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SHOC is a student-driven non-profit organization established in March 2002. It comprises of a group of students from various universities in Cape Town committed to community upliftment. All projects involve students from UCT, UWC, Stellenbosch University and Cape Technikon. Because of our academic diversity and tenacity, we are positive that we are capable of effecting positive change within our communities. SHOC intends moving away from the ‘handouts’ concept, which has been shown to perpetuate the cycle of dependence. SHOC’s office is located at 106 Grasmere Street, Crawford, Cape Town.
Brief introduction to SHOC:
Empowerment through life-skills training & education.
Self development, financial development & skills training.
Development of Primary Health Care initiative.
Setting up weekly clinics run by students in the Phillipi area,
Supply medical provisions.
Host workshop on preventative health care.
Provide a platform for student volunteerism.
Initiated a tutorial program for grade 10 pupils.
Plans to set up careers workshops & inter- cultural youth activities.
About SHOC:
1.1 Subject:
This profile outlines the goals and activities of Students Helping Our Communities (SHOC).
1.2 About SHOC
SHOC is a student-driven non-profit organization established in March 2002. It comprises of a group of students from various universities in Cape Town committed to community upliftment. All projects involve students from UCT, UWC, Stellenbosch University and Cape Technikon. Because of our academic diversity and tenacity, we are positive that we are capable of effecting positive change within our communities. SHOC intends moving away from the ‘handouts’ concept, which has been shown to perpetuate the cycle of dependence. SHOC’s office is located at 106 Grasmere Street, Crawford, Cape Town.
1.3 Objectives
SHOC’s primary objectives are listed as follows:
Empowerment through Lifeskills Training and Education: We believe that empowerment encompasses both personal and financial development. Naturally, education is pivotal to the concept of development. Provision of Primary Health Care: SHOC intends to provide aid with respect to health promotion and curative medicine in an efficient yet cost effective manner. Provide a Platform for Student Volunteerism: By encouraging student involvement in projects, SHOC endeavours to dispel apathy and enlighten students about the harsh realities of poverty.
1.4 Brief History
In March 2002 a group of concerned students decided to consider the needs that existed within our disadvantaged communities. Initially our approach was undefined, but after many meetings and much deliberation, we decided that there were three aspects around which we would focus our energies in Browne’s Farm, Philippi. These were Education, Lifeskills Training and Health Care. Despite our motivation and vigour, a few unsuccessful projects indicated that our energies were being misdirected. However, these stumbling blocks proved to be part of a learning curve, which led us to refocus and seek insight from experienced individuals and organisations. By networking and sharing ideas with these entities we now find that we are better equipped to make informed decisions, which are consistent with our objectives. Our experience thus far has enabled us to gain an understanding of township life and culture. These factors contribute to ensuring that we more competent at making a success of this venture.
Current Operations:
2.1 Health Care
After researching the status of health services in Philippi, we realised that the greater Philippi area is fast approaching a health crisis. This is due to the dissolution of the Zanimiplo Trust, a healthcare body, which serviced around 55 000 people. The Zanimpilo Trust consisted of the Health Care Trust, Zibonele and SACLA. SHOC has formed strong links with SACLA and Health Care Trust, as they have assisted us in establishing a Healthcare base in the Philippi area. Since Zanimpilo’s closing, all existing Community Healthcare Workers (CHW) are no longer operational. The CHW’s specialise in educating the public about health issues, such as HIV AIDS, TB, Hygiene, and Nutrition etc. They were also trained to treat minor ailments and refer more serious cases to major health centres. CHW’s thus form an integral part of the overall primary healthcare strategy in Philippi. After discussions with CHW’s and healthcare professionals from various backgrounds, SHOC has decided to focus on two key areas, Preventative Health Care and an Acute Illnesses Clinic.
SHOC is fortunate to have student and healthcare professional involvement and support in operating the clinics and workshops. However, in order to ensure sustainability, it is essential that SHOC acquires the necessary funding for employment of the CHW’s, medication, and hosting workshops on Preventative Health Care.
2.2 Life-skills
In line with our objective of empowering individuals through skills training, we have decided to focus our Lifeskills program on Self-Development and Financial Development. A four-month course focussing on these aspects has been structured with the intention of creating opportunities for individual growth. These components of this course are outlined below:
Self-development - addresses issues such as responsible parenting, social skills, self-esteem development, peer-pressure, and personal hygiene.
Skills Training - that would focus on teaching relevant skills in agriculture, sewing and crafts. This would be conducted with a view to better equip participants to join industry.
Business Skills, such as marketing, feasibility analysis of new ideas, costing, negotiation skills and general management.
