Your time and skills can transform communities

GEORGE NEWS - Bringing about transformation in the community through identifying and activating the talents and abilities of people, rather than trying to improve their lives through handouts, is what the non-profit organisation (NPO) Usapho Indlu is doing in Thembalethu.

They are following an approach introduced by Brett Johnson in his book, Transforming Society: A framework for fixing a broken world.

The principles of this approach are taught in the Transforming Society training course designed by Johnson. The aim is long-term and true transformation in the participants' own communities and areas of influence.

Johnson was the guest speaker at a breakfast hosted by Usapho Indlu on Monday 7 November at 101 Meade. It was attended by Usapho Indlu volunteers and staff, representatives from other NPOs and business people.

Johnson, founder of the Institute for Innovation, Integration and Impact, said the biggest challenge in Africa's transformation is to "stop asking for stuff for free and start working". "We are all called to work. Our first commission from God is to work and take care of the planet. Work is not a punishment for sin."

The rewards of this work ethic can already be seen in the street in Thembalethu where Usapho Indlu has been active. Founder and director Sally Versveld said they started the project by identifying the abilities of the families in the street where they launched the outreach.

This was done through a professional Greenlight survey. The family members were then made aware of how their abilities can be used to better their own lives, with the help of volunteers giving of their time and sharing their talents and skills.

It has yielded positive changes in these families' lives, and their environment. The majority of these people are now working, the children are attending after-school care and some families have started food gardens.

Johnson said the beginning of the transformation is great, but now "bridges will have to be built" between communities. Georgians must ask themselves what they can do in practice to achieve this.

"The people in Thembalethu are already starting to invest in each other. We are looking for co-investors, not handouts. How can you use your skills set to help another building his or her life? We cannot rely on government or non-profits. Ask yourself how you can replicate yourself. God is an expansionist and we need to be on a growth path."

Brett Johnson, founder of the Institute for Innovation, Integration and Impact, with volunteers and staff of Usapho Indlu, from left: Natalie Mentoor, Siphokazi Manangana, Andrea Moss, Neziswa Matiso and founder and director Sally Versveld.