Agulhas Biodiversity Initiative
We visited the Agulhas Biodiversity Initiative (ABI) offices in Bredasdorp and were intrigued to learn about the similarities between some of the objectives of both ABI and The EXPEDITION Project. Like The EXPEDITION Project and among its many objectives, ABI aims to facilitate and improve networking and coordination between like-minded groups, with a particular focus on conservation in the Overberg. Specifically, its objectives are known as their “5 C’s”: Convene interested and affected parties; Collate information and data; Communication facilitation; Conceptualisation of projects; and Cash raising.
For more information about the Agulhas Biodiversity Initiative, visit http://www.flowervalley.org.za/what_we_do/agulhas_biodiversity_initiative.
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The Joshua Tree, Bredasdorp
An example of a job creation initiative taking roots in the Overberg area is The Joshua Tree.
This skills development non-profit organisation is part of Lishtol Community Projects. Local people are trained in woodworking skills, which they then improve and refine by working together to share what have learned. All of the craftsmen we met on site were very proud to show us the beautiful products they make – all of which are crafted from salvaged wood. Oak barrels are given a new life as furniture and cheese boards, while other re-cycled wooden material is transformed into stunning rustic picture frames. Being as the crafters are from the local community, they also serve as a valuable link for the charitable focus of the NPO.
For more information about The Joshua Tree, visit http://thejoshuatree.bradly.co.za.
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Meals on Wheels, Struisbaai
Meals on Wheels provides daily hot, nutritionally balanced meal to a huge number of children in the local community, most of whom wouldn’t be able to access it if it weren’t brought to their area. They also provide meals to the elderly on a smaller scale. A project managed under Meals on Wheels is to provide a safe haven for children who have to be removed from their homes. Building up their confidence and sense of worth is coupled with the objective of eventually reuniting children with their rehabilitated families in a stable home environment.
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The EXPEDITION Project team would like to thank Wheatlands Lodge in Bredasdorp and The Michael Collins Pub in Struisbaai for their generous support along the way.
Wheatlands Lodge, Bredasdorp
The Michael Collins Pub, Struisbaai
