A new future for survivors of abuse, South Africa

The ikemele program seeks to give women, who have lost their sense of purpose and are on the verge of giving up on their dreams, hope and support to help them find their purpose and reach their destiny.

In this report we look back at the progress and impact this project has had on the lives of our beneficiaries.

Lerato’s story.

We meet Lerato three months back after she had completed a 6-month women empowerment program through Lesedi la Batho. Lerato has been part of Lesedi la Batho programs since her high school days when she fell pregnant and through the Support of Lesedi la Batho and its Young mother support group was able to complete her studies.

In 2023, Lerato enrolled in the Ikemele (Rise Up) women empowerment program where she received tools to better herself and life, a psycho-social support service and a skills training. After graduating from our Baby Care and Child Health skills training in December, whose objective is to provide learners with basic skills of taking care of a child which can be useful for first-time parents as well as when working in a day care institution, Lerato secured a 12-month Learnership through Lesedi la Batho Job placement support service as an Assistant Day Care Teacher at Ratanang Day care Centre, another Lesedi la Batho Project. She is also volunteering as an assistant facilitator in the Baby Care and Child Health skills training program as a means to give back to the community while also gaining experience and acquiring more skills.

This progress shows the impact our project has in the ability to empower women to rise above their situation and become economically independent.  Lerato is happy and is able to provide for her and her little one.