At the heart of the foundation is a unique programme, specifically designed to empower the matriarch of the family ~ and in so doing, elevate her children, extended family and the greater community, at large.
Project Brave Foundation is a non-profit company. The brainchild of three powerhouse women ~ Candice Street, Sisonke Petse and Sacha Proctor, it was born at the end of 2016, with a focus to assist and uplift marginalized women and children.
The programme: Offering a hand up, rather than a hand out
“Women and children are taken off the streets, found safe shelter and enrolled in the 3-to-5 month programme. During this time, they are assisted with physical, medical, psychological and vocational care,” explains Project Brave Foundation co-director, and foundation phase teacher, Candice Street.
There are four distinct phases or steps to the programme, with the last phase being the reintegration back into society.
This is where Project Brave Foundation aids women in finding a source of employment, thus ensuring they are able to provide for their families, beyond their immediate needs. Consequently, these women are transformed into enabled, self-sustaining and empowered members of their communities.
The steps are as follows:
- Rescue ~ the first touch point with potential candidates
- Support ~ assist with basic physical needs, as well as providing emotional and spiritual support
- Empower ~ provide education and skills development, and promote self-actualisation
- Reintegrate ~ encourage self-sufficiency and adding value to communities
Still very much in its infancy, Project Brave Foundation is eager to reach out to any individual or company, willing to take its hand ~ and assist the organisation to grow and thrive.
Says Street, “We are graciously appealing for any financial and / or practical assistance, to ensure the continued and effective implementation of our programme.
“We have a number of ways in which people can lend their support and become actively involved in securing the ongoing needs of the foundation. Our ultimate plan is to purchase a residential facility, so a great portion of our current fundraising efforts, is dedicated to this goal.”
Project Brave Foundation also welcomes the donation of practical items such as food and clothing. The donation of skills training, offered to programme candidates, is also a vital need, inclusive of any internships. This is where work experience can be gained, and it is hoped, in due course, where casual or full-time employment can be secured.
A quick snapshot of what R5,000.00 can ‘buy’ for a family, removed from living off the streets:
- Safe shelter
- 270 meals
- Skills training
- 3 months of school fees
- 36 hours of psychological counselling
- 12 workshops on life skills and job readiness
- 2 medical consultations
For further information regarding Project Brave Foundation, please click here.
“Only mothers can think of the future ~ because they give birth to it in their children.” ~ Maxim Gorky
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