GEZUBUSO Projects is a non-profit, non-governmental aid organisation in South Africa (NPO, NGO, registration
Motivation
GEZUBUSO was founded in 2004. When the HIV/AIDS epidemic was at its peak, initial steps were taken to explain the issue of AIDS and HIV to the men, women and children in the rural regions of KwaZulu Natal.
It soon became apparent, however, that these efforts would need to extend way beyond AIDS and HIV education. GEZUBUSO Projects in its present form has developed out of this realisation,
offering a secure and caring environment for orphaned and disadvantaged children and young adults who at the same time are entitled to a good education,
providing training courses, and
initiating and supporting gardening projects as a means of self-help and wholesome food production.
Mission statement To nurture and promote the skills of children, young adults and adults alike. Through compassion, upbringing, education and training, we aim to give orphaned children and young people, and disadvantaged adults, the opportunity to live a self-determined life.
About our Work
Gardening project
The “Eat Homegrown” gardening project, launched in 2017, is coordinated by Michael Duma. The project was started in the Kwa Mpumuza district, just outside Pietermaritzburg. The aim of the project is to create personal gardens with which individuals can achieve a more balanced and healthier diet. At the same time, garden owners are shown how easy it is to look after the vegetables themselves.
Each plot is 42 m2 in size and is divided into six beds, where six different types of vegetables are then planted: cabbage, beetroot, carrots, spinach, onions and green peppers. The selection can vary and be adapted individually depending on the garden owner’s preference.
Michael’s part in the project is to create, plant and maintain the gardens. The garden owners themselves must only ensure that the plants are watered and pay a small monthly charge. The project can therefore be regarded as a win-win situation since both the garden owners and Michael benefit from the concept:
Fresh, wholesome food at minimal cost to the garden owners
while securing an income for Michael and his team.
This win-win situation also offers hope, moreover, for sustainable success. Many gardening projects in the past ultimately were not sustainable as they tended to be one-sided, or neither side was expected to make an equal financial contribution and commitment. This time it’s different:
Michael only earns his living if he offers a good service in the long term.
Customers only get a return on their investment if they also actively contribute by watering and tending to their gardens.
Thanks to the financial support of GEZUBUSO Projects, 42 gardens are now in place. With the aid of further investment, we are aiming for a significant scale-up of this sustainable program.
Training and Qualification
Training & qualification
The GEZUBUSO Projects' training & qualification offers are an important pillar when it comes to learning how to cope with HIV/AIDS and its effects and supporting the fight against HIV.
The demand for the courses on offer is high, but most participants can make only a small contribution themselves towards the cost. The following courses are offered:
Home-based care: caring at home for people with AIDS, including HIV, AIDS and tuberculosis education and behavioral training
HIV and AIDS counselling
ARV literacy: handling antiretroviral medication
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunshine House
Sunshine house will be opened on the 6th May 2022 at 10am. The sunshine house will be for children aged under 10 years. It is a house of education. We have Education graduates who will be helping out with homeworks for the children.
Casablanca Stadium opening
Casablanca Stadium will be opened on the 19 April 2022
The stadium is built by the Gezubuso Projects and its stakeholders, the local business in the areas to keep school children away from alcohol and drugs after school. It will be honoured opening ceremony our the KZN Premier.
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