Philani Weaving and Nutrition Projects, South Africa

The Philani Nutrition and Development Project was established in the "illegal" squatter community of Crossroads in 1979 to provide basic child health and nutrition services to a community ignored and neglected by the health authorities of the apartheid era. It now operates in nine communities on the outskirts of Cape Town. An estimated 750,000 people are living in these areas in simple core houses or informal dwellings made of corrugated iron, wood, and plastics- many overcrowded and without water and sanitation.

Beyond its original focus on child health and nutrition the Philani project continues to respond to needs expressed by communities and offers education and training to women, income- generating projects, pre-schools, an outreach and home- based child health program, as well as a support program for HIV positive mothers and children. Unemployment, poverty, and inadequate housing continue to cause malnutrition and poor health in Philani's target communities and make women and children vulnerable to abuse and violence. Many children and women living in extreme poverty, have found protection and support within Philani's programs.

Philani's approach is comprehensive. Protecting children starts with strengthening women's situation in the community through education and training, creating opportunities for women to earn a living. A woman who is financially independent has a greater chance of having a say over her and her children's lives and can better negotiate balanced protective relationships. A child who participate in a pre-school program eats better and is rehabilitated faster. HIV education, care and support are part of all Philani's activities as it affects all areas of our work.

Philani's vision is a South Africa where every child can grow up healthy, protected, cared for and supported, able to full fill his or hers physical and mental potential.

Women at the Philani Centers are offered empowerment and a means to earn an income and and provide for the health, wellbeing, and education of themselves and their children through skills training in the beautiful arts of weaving and printmaking.

Visit the Philani Weaving and Nutrition Projects Web site at: http://www.philani.org.za/

» Click here to learn more about the other organizations that The CREO Institute is supporting.