As one of the leading community project facilitators and supporters in South Africa, the Uthando organization strives to “ provide a platform and infrastructure to raise funds from individuals, groups and organisations who have an interest in the region. The money generated supports a broad range of grass roots, community based, sustainable, innovative and empowerment projects with substantial and enduring value to the most destitute and marginalized communities in South Africa.” (http://www.uthandosa.org/pages/1)

Uthando also offers tourists an authentic look into the social issues affecting South Africans today and how these problems are working to be solved.

Through Uthando’s relentless efforts to bring happiness, healthcare, and sustainable financial support to local South Africa communities, Uthando is working hard to provide children and families with basic necessities, such as food, medication, moral support, education, shelter, and more.

Today, Uthando is offering more than 30 different Philanthropic Cultural Tours—accredited by Fair Trade in Tourism—to individuals interested in lending a hand in inspirational and highly rewarding projects around South Africa. Uthando makes a per person donation to each project visited and, usually, on each tour they visit three projects.

Generally speaking, these tours offer a deep insight into South Africa’s social, political, economical, health, educations, and housing issues, as well as its historical background. It is Uthando’s mission to share these inspirational projects and movements with people, and to engage them in rewarding philanthropic work.

James Fernie, director of Uthando South Africa, recently shared a wonderful story with us about a woman who is lending her philanthropic efforts to the Uthando organization. Here’s the story told by James:

“I received a handmade doll in the mail with a complete closet full of doll clothing with the following note….

‘My name is Reb Mason and I am from the UK. Whilst travelling in Australia I found out about Uthando and was really touched. I have made a doll with lots of extra clothes, hopefully they will fit some other dolls. She is very loved and has been tried and tested by my young niece. She looks forward to meeting a new friend and giving some love back. I will keep on sewing, and making more dolls. Kind regards Reb XX’

This job is very rewarding indeed.”

Below are a few highlights of some of Uthando’s Philanthropic Cultural Tours:

Neighborhood Old Age Homes (NOAH)

Formed by the Catholic Welfare and Development, NOAH provides elderly individuals of the Western Cape with everything from housing to healthcare, and social clubs to personal support. The homes that NOAH provides for these individuals are in a community that houses other elderly people.

Those who want to volunteer with NOAH can participate in activities such as running craft, game, and exercise groups, and gardening, teaching, shopping, and more.

Volcano Arts Project

Taking place in the Cape Town suburb, Gugulethu, the Volcano Arts Project strives to involve locals and children into community theater. So far, there has been an assortment of spectacular drama productions, all focused around social themes and crucial issues in South Africa. Through artistic expression, the drama participants can bring focus and attention to devastating issues such as HIV / AIDS, drug abuse, violence against women, and more.

It can sometimes be difficult to grab the attention of children and teach them the ramifications of serious social issues, but Volcano Arts Project has been delightfully surprised by the attention the productions have been receiving by the local children. These children, usually affected by such social issues, have the opportunity to learn—through an artistic outlet—how to overcome these problems and influence them in future actions.

The Hout Bay Music Project

Located in Hout Bay, a suburb of Cape Town, The Hout Bay Music Project works to provide impoverished children with musical skills and bring light to their lives. Recently, the children of The Hout Bay Music Project were invited to perform in Europe!

Below is a video of The Hout Bay Music Project performing:

Uthando recommends their Philanthropic Cultural Tours to study groups, student groups, and individuals who are socially aware and want an authentic cultural and philanthropic experience.

Do you know of someone who would love to participate in these Philanthropic Cultural Tours? If so, share it with them on Facebook.

Volcano Arts Project

Through a number of Fair Trade In Tourism and volunteer efforts, a variety of community and economy sustaining projects have, in recent years, been introduced to the many townships of South Africa.

One such project in the works is the Volcano Arts Project. Taking place in the Cape Town township, Gugulethu, the Volcano Arts Project strives to involve locals and children into community theater. So far, there has been an assortment of spectacular drama productions, all focused around social themes and crucial issues in South Africa. Through artistic expression, the drama participants can bring focus and attention to devastating issues such as HIV / AIDS, drug abuse, violence against women, and more.

It can sometimes be difficult to grab the attention of children and teach them the ramifications of serious social issues, but Volcano Arts Project has been delightfully surprised by the attention the productions have been receiving by the local children. These children, usually affected by such social issues, have the opportunity to learn—through an artistic outlet—how to overcome these problems and influence them in future actions.

Volcano Arts Project

Uthando is one such organization helping to complete the Volcano Arts theater building. Taking small steps to lend labor and building materials, Uthando is working hard to bring meaningful and influential art and entertainment into the lives of the Gugulethu locals. Thanks to the helping hands of Uthando and other volunteers, Volcano can continue bringing hope and joy to the Cape Town townships.

If you know of any builders in Cape Town who are willing to donate their skills or some of their extra or reject building materials, contact James of Uthando at jamesfernie@uthandosa.org. Any contributions are much appreciated. You can also visit the Gugulethu township while on a South Africa family vacation, and have a personal look into the wonderful productions happening today.