Overview
High unemployment and poverty means that many families don’t have enough food. Good nutrition is essential in helping those who are HIV positive to stay healthy. There are three types of projects under the Sustainable Livelihoods Programme: farming projects (vegetables, eggs, village chickens), women’s self-help groups, and income generating craft projects: hand-embroidery, cards, knitting/crochet and sock animals. All these projects help to ensure that families have access to good, fresh food in sufficient quantities, and some income for basic household necessities, such as food, shelter, clothing, school, clinic, etc. 90% of those who participate in our Sustainable Livelihoods programme are women.
CRAFTS
The Ufafa Valley crafters are all local women who have been identified by our Community Care Givers as being in urgent need of income. The project started in 2007 in direct response to People Living with Aids (PLWAs) who were defaulting on their ARVs. People had no money to pay for taxi fares to go to town to collect their medication. PLWAs are from vulnerable households, with many dependents, mostly young children. Woza Moya provides ongoing training and support to enable these women to create beautiful craft products.
CRAFTS Champion: Star Ndlovu
WOMEN’S SELF-HELP GROUPS
Woza Moya began Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for local indigent women in 2015 in partnership Sinamandla the ‘mother’ NGO based in Pietermaritzburg. 160 vulnerable women in the village of Mashakeni, in Ufafa, 20 women per group, meet every week, saving R2 each per week. 5 years down the line, from these humble beginnings, these groups are now banking over R60, 000!
There are four main components in the SHG approach:
· It focuses on the poorest and most vulnerable households in the community, organising women into strong Self-help Groups (SHGs) so that the women are no longer voiceless and powerless individuals.
· It assists women to realise their potential as individuals through initiating a savings and loan scheme whereby the members in the group save from their own limited resources and administer their own fund each week.
· It builds capacity and competence through a series of training modules provided by Woza Moya SHG Manager and Community Facilitators, which supports the processes that increase self-confidence, develop self-reliance, and help SHG members to set their own agenda. (Our SHG staff travel to Pietermaritzburg to receive on-going training and support from the mother organisation Sinamandla)
Each SHG meets weekly, follows simple rules, saves a small amount weekly, has group leadership on a rotational basis, and has book-writers to keep records.
SHG members are encouraged to take small loans from their group's savings for urgent consumption needs, development needs of their children, and for micro-business. 10% interest is charged and is added to the group income.
Training and capacity-building is provided to SHG members through community facilitators to improve their self-confidence and self-esteem as well as to enhance their skills. Each SHG sets its own annual action plan, implementing its own activities and projects within the community.
Principles of self-help, mutual help and self-reliance are encouraged.
These Woza Moya SHGs have now reached a level of maturity where they are ready to expand and grow their businesses, but in order to do so, safely, these women need further training and support with basic business skills. Woza Moya has found an excellent training service provider. We are currently searching for a funder to support this training initiative.
Farming, Food & Nutrition
Our Food, Farming and Nutrition Programme aims to empower the community through communal and homestead gardens. With groups of 7 to 10 members per group, we cultivate both communal and individual plots, primarily led by women and youth. By participating, you'll not only keep busy but also enjoy fresh, homegrown produce. Since many in our community face unemployment and our gardens provide a sustainable solution, reducing reliance on expensive store-bought food from Ixopo town. Engaging in gardening not only improves nutrition but also fosters better health. Join us in starting your garden today and reap the benefits of improved well-being, self-sufficiency, and the opportunity to generate income for your family by selling surplus produce. Let's grow together for a healthier, happier community!
Additionally, our influence to community and local schools involved has resulted into many benefits in terms of:
Access to fresh, nutritious food: Since gardens provide a local source of vegetables, improving access to healthy foods for community members and learners.
Healthier lifestyles: Engaging in gardening has promoted physical activity and encouraged healthier eating habits, leading to improved overall health and well-being.
Economic opportunities: Surplus produce is sold, providing an additional source of income for individuals and communities.
Community cohesion: Working together in garden projects has fostered a sense of community pride and cooperation, strengthening social bonds among participants.
Environmental sustainability: Gardening practices such as composting and water conservation is promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable living.
Educational opportunities: School gardens offer hands-on learning experiences for students, teaching them about plant life cycles, nutrition, and environmental science.
Food security: By growing their own food, communities and schools become more resilient to food shortages and price fluctuations, enhancing food security.
Beautification: Gardens enhance the aesthetic appeal of our rural community and school grounds, creating pleasant environments for residents and students to enjoy.
Skill development: Participants learn valuable gardening skills, which are also applied to home gardening or pursued as potential livelihoods in the future.
Cultural preservation: As gardening often involves traditional agricultural practices, helping to preserve cultural heritage and knowledge within our rural community.