A new future for survivors of abuse, South Africa

It is almost the end of our Ikemele (Rise up) group who are currently completing their skills training. We have 4 beneficiaries enrolled in Baby Care and Child Health skills program, 2 enrolled in the Sewing and Beading skills program and 1 beneficiary enrolled in Computer Literacy skills program. We started this six months program with 9 women who went through the three months emotional development through the one-on-one sessions as well as weekly support group session. Two of our women have secured employment through the support of our program. Our group will be graduating on the 30 June 2023 in their respective skills training programs.

Our beneficiaries shared their thoughts on the program.

One beneficiarysaid "The advice and teaching I got from the Ikemele program has made me observe life at a different angle and awaken my feminism to be a better role model for the coming generation of women. She also said “I have learned to work harder than anyone, I have also been taught about self-awareness, computer skills, communication skills, work reediness, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness and women empowerment.The opportunity has impacted my life in a huge way I have never received so much support in my life to motivate me for success and shine light in the darkness for a person like me

Another beneficiary said that “The project has provided me with new skills, self-esteem as well as transportation to classes, food parcels and entrepreneurial support."

Through the Ikemelo program we are able to provide psycho-social support, skills development and financial freedom to our beneficiaries to empower them to rise above their circumstances.