The Empilweni!Thriving Communities Programme gives community members in Langa access to various psychosocial services to empower them to contribute meaningfully to society. Our services include social work, counselling, home visits, parent support groups and more.
THE CHALLANGE
HIGH LEVELS OF CRIME
High unemployment, poverty, and limited access to resources contribute to the prevalence of crime in the area. The presence of crime creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, negatively impacting community members’ well-being and quality of life. It also hinders social cohesion and the overall development of a thriving community.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse and addiction are significant challenges faced by the community. High unemployment, limited opportunities, and social pressures may contribute to substance abuse issues. Substance abuse affects individuals’ physical and mental health and has far-reaching consequences for families, relationships, and community well-being.
LOW INCOME
One of the significant challenges in the community of Langa is the low average monthly household income, which is less than R3,200. This limited financial resource severely impacts the residents’ ability to access essential services and meet their basic needs.
UNEMPLOYMENT
Approximately 71.7% of the Langa population falls within the working age range of 15 to 64 years. However, the official unemployment rate stands at 27.2%. Unemployment limits economic growth and contributes to poverty, crime, substance abuse, and a cycle of disempowerment, affecting individuals’ self-esteem and opportunities for development.
CORE PILLARS
Our Empilweni! Thriving Communities Programme is built on two fundamental pillars:
Support for victims of gender-based violence and crime
This pillar focuses on providing holistic and individualised support to gender-based violence and crime victims. The programme offers assistance with obtaining protection orders, which can be crucial in ensuring the safety of victims and their families. Additionally, counselling services are provided to help victims cope with trauma and recover from the impact of the crime. Family mediation, another critical aspect of this pillar, can help resolve conflicts and prevent future violence. Safety planning is also offered to help victims create a plan to protect themselves in case of future incidents. These services empower victims, support their recovery, and help them move forward.
Community-wide awareness campaigns & life skills workshops
This pillar addresses the root causes of violence in the community and promotes a safer and healthier environment. Community-wide awareness campaigns are an essential part of this effort. They can help raise awareness about the prevalence of violence, its impact on individuals and families, and ways to prevent it. Life skills workshops provide individuals with the knowledge and skills to navigate challenging situations and build healthy relationships. By educating and empowering community members, this pillar helps create a culture of safety and respect, where violence is not tolerated, and individuals feel supported in their efforts to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
