COMMUNITY UPLIFTMENT IN ACTION
The Val de Vie Foundation recently embarked on a community tour, offering residents of Val de Vie Estate an opportunity to witness the direct and profound impact of their contributions within the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley.
The tour began at the Franschhoek Hospitality Academy (FHA), an organisation strategically harnessing the region’s prosperous hospitality industry to shape brighter futures for local youth. By providing structured training and mentorship, FHA presents young individuals with pathways to sustainable careers, instilling hope and cultivating a sense of purpose. Residents saw firsthand the dedication and heart with which FHA nurtures the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Next, the group visited the Elevation Programme, which, in partnership with Athlone House of Strength (AHOS), provides critical support to abused women and children. This visit culminated in a profoundly moving graduation ceremony for 10 women who had completed Elevation’s 10-day Life Skills Programme. In a moving speech, one graduate shared that it was the first time in her life she had received a certificate. The women will now join the Elevation Programme’s Work-Readiness Programme, where they will learn valuable skills to become employable and empowered.
It was later learnt that many of these women wore the donated clothing from the Val de Vie Foundation’s pre-loved clothing drive. An estimated 230kg of clothing has been successfully donated, sorted and allocated to two beneficiary organisations by Val de Vie Foundation’s implementation partner, Nation Builder. “It’s great that we can help people who come into our organisation without clothing. By the time they leave, they will also have enough clothing appropriate to use for work.” Wilna Wepener, AHOS Manager.
The final stop was at Thuma Mina Teaching (TMT), founded in 2020 by Leopold and Silke van Velden. What began as a YouTube-based effort to deliver educational content has become a powerful community development initiative, reflecting the kind of grassroots transformation the Val de Vie Foundation proudly supports. Residents learned about TMT’s innovative community development approaches for scholars and teachers and their commitment to fostering sustainable solutions.
Throughout the tour, it became abundantly clear that the Val de Vie Foundation’s commitment extends beyond mere financial support. They are active partners, deeply invested in the success of the organisations they support. This beautiful illustration of collective impact aligns to create a resilient, thriving and sustainable social sector.
Nation Builder promotes a collective impact approach, uniting various stakeholders to address complex social challenges in a coordinated and synergistic manner. They empower social investors to uplift communities with respect, purpose and lasting impact throughout South Africa. Dignified giving prioritises the rights and autonomy of those being supported, ensuring they have a voice and can take ownership of their own lives. Nation Builder brings together social investors and nonprofits, fostering collaboration and enabling impactful initiatives for sustainable social change.