ANCHOR (Africa Network for Children Orphaned and at Risk) was officially launched at a two day workshop held in Johannesburg, South Africa in March 2006 for Rotarian leaders from six African countries. The seminar was aiming at individual Rotarians and Rotary Clubs to identify with the ANCHOR program and to get actively involved to support new ANCHOR sites.

The first Rotary Club in South Africa to adopt a site is the Rotary Club of Sandton, Johannesburg (District 9300). The site is in the informal settlement Itsotseng about 12 miles west of Johannesburg with a population of approximately 15,000. Itsotseng consists of shacks and has no running water or electricity. 120 orphans and vulnerable children have been identified and registered by field worker Portia and her volunteers. The children are between the ages of 3 and 18 and meet every Saturday for about three hours in a "Kids Club" organized by ANCHOR to play, sing and dance. Food and drinks are provided.

The "Kids Club" does give ANCHOR staff and volunteer workers the opportunity to identify children visibly in distress for immediate counseling.

As the site did not have a structure other than a car boot to operate from, RC Sandton provided a base in the form of converted shipping container.

The container was named "MR. IMDU" (taken from it's registration number) and had been retired in Texas. It was purchased by the Rotary Club of Pasedena South (Texas) and donated to District 9300 together with humanitarian aid goods. On arrival in Johannesburg from Houston "Mr. IMDU" received a new suit. The Rotary Club of West Wickham, District 1120 (UK) contributed $2,000 towards the conversion. Sandton picked up the rest. The total cost inclusive delivery to site amounts to approximately $5,500.

RC Sandton has committed $500 per month to cover immediate requirements as identified by the field worker in conjunction with the ANCHOR program manager. Considering need factors established in other ANCHOR sites these items will in the main consist of:

Material requirements:
• School uniforms
• School stationary
• Shoes
• General clothing

Social support:
• Assistance in obtaining IDs if required
• Assistance in obtaining Government grants (Orphans and HIV/Aids cases )
• Starting memory boxes for orphans
• Career guidance and training

Sandton will involve Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, Exchange Students and Rotary Spouses (Anns Club) in the ANCHOR project. More information about the Rotary Club of Sandton, Johannesburg