Almost unnoticed in our times of Covid-19 and the struggle of survival for many South Africans, HOPE Cape Town celebrated its 20th anniversary. The pandemic did not allow for a big celebration, but an hour of reflection and celebration at the Westin Hotel in Cape Town brought so many memories to the forefront.
Started as a small organisation to assist doctors at Tygerberg Children’s Hospital in the battle against HIV and Aids in 2001 nobody could envision that 20 years later a full-fledged entity with currently 40 employees working in 12 different townships, at Tygerberg Academic Health Complex and on our campus in Delft “The Nex – Indawo Yethu” plays an important supportive role for many in the Western Province.
Not envisaged was also the expansion of portfolios from HIV/AIDS to a more comprehensive health care, to Early Childhood Development, Youth, vocational training and entrepreneurial skill’s development; meaning a holistic approach.
All this would not have been possible without the help and assistance of so many crossing the path of HOPE Cape Town in the last 20 years. It would not been possible without the current sponsors, supporters, friends and allies.
And it will not be possible to continue successfully without an expanded HOPE family and a network of supportive friends from all over the world. The current situation in South Africa needs an even more determined service and approach to make development not only possible, but also lasting. Especially, the next generation born now requires a meaningful base and a safe environment to fulfil the dreams of those who fought for the new democratic South Africa. After all the blunder and corruption happening in our days, after all the stealing by the so-called connected hurting the poor and contributing to the collapse of our educational system we require the synergies between honest leaders, civil society and NGO’s to create this space of hope.
First phase of three to establish a campus covering health, early childhood development, youth, vocational training and entrepreneurship for the greater Delft area.
In Delft, the blessing ceremony for a safe space campus called “The Nex – Indawo Yethu” has taken place yesterday in the presence of Premier (WP) Alan Winde, Minister for Human Settlement (WP) Tertuis Simmers, Executive Mayor from Cape Town Dan Plato, Consul General of Germany Matthias Hansen, religious leaders and various guests and collaborators.
The Nex – Indawo Yethu is a safe space project of HOPE Cape Town (www.hopecapetown.org) and will holistically offer services: health, social services, early childhood development, youth work, afterschool care, vocational dual training, entrepreneurial skills development training for the people within the greater Delft area. This project is in collaboration with the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town, the government of the Free state of Bavaria and other NGO’s and institutions.
The blessings were given by a Catholic priest, an Imam, a Rabbi and a Sangoma. Here are some pictures from this event.