The Amandla Project (Violence Prevention Programmes)
Gender Based Violence, and specifically violence against women and children has long been plaguing our country, with ever growing, dire effects. Now, more than ever, education, awareness and voices need to be raised, heard and recognized.
“Amandla” – (Power), is needed to address the grave injustices being purported against the women and children of South Africa, while the definition of that power and how it is displayed and adopted needs to be dissected and dismantled.
This program is part of our Violence Prevention interventions, where we focus on school going learners and young women, girls and males within Fisantekraal, Klipheuwel, Kraaifontein & Durbanville.
15 – 20 participants per programme between 10 – 19 years of age.
10 session workshop over ± 3 months.
Program assists learners to handle complex feelings and assist them to build a healthy self esteem as well as equipping them with tools to protect, empower and educate them around gender and societal norms, values, and gender based violence.
The Amandla Project: Girls, Young Women and Survivors of Gender Based Violence
Objective: To equip girls and young women with tools and skills to protect themselves against gender based violence.
USAPHO Foundation has devised a program to assist survivors of Gender Based Violence with reclaiming their inherent power and voice. No longer being labeled “victims”, the organisation aims to empower young women with the skills to embrace and surpass the pain into healing and acceptance, to recognize and build their self-worth and image, and ultimately support others who have fallen prey to this epidemic.
We also aim to allow survivors to support each other, and through support groups, with the relevant communication tools, be able to walk through their journey with their heads held high while assisting each other where possible. This program also includes understanding violence and adopting a non-violent approach, with an emphasis on the different types of abuse. So often we think that because we do not have bruises, we have not been abused, and yet the roots run deep when considering the implications of sexual, emotional, and even financial abuse. Additionally, The Amandla Project can also be viewed as an empowerment program for all women and girls, affected directly or indirectly, by any form of violence and abuse, and guides them in personal growth, self-love, and acceptance.
The Amandla Project: Boys and Young Men
Objective: To educate boys and young men around the definition and redefining of Power, and their role as allies.
The Amandla Project for Boys and Young Men has been specifically designed to target boys at a Primary and High School Level, as well as mentors, Big Brothers and Social Fathers within the community, where we aim to assist young men in realizing their potential as future partners and fathers.
In an easy to understand, interactive workshop, we address issues such as the role that society plays in gender stereotypes and norms and ultimately breaking the mold before damage results in a violent circle. With the Amandla Project, boys are empowered to see the worth in not only their roles, but of that of all persons, especially the females around them.
Focusing on the importance of identity and the respect thereof, adopting a non-violent approach and communication tools, USAPHO Foundation speaks to the hearts and minds of young males, to break the invasive cycle of abuse.
Whereas we are acutely aware that not all men are perpetrators, our mission is to empower men not to stand by while our women, children and families are under attack, but rather to understand their purpose and role in this fight for justice and equality.