About our Work
In 2003, Seed of Hope established a multi-service community development centre in the semi-rural area of Bhekulwandle, on the outskirts of Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal. This area is chronically-underserved by government and nongovernmental organizations. There are no hospitals, fixed clinics, police stations, fire stations, government offices or libraries. The 2001 Census revealed the following demographic indicators:
- Population: 17,396
- Ages 15-65 years who are employed: 17%
- Literacy rate (grade 7 and above): 47%
- Dependents per economically-active adult: 6
- Households with income below R800/month: 56%
- Population living in informal or traditional housing structures: 52%
- Ethnicity: African – 99%; Coloured – 0.02%; Indian – 0%; White: 0.04% KwaZulu Natal is the epicenter of southern Africa’s HIV/AIDS pandemic, home to 13% of the world’s HIV-positive people, and lags behind the country in overall development:
- Working aged population estimated HIV+ : 26.4%
- Pregnant women HIV+ (based on pre-natal clinic testing) : 36.5%
- Residents per public sector doctor: 5107:1
- Residents per public sector nurse: 1050:1
Responding to HIV/Aids
Seed of Hope develops innovative methods to address
stigma, provide HIV testing, and reduce vulnerability to
transmission among women and youth.
Developing Children
Children ages 4-19 participate in academic, social and personal development programs that build confidence and lay a foundation for a healthy, productive life.
Skills Training & Sustainability
Through training in sewing, handicrafts and household food production, unemployed community members move toward economic self-reliance. Seed of Hope Strategic Response Seed of Hope promotes community development by helping people assess their own unique skills, resources and experiences.
This asset-based approach empowers clients by viewing their own strengths as key elements of problem solving. Both children and adults are encouraged to exercise their abilities and acquire new skills to address today’s needs and tomorrow’s goals. Our belief in the power of community is summed up in the motto: People, not projects.