about being active. The Grade R learner from Moletjie near Polokwane in Limpopo Province was born with Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD).

PFFD, also known as Congenital Femoral Deficiency (CFD), is a rare, non-hereditary birth defect that affects the pelvis, particularly the hip bone, and the proximal femur which caused Mpho’s one limb to be shorter than the other. 

Her condition required surgical intervention and access to a prosthesis for her to be independently mobile. 


In 2022, she became a Jumping Kids beneficiary and was fitted with the prosthetic equipment that she needs following her surgery. Since then, she has progressed well, especially when participating in her favourite sport, tennis. 

Mpho is part of a roster of children from her province who rely on Jumping Kids for their prosthetic equipment and rehabilitation needs as they grow and develop. 

She says that, although she can move around independently, there are still some restrictions to the activities she can participate in both at home and in school.

Right now, however, she is making the most of her prosthetic equipment and is looking forward to being able to run!!




Mathematics. I like working with numbers.



2.What would you like to pursue as a career one day?

4.What do you hope to try or achieve with your new prosthetic sports blade?


A physical disability should not be a limit. I love being active and I try to be as active as I can.

August

Sewing skills training programme

In celebration of Women’s Month, The Star Foundation has contributed R100,000 to the 

 This donation will enable 15 women to engage in skills development training, equipping them with valuable abilities in sewing, beading, financial literacy, and computer literacy.

Challenges often outshine opportunities. However, there are beacons of hope working tirelessly to illuminate brighter futures. The Star Foundation stands at the forefront of this mission, transforming lives and communities through their generous donations.

Etafeni is a holistic hub of empowerment and hope. One of their standout initiatives is the Sewing Training Programme. This programme not only imparts valuable sewing skills to participants but also equips them with the knowledge and confidence needed to generate an income and support their families. By fostering self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship, the Sewing Training Programme helps break the cycle of poverty and creates pathways to sustainable livelihoods.

The programme is designed to empower women to generate their own income. After their 6-month training, a 3-month incubation period will offer continuous support, assisting them in setting up their own businesses within their homes and communities.

Etafeni's dedicated team works diligently to create a nurturing environment where children can thrive, learn, and play, while also equipping their caregivers with the skills needed to build sustainable futures. Their programs include HIV/AIDS support, after-school care, and income-generating projects, ensuring that every facet of the community’s needs is addressed with compassion and expertise.

Your support can make a world of difference. You can donate to the vital work of organizations like Etafeni Day Care Centre Trust. Join us in our mission to create lasting change – donate today and be a part of a brighter future for all.


Women's Month 2024

Asante Sedibeng is a lively, confident Grade R learner at Hamilton Primary School in Pretoria, Gauteng. He has big dreams for his future and strong opinions about what it means to be a prosthetic device user, and all the opportunities that his equipment allows him to pursue.

Born with a congenital condition known as Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency, Asante underwent a below-knee amputation on 26 August 2020; he was 2 years old at the time.

After his family reached out to Jumping Kids for help, Asante was fitted with his first walking prosthesis, only two months later, on 15 October 2020. Since then, he has been constantly on the go and thriving.

When asked about his prosthesis Asante says, “I am able to do my day-to-day activities, play with other kids and also perform some of the active tasks at school and on the playground, such as jumping, climbing, hopping, and standing on one leg”.

Have a look at his answers to our questions to learn more about this inspiring young man.

What is your favourite subject at school and why?

Life skills. It is fun, I love making friends and playing with my peers. It teaches me to be independent and learn to do things on my own. I learn about social things such as helping and being kind to others, taking care of animals, exercise, and hygiene. It helps me to be creative and to understand my emotions.

What would you like to pursue as a career one day?

I want to be an astronaut and go in space, or a firefighter to save lives and keep people safe, or a policeman so I can catch people who do bad things.

What types of sport and extracurricular activities are you involved in?

What do you hope to try next with your prosthetic equipment?

I don’t want to have limitations when it comes to my disability and using a prosthetic leg. I want to be free and confident, pursue my dreams and embrace my prosthetic leg as a unique part of life. I know I can conquer anything that comes my way. My prosthesis allows me to do most things but in addition, I want to be able to run faster and climb better, I want to do everything my siblings and friends can do to show them I am just as capable. I want to be able to ride a bicycle, ride a horse and feel free and play sports like soccer.

What is your message to children living with a physical challenge?

You are a superstar, and amazing just the way you are. Your body might be differently abled, but that’s what makes you unique and most special. Keep shining, keep smiling and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You’re not alone – there are people who care about you and want to support you.

