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GARDEN ROUTE BUSINESS NEWS - Gang violence in Touwsranten has been wiped out, and not only is the community now free of this scourge, but these days it is home to several graduates. So says Wilmi Dippenaar, director of the Seven Passes Initiative. 

This dramatic turnaround has been brought about through the community programmes of Seven Passes over the past 11 years.

Seven Passes was started in 2008 to address gang violence by young men in the area. These were youngsters who were exposed to violence and addiction at home and were repeating the cycle. 

"Our aim is to prevent violence and break the cycle of poverty and inequality. We do this by improving and supporting children's education and we know for a fact that we are having a positive impact," says Dippenaar.

Thanks to Seven Passes, learning and work opportunities have been provided for school leavers. "Children attending our programmes have gone from disobedient and destructive to being top achievers and school leaders. Parents who attended positive parenting programmes have exchanged beating and screaming at their children, with story time and respectful conversations.

"They now have the tools to be warm, engaged and confident. These types of parents will raise happier, better-adjusted children who will in turn become better caregivers and employees themselves."

The George Herald is supporting the initiative, as the wellness of Touwsranten community members also has a direct impact not only on their neighbours, peers, colleagues, employers and community, but also on the country. "We do the long, slow, seep work that prevents violence and creates safe communities," says Dippenaar.

Improving and supporting children's education in Touwsranten has brought about positive changes in this community.

Only R6 a day to sponsor a child
The public can do their bit by sponsoring a child. By contributing only R180 per month (R6 a day), you can support one of the 200 children who regularly attend the programmes, to receive a warm meal, learn important skills and take part in sport and cultural activities. 

You can make a difference in a child's life and the safety of a community. A debit order can be set up, and because Seven Passes is a registered public benefit organisation, donors can claim tax benefits on their donation or receive BEE points for their company. 

Once a year, donors will receive an update on the progress of the child they choose to sponsor. And, your name or the name of your business will be published in the George Herald.

The programmes
The Seven Passes Initiative runs educational programmes for primary and high school children and also offers aftercare and holiday programmes. They also visit pregnant mothers. The parenting programmes have reduced parents' stress, the use of corporal punishment and children's depression and anxiety. 

"We have the research to prove it," says Dippenaar.

The public can do their bit by sponsoring a child for only R180 a month.

Programmes focus on:

• reading, writing and maths;
• help with homework;
• healthy activities to do in the afternoons after school, while parents are at work;
• teaching life skills, for example how to set goals and how to be emotionally aware - tools that children and parents can use to overcome their struggles and the cycle of violence.

About 80% of school children in Touwsranten (535) and 30% of the community's parents are registered to receive these programmes. The programme has also been extended to the Wilderness Heights community.

'What SA needs'
Sello Hatang, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, had this to say about Seven Passes: "This is the long haul stuff. It is slow, but deep. It is what South Africa needs and what all of us should feel obliged to invest in."

For more information, contact Wilmi Dippenaar on 044 850 1267.

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