Established in 1989 to continue the vision and courageous work of Simeon Nkoane the Trust enables us to make a difference in the lives of South Africans who remain caught in poverty, without education or a chance to thrive. It funds formal and informal education projects, training for young people, adult literacy, training for small business start-ups, pre-schools, and care projects for adults and children in HIV affected families to name a few. HIV in South Africa has exploded into all areas of work, and the Trust has responded to its local partners’ initiatives in tackling the impact on the poorest people.

I have been personally involved with the Trust since its inception and am convinced the quality of the work it does in hidden areas of South Africa, in places other funders do not reach. Last year, over 3,000 people were directly helped with education and care of all kinds. Since 1994 the Trust has supported vital community projects run by local people and estimates that it has reached more than 20,000 people through its grants.

In every generation we are called to respond to the hungry cry of the child, to the hunger for education, to the redressing of injustice. The Bishop Simeon Trust is doing that every day, with your help. We can, of course, only surmount the difficulties that remain in South Africa after 48 years of legalised racism, with your hands holding ours. If you can, I urge you to support the Trust.

Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu