Upon visiting the R K Khan hospital a number of times and witnessing the exceedingly long queues and the hardship of the elderly and the needy folk, I, Rev Michael Pentiah, felt compelled to do something that would make their visit more bearable. These underprivileged outpatients often spent approximately 6 hours waiting for medication without having anything to eat or drink. Considering this I founded Tea 4 Africa on the 28th February 2005.
At the beginning, only free tea was provided but as funds became available a variety of sandwiches such as jam, peanut butter, cheese, baked beans etc. are now also provided completely free of charge. Approximately 1200 outpatients receive tea and sandwiches on a daily basis, 5 days a week. Sandwiches are prepared outside the hospital and brought in mainly by 8 Churches in the community and 40 volunteers, on rotation basis.
Our core recipients are the indigenous people from KZN who spend their last monies on taxis and bus fares, who are hungry after the long wait, and are very thankful for the tea and sandwiches they receive from us.
Above this, approximately three times a year, the outpatients are given a treat with breyani, cold drinks and exciting fun and games. Prizes are given to all participants. On many occasions, food items and funds donated by businesses, institutions and individuals often help to exceed our average reach.
Requirements
As a registered NPO, Tea 4 Africa relies on sponsors and donors to keep this project running. Besides the financial requirements for the logistics, the following items are required on a daily basis:
- Tea bags
- Milk
- Sugar