GEORGE NEWS - At its second annual general meeting on Thursday 28 September, the fairly new George-based non-profit organisation Usapho Indlu reported that a meaningful difference is being made in the lives of the families where their outreach efforts are concentrated.

The organisation was registered in 2021, starting out by focusing on the empowerment of only 12 families in one street in Zone 7. The number of families has grown to 27 in 2023.

The programmes are aimed at meeting the specific needs of each member of each household and to track a pathway for them to overcome their hopelessness. This includes their spiritual, physical, emotional and mental health.

However, they are not chasing figures, as director Sally Versfeld said in her annual report, "We have chosen depth in relationships, and quality in building families, rather than quantity where we would deal with vast numbers and have people fall through the cracks on their pathway to success. The outcome in two years is an empowered community operating in unity with respect for one another," she said.

They witnessed transformation taking place as the families worked on becoming sustainable units. 

"As they participated in programmes, they grew in life skills, knowledge and understanding of their own potential. They are not reliant on 'handouts', understanding that God has created them to be people of purpose and value."

Greenlight Movement, a collaborative group of more than 100 non-profits, social enterprises, and businesses that encourage households to participate and own their journeys to a better quality of life, assists by conducting annual household surveys to gather data on growth and change in families. 

"This gives us accurate information, which we are able to provide to partners, volunteers and funders."

Education centre

Versfeld highlighted the education centre where they work with 40 children between six and 18 years and who are members of the participating families. The children are assisted after school with their school work and are also taught life skills.

Food gardens continue to grow and a new community garden was developed on a leased plot in Zone 7. "The youth assist and have learnt to develop their own home gardens, providing food for their families."

Versfeld said it is challenging to stay focused on households in one area. "But it has been a year of building strong family foundations that will stand forever, before we embark on expanding to a bigger area."

Board chairperson Andrea Moss said in the past year, Versfeld and the other three staff members, field director Neziswa Matiso and field workers Siphokazi Manangane and Veronica Matshaule, showed unwavering dedication despite challenging circumstances. She also thanked sponsors, donors and volunteers whose support has been invaluable in the mission to build a stronger community together.

Moss said they need more volunteers to assist learners at the education centre in maths and literacy.

Contact Usapho Indlu on 82 680 3119 or info@usaphoindlu.org.za if you can assist.

The board and staff of Usapho Indlu at their AGM last week, from left: board chairman Andrea Moss, field workers Siphokazi Manangane and Veronica Matshaule, field director Neziswa Matiso, board member Natalie Mentoor, treasurer Catherine Fourie and director Sally Versfeld. Photo: Alida de Beer

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