Three British graduates with a passion for social change spent three weeks at the Ikhaya Labantu homeless shelter in Cape Town, South Africa, in January. Sabrina Jantuah, Derek Oakley and Jonathan Grayson were recruited by Phoebe Gill, director of Hope in the Cities UK. HiC UK has established a formal partnership with the residents of Ikhaya Labantu, in the impoverished township of Langa.

Their visit in January aimed to strengthen relationships initiated with businesses and associations in South Africa, to install a stove for the shelter purchased with the proceeds of a fundraising event, and to help set up a learning room to improve adult literacy and employability.

The benefits of this partnership approach to sustainable development had already been seen by the transformation of the shelter’s living quarters by UK volunteers in 2008.They helped to erect partitions, converting the space from one open room to separate cubicles, to provide privacy and dignity for residents.

The sustainability of the initiatives depends on the strength of the relationships built between HiC UK, Ikhaya Labantu and external parties. For example, a garden created by Martin Hurt from the UK in the shelter compound last year fell into disrepair because the residents responsible for the garden had moved on. But new life was breathed into the garden thanks to the engagement of students from the University of Cape Town, and the residents are now encouraged to take ownership of their garden.

A fourth British graduate has also been recruited. In May Kate Pettit from Scotland joined Ikhaya Labantu for four months as volunteer Project Development Officer.

Ikhaya Labantu has put forward ambitious plans to provide a broader range of services for residents and the local community. These include: life skills and employability training; basic literacy education; sewing classes; HIV and AIDS awareness; food workshops; community gardening; and IT/admin training.

Ikhaya Labantu is applying for government social development funding for these programmes. But it needs to pass a health and safety inspection first.

How you can help

A number of structural issues need urgent attention. We would be elated to hear from people willing to volunteer at the shelter with experience in:

• Electrics/wiring
• Plumbing
• Basic D.I.Y and carpentry
• Roof repair

Similarly, we would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to assist with:

• Fundraising
• Corporate social responsibility (CSR) contacts/links with businesses
• Donations in kind
• Preparation of lesson plans, teaching materials and classroom exercises for adults.

Already an experienced plumber will visit the shelter in July. Please contact us if you are interested in assisting in any way