July

SA Guide Dog Association for the Blind

From bustling streets to quiet paths, canes for the visually impaired are steadfast companions, offering freedom and security, empowering users to navigate their world with unwavering confidence.

The Star Foundation donated 670 canes at the value of R50 each, in honour of Mandela Day to 



In a world where independence is often taken for granted, organizations like the South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind (SAGA) play a crucial role in empowering individuals with visual impairments.

Established in 1953, with a mission to enhance the quality of life of visually impaired South Africans, SAGA has been a beacon of hope and assistance for decades.

The impact of SAGA's work goes beyond practical assistance; it transforms lives. Each partnership between a visually impaired individual and a guide dog is a testament to resilience and newfound freedom. Through these partnerships, individuals gain not only a means of safe navigation but also a sense of companionship and empowerment that transcends physical boundaries.

You can make a difference. Your donation to South African Guide Dog Association for the Blind helps to train guide dogs, provide canes and empower visually impaired individuals to live more independent lives.

670 canes donated 

SA Harvest

 is running an initiative called the #BucketsofNutrition challenge. The mission is to pack as many buckets as possible filled with essential, non-perishable food items in 67 minutes to support families in need in Joburg, Durban, and Cape Town.

The Star Foundation will be joining hands with SA Harvest in honour of Nelson Mandela Day by donating 67 buckets, each filled with non-perishable items worth R500 and helping them pack and distribute over 300 buckets. 

In a world where many go to bed hungry, organizations like SA Harvest are beacons of hope, transforming lives through their tireless efforts. By rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to those in need, they ensure that every act of kindness and support contributes to a brighter future where no one has to worry about their next meal.

Established in 2019, SA Harvest’s mission is to eradicate hunger in South Africa with a groundbreaking strategy. They address the immediate food security crisis by rescuing nutritious food destined for landfills and delivering it, free of charge, to those in need. Additionally, they tackle the systemic causes of hunger and use advanced technology to enhance the efficiency and scalability of their efforts.

To date, they have delivered over 58 million meals, benefited 200 organizations, and rescued 17 million kg of food that would have gone to landfills.

Buckets of Nutrition

Girls with Wiings

Access to sanitary towels is more than just a basic need - it's a cornerstone of health, dignity and empowerment for women and girls everywhere. By ensuring availability, organizations such as 

 support their education, self-esteem and ability to participate fully in society.

In honour of Mandela Day, The Star Foundation is proudly contributing R67,000 to Girls With Wiings. This donation will provide at least 394 school girls with 24 packs of maxi pads each, ensuring they can attend school with confidence and dignity.

Girls With Wiings is an organization dedicated to restoring the dignity of homeless and underprivileged women by providing them with essential sanitary towels. Founded in 2016, they have already made a significant impact by distributing over 27,000 sanitary pads to women and young girls in need. Currently, they assist 400 women each month through their various meeting points, offering not just products but also hope and support.

They envision a society where underprivileged women have access to basic health, sanitation and menstrual health. By empowering these women, they help build stronger, healthier communities.

Access to sanitary towels 

Breadline Africa

Infrastructural problems in schools not only affect academic performance but also affect the rights to safety and health of both learners and teachers. Every child has the capacity to achieve something phenomenal in their lives – poor sanitation should not affect that capacity. Unfortunately, many schools across South Africa still rely on pit toilets, which pose significant health hazards. This is where organizations like 

 step in.

Founded in 1993, Breadline Africa is a non-profit organization based in South Africa and registered as a charity in the United Kingdom. Initially, the organization aimed to support grassroots development as part of the nation-building process, acknowledging that government resources alone would not be enough. Over time, Breadline Africa shifted its focus from providing grants to enhancing infrastructure at under-resourced pre-schools and primary schools, ensuring that children have the necessary facilities to grow and learn.

The Star Foundation, in partnership with Breadline Africa, will be replacing unsafe pit toilets with safer, flushable toilets in two schools in KwaZulu-Natal.

According to Daily Maverick, the issue of children dying in or from incidents involving pit toilets is a significant problem in South Africa, particularly in rural and underfunded schools. Since 2013, there have been several tragic cases reported. Additionally, other children have died or been severely injured due to the collapse of toilet structures or falling into pit latrines.

Efforts to eradicate pit toilets have faced substantial delays. Despite government promises to replace all pit latrines in schools by 2023, over 3,300 schools still use them as their primary sanitation facilities. These conditions pose severe health risks and safety hazards for young students.

