Archive of previously funded projects dating back to 2007

1. Gauteng Peace and Development Foundation
   Empowerment, training and income generation
2. Ingelozi Eyetu
   Craftwork project

1. Gauteng Peace and Development Foundation
   
   Perspective - Helping communities to help themselves
   
   GPDF started in 1994 as people in Gauteng decided to carry on the work of the official peace structures when government funding stopped. They realised the importance of reconciling former enemies and getting them to work together towards reconstruction - peace and development go hand in hand. Because communities were anxious to get started on projects that would improve their situation the Basic Orientation Course (BOC) in Community Development and Project Management came into being. Courses are run when funds are available. The aims include developing social and practical skills to equip participants to manage projects.
   
   GPDF trainers have begun to deliver the Micro MBA
   
   The Micro-MBA Business Training Course enables people to create their own jobs, usually in a small or micro-business to start with. With some 9 million not employed in the formal sector, and half a million first-time job seekers unable to find employment each year the only solution for most is to start up alone. The Micro-MBA programme gives provides 5 days training. The participant has to contribute R50 (£4) and, R500 (£40) comes from the Micro-MBA Bursary Fund. Prospective trainees are screened to assess the viability of their existing or planned business.
   
   
   Examples of GPDF projects
   
   These projects equip individuals with skills for life and benefited their communities.
   • Road maintenance and community hall projects.
     
   • Brick making has been important in the squatter camp outside Sebokeng
     
   • Adult Literacy projects have taught participants how to read and write, learn English as a language, how to fill in forms and to write funding proposals.
     
   • Planting grass on a mine dump stopped the sandstorms.
     
   • Bakers in the East Rand, selling cakes at a taxi rank, saw enormous business growth after participating in a course. Now they rent premises, operate for 16 hours a day and create jobs for others.
     
   • Orange Farm, a huge informal settlement area south of Johannesburg, absorbs people moving to the Gauteng heartland. Temporary shacks appear in an unplanned residential sprawl. On a 2-day BOC for 439 participants in the Orange Farm area, and 45 from the Drieziek Ext 3 community, training was given on how to negotiate with government officials regarding the future of their settlement. Once government agrees a process of formalization of land-use starts. The area is surveyed and stands are allocated for private residential and community use. The Drieziek local committee, successfully negotiated many aspects of the process including surveying the land and the allocation of sites to the approximately 3400 squatters, and helped residents fill out application forms for government housing subsidies.
     
     
2. Ingelozi Eyetu (‘Our own angels’)
   
   Perspective
   
   The ugly giant of HIV/AIDS puts its footprints anywhere and everywhere. In rural areas where employment is scarce or non existent, families and whole communities are devastated. On the positive side, there are many at grassroots level doing something to enable communities not only to survive but to regain self respect and hope as they learn new creative skills that enable them to gain some income. Ingelozi Eyetu is an inspiring example.
   
   In an impoverished area of the Free State, employment is provided by the owners of Oban Guest Farm through training local people in beadwork and other crafts. Last year, in spite of an uphill struggle, much was achieved. By working together with the ‘Beads of Hope’ group more ladies were employed. Craft work now includes making handbags. Working conditions have been improved by installing adequate lighting in the work hall and by acquiring sewing machines on loan (more still needed).
   
   Happily at the local Christmas drive 1500 angels (Beads of Hope) were sold. A market selling African artefacts is being explored as a possible outlet and other opportunities are on the horizon. In March 2008 crafts will be taken to the airports with the view to extending sales outlets.
   
   Two ladies will be employed full time (mornings only), to enable them to be with their families after school. Plans are afoot to make tribal dolls in traditional dress. If this becomes viable Oban estimates they will be able to employ about 30 ladies by year end.
   
   Kim Struben writes: “All of us at Oban want Thembisa to know just how timely and significant your support has been. Every time we need to purchase bead stock and now fabrics for the dolls, Thembisa’s next donation arrives! A big thank you! We are also grateful for local Van Reenen supporters. I believe we are making a worthwhile change in the lives of many local families. Amongst those who are producing creative, unique and attractive pieces there has been a growth in self esteem and confidence.
   
   “Sadly HIV/AIDS has claimed the lives of some of the workers. Some young families are left to fend for themselves. For example one of the craftwork ladies supports nine family members, all of whom are incapable of earning.
   
   “We have some amazingly talented and effective workers. Nothing gives us more joy than to lose a worker to a full time job elsewhere, who thus becomes more able to support her family. She can still make a bit extra on the side by beading!”