Granddaughter visits Malcom's Soup Kitchen

On Monday 10th January, following a frugal supper, PP Kitty Brook, her granddaughter, Kristina, and Kristina's partner, Akeem, gave a talk on 'Malcolm's Soup Kitchen'.

'Malcolm's Soup Kitchen' or Umtha Welanga (Rising Sun) was set up in the township of Khayelitsha in Western Cape in South Africa. 2000 by Kitty's late husband, Rtn. Malcolm Brook and a group of local Community and child care workers. 

Much more than a soup kitchen, the aim was to provide psychological, spiritual, and above all, food and medical support for women and children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. 

Today the initiative acts as a social services provider for the township and 

• Recruits and trains prospective foster parents 
• Provides parenting skill sessions to those parents who’s children have been removed from their care due to child abuse. 
• Facilitates after school activities to help with homework, assignments and life skills training
• Runs School holiday activities to teach life skills, reproductive health and HIV testing  
• Facilitate group sessions to men, women and children and provide support groups for individuals and families affected by Gender Based Violence.
• Runs Malcolm’s Soup kitchen: offering a cooked hot meal twice a week to the unemployed and latterly providing education regarding Covid-19 and helping the community register for vaccines.

Kristina and Akeem visited Khayelitsha last year and witnessed the growth of the township and the increase in demand for the services provided by Umtha Welanga.

Members donated their normal meal costs to Rotary International's Foundation Charity.