WHAT
WE DO
We at BTF make it our duty to to not only see our projects through but to be there every step of the way to ensure success and sustainability in the long run.
PROGRAMS & PROJECTS.
We are very pleased to say that we currently have 5 separate facilities operating across South Africa. At the same time, we are in the process of establishing another 2, and within the next 3 years, we hope to have a total of between 10 to 15 facilities. Many of the communities haven't had a pre-school for over 100 years, so early childhood development (ECD) is naturally our top priority. Apart from setting up pre-schools, we also assist these communities with running water, working bee-hives, and a sustainable garden to feed the children and community members.
Community Investment
Before we begin a new build we establish a sound community investment and interest. Without the elders and parents of the community active involvement any project in SA will fall short not long after commencing.
Establish Land for Schools
Once our projects have been brought to the table and signed off by all parties we begin the search for prime locations which are easily accessible by the members and children of the community.
Staffing and Training
Once the structure for the schools is firmly in place we begin training future teachers, gardeners and support staff to run the show. This is what makes our projects unique, it's the sense of ownership the community feel for the schools. Their people work there and their children attend there, the community is equally accountable for the long term success of every project.
Project Maintanence
There is always something that needs to be done on a site, whether it's painting and maintaining a container, reviewing a school curriculum, digging a trench, mapping new water accessibility programs or simply gardening. This is where our volunteer projects come to play.
Build Schools and Gardens
Here comes the fun part. We start from the ground up literally digging holes for sanitation, sourcing and transporting shipping containers, planning our permaculture gardens and fencing and so much more.
New Location Development
Once everything is set up and running smoothly we begin the search for the next school and garden's location. We take so many factors into consideration like community needs, location accessibility, resources and more.
WHERE WE WORK.
Following the establishment of our facility in Kya Sands, we extended our operation to the beautiful province of Kwazulu Natal on the east coast of South Africa. KZN, as it's affectionately known, is a wondrous land of green rolling hills, lush jungle with warm and abundant oceans and rivers that snake through its valleys. Unfortunately, many communities within these hills are in dire need of basic amenities.
This is where our other prolific member, Clive Wetherell, cements himself in the community development programmes of our organisation. 5 years ago, Clive identified the Ndwedwe community near Waterfall and another in a location called Faya. Faya happens to be the last name of the 'Nduna' or leader of that particular community. It just goes to show how important the leadership structures are to these rural communities and how important it is to build relationships with them.
