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New World Foundation - Background/Hintergrund The New World Foundation (NWF) is a registered Non Profit Organisation, being situated in Lavender Hill, one of the most deprived townships of Cape Town. It was founded in the 1980's by two local ministers, in order to build a new world of hope, justice and peace. During this time of hopelessness, injustice and war against Apartheid, the NWF fought for the political and human rights of the oppressed and provided assistance to people with there daily struggles. The project started with a creche (kinder garden) for 27 children and a soup kitchen in the nearby Vrygrond informal settlement. Since the defeat of the Apartheid system, the NWF deals with its aftermath, while focusing on social uplifting, capacity building and empowerment. In doing so, the mutli-purpose training and development centre attempts to put an end to the marginalisation that the community of Lavender Hill and its surrounding areas have experienced for decades. Lavender Hill is a City Housing Estate that was established in the 1970's as a result of the Group Areas Act, an Apartheid law that called for separate living areas for people of different 'races' (colours). Nowadays, Lavender Hill and its surrounded areas consist of approximately 60000 residents. The majority of the residents live in small flats, which are totally overcrowded and house easily ten to twelve family members. Most families are largely dependent on government grants, since the unemployment rate is as high as 50%. Additional social problems are seen in domestic violence, physical, sexual and emotional abuse, teenage pregnancy, gangsterism, lack of housing, alcohol and substance abuse and ill health (HIV/Aids, tuberculoses etcetera). Furthermore, the area itself has a weak infrastructure as residents have no direct access to social services, shops, safe playgrounds for children and municipal services (libraries, sports grounds etcetera). The NWF is the only well established non-profit organisation that provides access to social services and training programmes to the community. While focusing primarily on programmes for children and young people, the NWF addresses a significant part of the community (50% of the residents are under the age of 24). Its resources, facilities and services enable youth to fulfil their potential and gain the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions, which affect their lives. The following programmes, in which I will be involved in, are aimed at young people's mental, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and social development: Ø Youth Leadership/Volunteer Programme: To equip local youth (17-18 years old) with leadership and life skills to promote a positive lifestyle and community involvement. Ø Mapping the Future: Life Skills, which are meant to enable young people in Grade 7 (12-14 years old) to build a positive self image and develop their full potential. Ø After School Programme: Addresses children and young people (6-15 years old) and aims to develop and strengthen their capacities to play a positive role in society. Programmes take place on school premises, while focusing on sports and art. Ø LoveLife: HIV/Aids awareness programmes in schools, run by ground breakers (young people). Ø Ubuntu Project: Youth exchange programme with Germany. |