Community Involvement Exchange
This page emanated from feedback by delegates at the August 2003 Professionalism Course. It provides an opportunity to share information on projects that members of the Society are involved in. The purpose is to provide others (members and non-members) with the opportunity to become involved, and to draw attention to projects where a few more hands (or brains!) are required.
The Starfish Foundation
The Starfish Foundation was established by a group of young South Africans in response to the tragedy of children being orphaned by HIV/AIDS.
Starfish Foundation 199kb
Mfesane/University of the Western Cape Mathematics Enrichment Programme
A Mathematics Enrichment Programme which has been initiated by Mfesane, a non-profit organisation, and the University of the Western Cape. The Programme targets disadvantaged students in Crossroads and is reliant on the donor community for funding. See linked document for details. Contact person: Cindy Buske - ithembalethu@mweb.co.za
Limpopo Capacity Building Project
The Limpopo Capacity Building Project is working to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) in all the districts in Limpopo province to participate in the processes of governance at national, provincial and local level. They are presently working with 24 civil society organizations in the province and have established 6 district steering committees.
Background
The Open Society Foundation – South Africa initiated this Project with the following objectives:
To provide information and skills to enable CSOs to engage strategically in governance processes relating to human right sand development issues.
To provide hard skills relating to the effective internal management of CSOs.
To assist in the establishment of a mechanism (such as a Network that would enable CSOs to undertake advocacy work constructively and collectively.
If you think your organization could benefit the work of these CSOs and add value to the Project for example by providing information, sharing experiences or networking around initiatives, please contact the Project Manager whose details are given below. Links are needed with the relevant government structures and non governmental organizations with the aim of building of civil society in Limpopo. The Project seeks to engage CSOs in local, district, provincial and national issues.
Contact Details
Ms Dudu Setlatjile - Project Manager: Limpopo Capacity Building Project
Email: settatd@edupark.ac.za
Tel/Fax: 015 290 2820
Cell: 082 486 1962
Community Outreach
The Annual Convention is preceded by a golf day. Previously, there was a squash tournament as well, and 2002 saw the introduction of a bridge competition. Some members wanted to do something different, and the concept of a community involvement project was raised in 2004.
In 2005, Nicky Patchett arranged a house-building day through Habitat for Humanity. In total, 37 members participated and helped to build 2 houses in Ivory Park. Pictures have been provided by, inter alia, Arthur Els and Hannah Boeke.
The above-mentioned exercise met with more enthusiasm than blisters, sore muscles and sunburn, and a house-building day was accordingly arranged as part of the pre-activities for the 2006, 2007 and 2008 Conventions.
In 2009, the outreach activities involved Heartbeat, an NGO that provides after-school care in townships.
