A LOCAL non-profit organisation is on a mission to break the stereotypes most people associate with the northern areas of Nelson Mandela Bay and to leave behind a legacy the residents can be proud of.
A common perception highlighted by Lee-Ann Hahn of UVIWE Child & Youth Services, is that most people think twice before venturing into these particular areas because of a fear of gangsterism and violence.
“It is also a fear of witnessing poverty and sadness, and not knowing how to deal with it.
“This is where we at UVIWE offer a platform, hub and support space for these communities.”
In the past few months, the NPO has created a number of programmes for the local children, youth and parents, effectively involving the entire family in the process.
However, they firmly believe when starting the foundation, their emphasis will be on children.
UVIWE currently has five early childhood development (ECD) centres in the Gelvandale and Shauderville areas.
“We strongly focus on educating our kids, giving them healthy balanced meals and being their ‘home away from home’,” Hahn said.
“We then focus on our Grades 4 to 7 learners within these areas and offer an after-school facility where we provide extra maths and English lessons, therapy through art and various life skills workshops.
“Not to mention that this ultimately keeps them off the streets for a few extra hours.”
Keeping with the theme, the NPO also offers a holiday club for the Grade 4 to 7 learners who attend schools in the surrounding area.
“Literacy is something that is strongly campaigned at UVIWE because without the ability to read and write, people inevitably become lost and left behind in life; it is crucial to the outcome of children’s development in later years. Therefore, we also have a programme allowing our kids to enjoy and get creative through reading and storytelling,” Hahn said.
She added that parents ultimately have the biggest impact on the children which is why they offer programmes for them as well.
UVIWE teaches parents to engage and understand their children, how to look out for signs of indifference, enforce positive discipline and make the child feel valued and safe enough to open up.
“Our programmes are implemented to stay strongly connected to children, families and communities. UVIWE Child & Youth Services, therefore, desires to strengthen sustainable partnerships in our local communities and to build effective systems through collaboration with civil society organisations and the business sector to make the difference and bring about change in our northern area communities.”
For more info on the NPO and the impact they have on their community, contact them on 041 453 0441 or go to www.uviwe.co.za.
