The Loaves and Fishes Network is an organisation that was formally initiated in 2006 by founders (former MEC for Health) Dr Trudy Thomas and Dr Judith Frost and operated in the Buffalo City Municipal area.

The main purpose of LAFN is to support an ever-expanding number of community initiated creches. Under the supervision of the women who run them, LAFN provides best-practice child-care and development, substantial and balanced daily meals, a safe, supportive and stimulating environment, help for families and children to access state assistance, urgent and appropriate response to children in extreme crisis and information, advice, support and resource services for their surrounding communities. LAFN currently supports 26 creches.

Essentially the organisation provides the following summary of services to community based creches:

1. A formal Early Childhood Development training programme to the carers at the creches.
2. Infrastructural Development and support including building upgrades, maintenance, furniture, equipment, toys, learning material etc.
3. Orphans and Vulnerable Children programme which feeds well over 1000 children per day as well as children identified within communities to be in extreme need.

Operates in: East London, Eastern Cape
Established in: July 2006

Non-Profit Organisation Number: 050-574
Public Benefit Organisation Number:
Section 21 Company Number:
Trust Number:

Contact person: Pateka Mtintsilana
Phone: 043 722 0010
Fax: 043 722 0010
Email:

Website: www.lafn.co.za

Physical address: 9a Dyer Street, Arcadia, East London
Postal address: P O Box 19640, Tecoma, 5214