Die von der Merck Family Foundation seit drei Jahren geförderte NGO Tomorrow Trust wurde 2005 in Johannesburg gegründet. Mit 22 Mitarbeitern, vielen Freiwilligen und einem Budget von 2,5 Mio € unterstützt die Organisation gegenwärtig 1.160 benachteiligte Kinder, sie kommen aus ärmsten Verhältnissen, sind Waisen, leben in Slums und besuchen die dortigen Public Schools. Während sie dort in ihren Klassen mit 70 bis 75 Kindern vor oft schlecht ausgebildeten oder unmotivierten Lehrern sitzen, erhalten sie bei Tomorrow Trust an Samstagen und in den Ferien Förderunterricht in Kleingruppen (und täglich zwei warme Mahlzeiten, was es zuhause praktisch nie gibt). Und weil gerade Ferien sind, können wir uns selbst ein Bild davon machen, wie bewundernswert motiviert diese Kinder ihre Samstagsschule über Jahre hinweg besuchen. Dass ihre Schulabschlüsse überdurchschnittlich gut sind, hat einen Preis: Kein freier Samstag, keine Ferien, 52 zusätzliche Schultage im Jahr. Der Lohn: Sie haben die Chance, ihr Leben zu verändern. Und vielleicht auch einmal ihr Land.
Since 2005, Tomorrow Trust has been making a significant impact in Johannesburg, South Africa, thanks to the generous support of the Merck Family Foundation over the past three years. This non-governmental organization (NGO) was established with a clear mission: to uplift disadvantaged children and provide them with the educational opportunities they deserve.
With a dedicated team of 22 employees and numerous volunteers, Tomorrow Trust operates on a budget of €2.5 million, currently supporting 1,160 underprivileged children. These children often come from the poorest backgrounds, many are orphans, and they live in slums while attending local public schools. In an environment where classes can have 70 to 75 students and teachers may be poorly trained or unmotivated, Tomorrow Trust steps in to provide essential support.
Every Saturday and during school holidays, Tomorrow Trust offers supplementary education in small groups, allowing these children to receive the attention they need to thrive academically. Additionally, the organization ensures that each child receives two warm meals daily—an essential benefit, as many of them rarely enjoy such meals at home. As we find ourselves in the middle of the school holidays, we have the opportunity to witness firsthand the remarkable motivation these children exhibit as they attend Saturday classes year after year. Their commitment is truly inspiring, demonstrating a desire to improve their futures despite the challenges they face. The dedication of these students comes with a cost. They sacrifice their free Saturdays and holidays, attending an additional 52 school days each year. However, the reward is significant: they achieve above-average academic results, which opens doors to a brighter future.
Through their hard work and perseverance, these children not only have the chance to transform their own lives but potentially to change their country as well. After three years support of the Merck Family Foundation I am really convinced that Tomorrow Trust is more than just an educational initiative; it is a beacon of hope.
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