Outside the Bowl Africa Launches Mandela Project Initiative

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Outside the Bowl, Africa has teamed up with The Voice South Africa singer Robin Pieters as their ambassador for their Mandela Project to help support local children in need!

South Africa (23 May 2024) — Outside the Bowl Africa, the non-profit that focuses on nourishing children and supporting their education, has teamed up with The Voice South Africa standout singer, Robin Pieters as their ambassador for their Mandela Project initiative—a simple way to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy while helping South African children in critical areas.

Robin first captured South Africa’s attention in 2016 as a contestant on the popular music competition and has used his platform to raise awareness for social causes; leaning into his passion for community service and impact.

“I felt a compelling urge to contribute actively to alleviating this crisis. The organisation’s dedication to providing nutritious meals and empowering people through sustainable initiatives resonates deeply with my values,” says Robin.

“By using my platform and voice, I can raise awareness, mobilise resources, and inspire others to join this crucial fight against hunger.”

The Mandela Initiative with Robin on board, hopes to provide the much needed support to children by encouraging people to donate R67, symbolising the 67 years Madiba spent in public service. The campaign aims to help nourish our children, assist them with education and provide other essentials, like footwear.

“I am deeply honoured to be part of the Mandela Project with Outside The Bowl. I’m incredibly careful of what I get involved in especially when it comes to community work…When something is laid on my heart to do I give it my all. I don’t do things just for the sake of doing it or to be seen, it needs to mean something. This project means something,” adds Robin.

Outside The Bowl Africa is currently undertaking several initiatives to combat hunger and improve early childhood development, including Early Childhood Development Nutritional Drives and Nutrition Awareness programs. These initiatives aim to tackle the root causes of malnutrition and food insecurity, ensuring that young children receive the necessary nutrition for healthy development.

“Combating hunger, particularly in the context of early childhood development and nutrition, involves addressing a variety of complex challenges,” said Loren Erasmus, Executive Director of Outside The Bowl Africa.
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“Our biggest challenge is facing limited funding, which affects our ability to reach all the children in need and sustain long-term interventions. Additionally, reaching remote or conflict-affected areas where infrastructure is poor and logistical challenges are significant, along with addressing different cultural practices and beliefs about food and nutrition, are ongoing obstacles.”

To address these challenges, Outside The Bowl Africa implements programs and engages local communities in the planning and execution of nutrition initiatives.

“Ensuring that nutritional interventions have a long-term impact and are not just short-term fixes is crucial to our strategy.”

Collaboration with other organisations and stakeholders is essential to maximise the impact of our hunger-combating initiatives. Corporate sponsorships and community partnerships are vital for understanding and addressing the unique needs and challenges of different populations.

The long-term goals of Outside The Bowl Africa include eradicating hunger and promoting food security. Achieving these goals involves not only providing immediate food assistance but also addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to education and resources.