Space of Love

Website

www.umphakatsi.org

Project Aim

Umphakatsi is a community based initiative that aims to promote self growth and sustainable livelihoods for communities’ environment at a material and spiritual level. We carry our activities through following activities:

1. Eco Village Project
2. Community Media and Publishing
3. Motivational Speaking
4. Schools Computer Project
5. Cross Cultural project
6. Website design & development

Further details

Sarah Motha is the founder of Umphakatsi Project and was born in rural Mpumalanga Province, near Badplaas. It is a community driven initiative that focuses on self growth and self development for communities. There are different arms for the project namely website design and development, motivational speaking, community computer project, publishing and cultural rondavel project. The project was officially launched at Ekulindeni High School in September 2006 with learners and educators. The launch was marked by installation of six (6) PC’s that were donated by project partners.

Not all of the projects are income generating. Income generated from some of these project is further invested back to the community.

Outcomes so far

Umphakatsi Peace Ecovillage offers locals and the entire

global community an opportunity to experience and feel the meaning of basic community lifestyle that is dependant on the surrounding environment. Sandwiched in the scenic plateaus and valleys of Steynsdorp, a village bordering Swaziland -the eco village is strategically placed to cater for for all types of people interested in exchanging skills and learning. Volunteers are welcome.

Some of the things to do at the village are:

1. Planting trees 
2. Organic vegetable garden 
3. Hiking 
4. Participating in seasonal communal activities such as harvesting and cultivation 
5. Learning to meditate
6. Traditional story telling, drumming and indegenious games

The computer project leg of Umphakatsi Project was launched in a spectacular event attended by 18 students and educators in September 2006. All the learners except one touched a computer for the first time in their lives. The first set of computers was delivered 16 of June, Sarah delivered 4 keyboards and four hard drives at the school principals premises. This equipment was donated by the Wits University Head of Post Graduate Study, Sue Van Zyl with effort of partner affiliate Fariba Sabet. The day of the launch marked an accomplishment of a vision that yet to see itself gliding to peak and hopefully more success stories. The motivational project was established in 2006, amidst the desperate socioeconomic condictions that learners at Ekulindeni and surrounding community find themselved in. The purpose is to provide opportunities for development to the surrounding communities. A dialogic process that engages participants to speak about challenges, critical analysis of situation using PEST, plan for action, implement the action and reflection. The idea is that communities should take part towards solving their problems. External people or experts should act as animators. Website design and development is one of the umphakatsi income generating projects and job creation projects. If you want us to make a hassle free website, userfriendly and also suitable for community organisations you can contact us. We also provide support to people interested in developing their writing skills in essays, assignments, projects etc. ..

Contacts

carolyn howell

Sarah Tobhi Motha – sarahmotha@gmail.com