The MAC
The Manaleni Achievement Centre (“The MAC”) is a faith-based day center for vulnerable children in the rural Manaleni community in South Africa. Since 2007, the MAC has fed, counseled, and provided a place of encouragement and belonging for children and families who struggle to overcome the cycle of poverty and illness that prevails in their community.
The MAC’s mission is to “build the next generation of leaders” for this community.
The Community
The MAC is located about 50 miles northeast of South Africa’s capital, Pretoria.
While Pretoria and neighboring Johannesburg are teeming cities with a world class airport, The MAC is located within KwaMhlanga, a former “homeland” under Apartheid.
Apartheid may have ended in 1994, but its impact continues. Poverty and unemployment remain very high as South Africa’s infrastructure has been slow to build in places like KwaMhlanga.
These factors make it is difficult to attract qualified teachers to the area and the local schools struggle as a result.
Breaking the cycle of generational poverty is a constant challenge.
The Mission:
Build the next generation of leaders,-body, mind, and spirit-for the Manaleni community.
"...we are seeing God through you...my community now, little by little, is changing...what you are doing is really making a difference."
- Jabulile Sibeko,
MAC Center Manger
Left click on the picture to press play and hear more from the MAC’s Manager, Jabulile Sibeko
Meeting the Need
Four critical areas are the keys to the MAC’s approach to building future leaders.
Food:
Every day, the MAC provides cooked meals for 80 local children and youth. This valuable resource also serves to bring the children into the MAC where they can build relationships with the MAC staff and other MACmates.
Belonging and Purpose:
Before a child can receive resources from the MAC, they and their guardian must sign the MAC pledge. This pledge is a commitment to model the traits of being excited, committed, thankful, helpful, and serving in school and in the community.
Educational assistance:
the MAC provides financial support to help offset the costs of attending school such as school uniforms, field trip fees and school supplies. Through MAC donors, about twenty of our K-7 students are able to attend a private school in the community. During the week MACmates have access to a computer lab, as well as its music and art education programs.
Post-secondary support:
Once a student matriculates, or graduates high school, the MAC continues to help.
The Team
It takes many hands to keep the MAC vital and vibrant! The MAC’s amazing and diverse team is comprised of a individuals on who manage the daily operations (the local team) as well as a supporting team of folks who have shared their time and talents throughout the years.
Local
The TEAM
Staff: a talented group of local residents who come from the Manaleni community. These roles include the Centre Director, a Community Coordinator, Art and Music teachers, Teaching Assistants, and Cooks.
The MAC staff are the only paid team members in the MAC organization.
MAC Staff
(Volunteer) Coaches: John and Linda Darling. John worked as a civil engineer. Linda was an officer of Florida’s largest Federal credit union. They made multiple trips to The MAC between 2009 and 2013 before they decided to retire and move permanently to South Africa in order to help at The MAC. John and Linda are NOT paid but their on-site assistance for over 10 years has been priceless!
Coaches
Support
The TEAM
In addition to the folks who do the day-to-work of the MAC, our team is enhanced by the contributions made by folks in the US and South Africa who serve on volunteer teams or on the Faces In Need Board of Directors.
Visiting Teams
(Volunteer) Visiting Teams: Since 2007, volunteer teams have been an important part of MAC’s culture of hope! Team members pay their own way, but several have made the trip multiple times because the rewards of serving in this special place far outweigh the costs!
Board of Directors: comprised of our coaches, team coordinator as well as US and South African leaders, with a wide range of expertise who oversee the executive operations of the MAC.
Three Ways to Help Make a Difference:
Go:
It costs around $125 a month for each child, (or $120,000 a year) to support the work of The MAC. Not bad, considering that it provides school uniforms, internet and computer service to support homework, college and job applications; a nutritious meal every day, food support within the Manaleni community, school tuition for primary, secondary and post-secondary education, a meaningful Music and Arts Program, Bible Study, and the love and support of staff and one another.
All of the MAC’s administrative expenses are covered by an independent donor. Therefore, 100 cents of every donated dollar goes directly to support the work outlined above.
The MAC’s computer lab, art and music programs, and library of English-language books and games are the result of someone’s thoughtful generosity. Do you have a specialized skill or experience in a subject like community development, engineering, vocational training?
Let’s talk!
Click the word “Grow” above to share your ideas with the MAC’s leaders.
Since the beginning, teams have been an important part what makes the MAC special! With few exceptions, teams have made the journey to South Africa at least once a year since 2007. Individuals who make the trip establish and maintain personal relationships, share love, and inspire hope at The MAC for both students and staff.
People of all ages who have a heart to serve, encourage and bring smiles to the MAC kids and community are always welcome to join an upcoming team trip!
Click the word “Go” above to connect with our team coordinator.
Give:
Keep Up to Date:
MAC Notes is the official newsletter of the MAC and the best way to stay in the know about MAC happenings. Here’s the most recent edition!
Double click on the picture to the right to read the most recent edition.
Click the links below to read this edition of MAC Notes in your browser or to read other recent issues.
Double click on either image to page through the newsletter.
Connect with Us
Faces In Need, Inc., an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) charity, provides the financial support for The MAC, making donations tax deductible – but that’s not the real reason to give, is it? Here’s the real reason.
Faces In Need, Inc.
P.O.Box 122
Waynesville, NC, USA 28786
FacesInNeed@gmail.com
828-246-8881
An IRS Recognized 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization
Florida Department of Consumer Services Registration No.: CH38481
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.
REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.