PROVIDING a vegetable garden for its beneficiaries is the latest initiative by Shap Shap NPO, an organisation based in Hammarsdale and KwaNyuswa.
The NPO’s programmes provide support in some of the poorest and most underprivileged regions, creating opportunities for those in need to learn and thrive. Shap Shap also runs social empowerment programmes, such as feeding schemes, crèche refurbishment work, helping differently-abled and Gogo groups.
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The idea of starting the NPO came after one of the founding members, Bianca Ivankovik saw the lack of knowledge about healthy meals.
“In 2015, I started a small feeding scheme in KwaNyuswa. It ran once a week at an orphanage, to provide a healthy meal for the children who stayed there, and the Gogo’s in the community. I quickly identified the lack of knowledge that the people attending our weekly meal had on basic health implications, such as Type 2 Diabetes, diet, hypertension and HIV.”
Passionate individuals unite for a worth cause
Ivankovik said she knew she had to try and give them more information on these topics but did not know exactly how.
With fellow founding members; Buhle Dlamini, Lawrence Jali and Kelvin Ivankovic, they came up with an idea of running a cinema.
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“Our first cinema was run in an orphanage using a TV-set, a laptop and interviews which we had downloaded from the internet. It became apparent that showing videos in English to people whose first language is isiZulu was not going to achieve anything significant, and thus Shap Shap was born,” she said
Shap Shap has a tight-knit team of full-time staff and volunteers who all love what they do and are passionate about bringing about change in the communities that they work with.
“Most of our team live in, or have come from, rural areas so we understand the struggle of people who are battling poor schooling and a general lack of access to basic services.
The NPO has qualified HIV testers, counsellors and TB counsellors.
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“We now also have a videographer working with us to create video content of a very high standard and our primary goal is to create quality educational videos, books and programmes in isiZulu, and share these with the rural communities of KwaZulu-Natal.
The team operate from two permanent community centres in KwaNyuswa and Hammarsdale, as well as from schools, community halls and on a home-to-home basis.
Teaching young people life and leadership skills
Among their programmes is a youth focused HIV leadership course. “We teach young people about HIV; how it can infect them, and how it can affect them. .”
In addition, the course also teaches leadership skills, which includes goal setting, open communication and decision making.
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“There are many ways to fight the high rate of HIV infection, and we strongly believe that education is one of the most important ones. This program offers a significantly positive impact on the community and has the potential to reduce the rapid youth infection rate.”
There is also a Shap Shap Entrepreneurship and Leadership Course which is designed to inspire future entrepreneurs, and develop entrepreneurial skills among the youth in developing areas.
“By encouraging the youth to become entrepreneurs, and helping them to develop the mindset and acquire the skills necessary to be a successful business owner, we are re-routing the course of South Africa’s economy,” she said.
The NPO highlighted that they are in need of seeds and raised beds to make their garden and success and to provide fresh vegetable for its beneficiaries.
“Our wish is to also plant lemon and banana trees as well as granadilla vines. We also appeal to anyone who can sponsor an awning to provide a shelter for our beneficiaries as we run most programmes outside due to Covid-19 regulationss.
To sponsor Shap Shap NPO, contact Ivankovic on 073 290 9816 or email shapshapcinemas@gmail.com.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