The first school is Mbanjwa Primary School, situated in Pietermaritzburg, which serves 712 learners from the community and surrounding areas. Currently, the school has pit toilets that are unhygienic and tend to fill up during the rainy season, rendering them unusable until emptied. The Star Foundation will be providing 20 hygienic low-flush toilets connected to two 6,000L septic tanks, five waterless urinals, and handwash stations with soap dispensers.

The second school is Crystal Springs Primary in Howick, which serves 401 learners. The school has no supply of municipal water and uses boreholes. There are 11 pit toilets, which are in poor condition, with some missing doors. The Star Foundation, in partnership with Breadline Africa, will provide 16 hygienic low-flush toilets connected to a new 6,000L septic tank, five waterless urinals, and sufficient handwash stations with soap dispensers, like the setup at Mbanjwa Primary School.

In total, the Star Foundation will be donating R1,6 million to this cause.



Replacing Pit Toilets 

Jumping Kids ensure that beneficiaries like Nhlakanipho Mphoentle Madisa, who has a congenital condition, become more active despite the challenges they face.

Nhlakanipho is a Grade 5 student at Laerskool Du Preez Van Wyk in Bronkhorstspruit. He was born with Tibial Hemimelia, a condition where part of the tibia is missing, leading to the amputation of his right leg below the knee just before his first birthday.

The Madisa family faced a difficult adjustment period following Nhlakanipho’s amputation, prompting his mother to reach out to Jumping Kids.

In 2015, he received his first walking prosthetic. He quickly learned to stand, walk, and run with his prosthetic leg, keeping pace with his peers.

Before getting his prosthetic, he couldn't play with his cousins and often faced questions about his "different" leg. Once he mastered his prosthetic, the questions stopped. Now, he says he's just like other kids but with “a super-cool leg.”

Nhlakanipho is very active. He participates in sports, climbs, rides his bike, and runs around with friends. He also loves music, singing and swimming.

Q&A




I think I want to be a veterinarian. I really love animals. I even get emotional when my mom wants to kill insects or other pests around the house.




I participate in athletics and singing at school.



What do you hope to try with your prosthetic sports blade?


A child with a disability is still a child with ability. You are not different, you are unique.

June

The Star Foundation, known for its commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those facing adversity, has recently taken a remarkable step by contributing to Jumping Kids, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting children in acquiring prosthetic equipment after amputation, for the next 12-months.

Every month, a child will receive a donation of R50,000 that will go towards their prosthetic leg.

Childhood amputation can be an overwhelming experience for both children and their families. Jumping Kids transforms the lives of these young individuals, providing them with the support they need to overcome physical challenges and prosthetic equipment so that they may live their lives to the fullest, like other children.

The Star Foundation's contribution goes beyond financial support. It’s about commitment to creating opportunities for children who have faced losing a limb and having their mobility restored.

Families who were once burdened by the challenges of amputation now find solace and hope as their children receive support from Jumping Kids, supported by The Star Foundation.

As we observe The Star Foundation's contribution to Jumping Kids, it is an opportunity for us all to reflect on the impact of shaping a brighter future. The simple act of providing prosthetic equipment becomes a catalyst for empowerment, resilience, and the reaffirmation that every child deserves a chance to soar, jump, and dream without limitations.

Access to mobility

8 Schools in the Ehlanzeni District 

**Update 2024** Number of learners - 7756



The Star Foundation is thrilled to launch a ground-breaking initiative that's set to make a lasting impact on the lives of children in the Mpumalanga province.

The five-year in school breakfast programme in collaboration with 

has officially kicked off in the Hazyview district.

This endeavour will touch the lives of a of 7,555 learners across eight schools in the Elanzheni District.

Our mission goes beyond simply providing nutritious breakfasts for these learners. It's about sowing the seeds of positive change, fostering a brighter future and ultimately transforming communities. By nourishing their bodies, we aim to sharpen their minds, boost their academic performance and enhance their overall well-being.


However, our In-School Breakfast Programme doesn't stop there. It serves as a powerful catalyst for change, not only within the schools but also within the Hazyview community itself. Through comprehensive training programs and valuable internship opportunities, we're committed to empowering individuals to forge meaningful careers and play an active role in the development of our nation.

Together, we can make a difference, one breakfast at a time.

Join us on this remarkable journey towards a healthier, more vibrant future for all.

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Success Stories

These are the stories of those that have moved us, warmed our hearts and at times left us speechless.

Jumping Kids - September

Jumping Kids - August

Sewing skills training programme - Women's Month 2024

Jumping Kids - July

SA Guide Dog Association for the Blind - 670 canes donated

SA Harvest - Buckets of Nutrition

Girls with Wiings - Access to sanitary towels

Breadline Africa - Replacing Pit Toilets

Jumping Kids - June