Financial development, which includes workshops relating to re-investment of returns, budgeting, saving schemes and expanding operations.
For this to be successful we have recruited many students, life-skills trainers, social developers, business professionals and investment experts. Some of the organizations involved include Nicro, Youth at Risk, MJC, Oasis Asset Management, and governmental structures. It is intended that the course be run parallel to a major undertaking of the MJC namely, the Philippi Agricultural Project. This would enable us to share resources and exchange certain aspects of our individual life-skills
courses.
2.3 Education
Considering that we, as students come from an array of academic backgrounds (Engineering, Psychology, Commerce, Medicine, etc.), we are capable of tutoring disadvantaged scholars in many subjects. Initially the key focus would be on Matriculants and Grade 11 pupils since they are closest to advancing onto tertiary studies. Links have been established with Sinethemba High School in Brownes Farm, which will form the base for the first tuition initiative.
This project is to be complemented by a ‘twinning’ programme. The intention is to ‘twin’ a tertiary student with a disadvantaged learner allowing the learner an opportunity to experience the field they may be interested in. This also serves the function of motivating learners to excel at school in order to pursue tertiary studies.
What follows is a list of SHOC’s activities since the project’s inception.
Achievements & Affiliations:
3.1 Achievements
Established a weekly Acute Illnesses clinic in Browns Farm, Philippi. Offered a sewing and entrepreneurship course in association with Mustadafin to a group of ladies from Philippi. Ran two pilot projects to assess the feasibility of selling certain products in the area. Hosted a sports day for the youth, which focused on upliftment
and team-building exercises that boost confidence and self-esteem. Established links with a number of relevant NGO’s and the local councils.
The various links/affiliations SHOC has secured are listed below. Details relating to our relationship with these organisations and their contact numbers are provided in the appendix.
3.2 Affiliations
Philippi Regional Councillor Islamic Medical Association Islamic Resource Foundation Azaad Youth Services SACLA Healthcare Services Health Care Trust Shawco Health Mustadafin Foundation Muslim Judicial Council Goodhope Foundation Masakhane Department of Primary Healthcare (UCT). [TOP]
Future Plans:
4.1 Health Care
The potential for expansion and growth at this stage is extensive as illustrated by the need in the community. At a recent NGO networking meeting, organisations such as Mustaddafin, MJC – Da’wah Department and Masakhane expressed their need for this type of healthcare to be provided in their communities. With this we can conclude that if enough financial support is netted for this venture, we can use this concept to further justify the opening of additional centres elsewhere.
4.2 Lifeskills
In time, SHOC intends to expand the course to accommodate a higher intake of disadvantaged participants, and modify the courses to provide richer content. Future plans include offering the course to sister organizations such as Mustadafin, Good Hope Foundation and Azaad Youth Services. This allows us an excellent opportunity to strengthen ties with sister NGOs and become proficient in life-skills training.
4.3 Education
SHOC’s plans include diversifying our tuition project to involve other township based high schools. Educators and social developers have indicated that a need exists to increase contact between learners from affluent backgrounds and those from the townships. In addressing this need, SHOC intends to facilitate a number of multi-cultural youth leadership programs.
4.4 SHOC as a Whole
At an organisational level, SHOC believes that this model (Health Care, Lifeskills and Education) can be applied in other impoverished areas. As students we are aware of our limitations, and have thus sought the expertise of experienced individuals who are offering their insights in an advisory capacity. These individuals include Mr Shaboodien Roomaney, Mrs Hamedah Ghaniem and Mr Ali Brey. [Further details regarding these individuals are provided in the appendices.] SHOC is in the process of involving a number of schools which feed students into our tertiary institutions, in an effort to create awareness and ensure continuity of the project. In so doing we would automatically create a platform for student volunteerism.
With our significant network of sister organisations and alliances, SHOC is in a good position to effect positive change in our poverty-stricken communities. To ensure the success of SHOC’s efforts, we require you, the professional or entrepreneur, to form part of our vital financial support structure. Overleaf you will find a projected budget for the next 6 months.
we will ensure that you receive continuous updates and feedback with reference to our progress and the fruits of your contribution. This will take the form of monthly reports outlining our activities. Feedback and suggestions on your part will be appreciated.
4.5 Conclusion
Given our expertise and drive to empower our communities through skills training and education, SHOC is part of a much bigger redevelopment strategy in South Africa. By channelling the collective energies of enthusiastic students, experienced philanthropists and concerned community members, SHOC will take student volunteerism to greater heights. With this, SHOC intends to add a splash of colour to the rebuilding of our rainbow nation
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