Building South Africa together,
Overview of Orange Farm.
Orange Farm is located 45 kilometres southwest of Johannesburg. While the community faces significant socio-economic challenges, local residents are mobilising together to bring about a better future.
Between 2008 and 2013 Habitat for Humanity partnered with the Orange Farm community and built 500 new houses with families who were living in shacks or backyard dwellings. Now the Orange Farm community and their leadership are determined to grow this impact.
As Habitat facilitates an empowering process fostering partnerships, developing leaders, and sharing knowledge, the people of Orange Farm Extension 6 (@6) are creating their own solutions and leading the way for change.
”We are each made for goodness, love and compassion. Our lives are transformed as much as the world is when we live these truths.”
~ Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Community development.
In order for a community to drive their own change, they must first be capacitated with skills, knowledge and resources. That’s where Habitat for Humanity comes in.
Leadership Development
It all began with the democratic election of a leadership committee. This committee developed their own constitution, as well as their Community Action Plan (CAP). The CAP identifies critical needs and development initiatives that will lead to improvement and development within the community.
In partnership with the @6 leadership committee, Habitat also coached and mentored each leader as their personal strength, flexibility, and integrity shines through. Through our Self-Awareness Workshop, the leadership was encouraged to assess their greatest strengths and weaknesses. Moving forward this is a great way to build teamwork and for the people to take ownership of their development projects.
Renovating Isiboniso School
In the CAP, the community vocalized the urgent need to revitalize the Isiboniso School. Built for the local youth from child-headed households, the school lacked basic access to electricity, water, and sanitation. In October 2015 the community, Habitat, and our donor partners came together to renovate the building and toilets. Finally, the children now have a decent learning environment for the first time.
Housing
On Nelson Mandela International Day 2016, the leadership committee and Habitat facilitated a Do-It-Yourself Home Improvement Workshop in Orange Farm Extension 6. The community members – many of whom are from vulnerable child-headed households, elderly persons or people with disabilities – learned how to properly maintain and take care of their home. We will continue to build on our empowering DIY initiative through our inspiring volunteer opportunities.
Stories from the Community
Habitat is mobilising teams to join their World Habitat Day Team Build 3 -7 October 2016
View our images.
Project Partners
