Representatives of 15 organisations in Sir Lowry’s Pass met to explore how they can work together instead of duplicating efforts.

Hope & Light Community Welfare NPC hosted the event at its Centre of Hope in Somerset West last Thursday (23 July), bringing together religious groups, schools and NPOs for the first time.

“There are so many organisations in Sir Lowry’s Pass and we would like to join hands instead of reinventing the wheel,” said Judith Hill, director of Hope & Light.

Those attending represented Sow the Seed NPO, Eagles Rising Leadership Academy, The Village Collaboration, The Bay Christian Family Welfare and Social Services, The Dwelling Place, Masikhule, Strong Schools Community Collaborative, His Ark SA, East Mountain South Africa, Sir Lowry’s Pass Primary School, 4The1 NPO, Cheaafrica, Fortified and Seeds of Hope.

“I think some people were astonished to see how many people are actively involved in the area and how many organisations exist,” said Hill. “The event was a first step and an opportunity for people to meet and get to know the different organisations that already exist.”

Surveys conducted at the meeting revealed the diversity of experience and focus areas, ranging from relatively new to well-established.

Education emerged as the dominant focus area, followed by community development and social upliftment. Nine organisations are faith-based, seven skills-development-based, four employment-creating and two animal-welfare. None reported working in drug rehabilitation.

Hill said funding remained the biggest challenge for collaboration, with training and professional expertise high on the needs list.

She added that the event tested the waters, and if there is interest similar gatherings will take place every six months.