Business Link

by Michelle Hardy

As a developing nation with a young democracy, South Africa has millions of equally needy and deserving victims or underprivileged persons that struggle to fend for themselves. Sadly, many willing donors or volunteers hesitate not knowing where to start giving or are wary of mismanagement of funds.

In addition, many small organisations often need support and expertise to help them with fund raising and the establishment of good business practices, transparency and accountability. They also need assistance in accessing the support and the generosity of the greater business community, many of whom would like to assist but are unfamiliar with how to direct their efforts.

Arts, crafts and learning skills are important at the Zama After School programme.

The Oliver Foundation provides solutions to both of these common problems by creating bridges between the civil, business and charity communities to maximise benefits and form lasting, trusting, sustainable relationships.

The Oliver Foundation has worked with a range of community based organisations in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth, which serve the needs at a grass roots level. Available programmes range from school bursaries, after school education, sports academies, home based care organisations to vegetable tunnel and clothing entrepreneurs.

Founded in England in 1991, the Oliver Foundation made a commitment to focus its support in the Eastern Cape in 2007. Programmes supported by the Foundation are community based, developed in consultation with local people to achieve mutual goals in the areas in which they will be delivered.

Vegetable tunnels provide sustenance and income to disadvantaged families.

The Oliver Foundation firmly believes that young people are the future of South Africa, and that opportunities need to be created to fulfil their dreams and potential. Additionally, disadvantaged and vulnerable young people need to be empowered to take best advantage of those opportunities by giving them the tools to reach their potential.

Not only do programmes supported by the Oliver Foundation focus on education and empowerment but also on creating pride and respect for the youth, their peers, parents, and others, as well as their surroundings and the environment. The programmes assist in building self-confidence and assisting youth to take responsibility for themselves and their future.

These impoverished children were provided with uniforms, books, stationary and bags by the Kidz to School programme.

The Foundation focuses on creating a catalyst of change within the local community through developing and supporting programmes which have a social, environmental, educational and economic impact on those lives it touches. Their aim is to make a real difference to the participants and, where possible, also to their extended families.

Some of the charities/projects supported by Oliver Foundation:

• Educational and skills development bursaries
• Khayalethu Youth Centre
• Khayalethu Oliver House
• Kids to school
• Bridging the gap
• Zama After School Programme
• Vukuzenzele Craft
• Vukuzenzele Leatherwork
• Art from the Heart 2008
• Masakhane Gym
• Tour aid rugby
• Umzingisi School of Sporting Excellence
• David Shepard Wildlife Foundation
• Young Christian Pioneers
• Sange Sonke Soup Kitchen
• Ithemba Womens Group

Contact Gail Hawes
Tel: 041 366 1376 | Cell: 073 994 8722
E-mail: gail@theoliverfoundation.com