Started in 2002, The Papillon Foundation is situated in the heart of the South of Johannesburg, being an area with vast numbers of destitute and unemployed persons.
Papillon has assembled several working partners such as Wits University, The Computer Society of South Africa, ICDL, The University of Johannesburg Hotel School, The Law Society of South Africa, Lawyers for Human Rights, Human Rights Commission, Non-Governmental Organisations, and Missions that are active in Papillon’s Social Outreach and improvement Projects. The Papillon Foundation is active in social improvement projects in the heart of the South of Johannesburg and are also associated in a wide network of specialists in the social improvement field. Men, women, children and the aged are assisted in the areas of feeding, clothing, education and training towards self sustainablility. Results and successes are too many to list here, but a CD with our annual report, financials and photos are available.
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THE PAPILLON CENTRE
The old Methodist Church premises (no longer active) in Rosettenville Johannesburg, is leased by the Methodist Church of Southern Africa to The Papillon Foundation.
The property consists of a church building and a hall, including a kitchen, toilets and a smaller hall adjacent to the church. Papillon’s projects are run in each of the buildings. Parking is situated at the front of the building, and is under regular car-guard attendance. Since the inception of Papillon in 2002, no cars have disappeared to-date and this is a certain blessing in the Rosettenville area. English classes are operated in both the hall and the old church building, and the Computer class is situated towards the rear under tight security. Feeding takes place in the hall between the hours of 12 to 1pm in the weekdays, and although cramped for space, each project is fitted into a smooth running order.
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THE PROBLEM
“The Southern Suburbs of Johannesburg was of the first that was developed during the heady
and exciting days of the Gold Rush in the early 1800’s. Once the home of Statesmen and
Millionaires, these Suburbs have degenerated into vast decay, very similar today to areas such as
the Bronx in America. From the farm of Turffontein registered in 1859 pre dating the discovery
of gold, to the development of the Turffontein Race Course on the portion of the farm during the
gold rush that saw the mining camp Johannesburg, exploded with wealth and destitution alike; to
the shame of the concentration camp that was home to 5000 women and children during the
Anglo Boer War at the turn of the century. From affluence to poverty, the South of Johannesburg
has seen the tides of demographic change sweeping through it’s streets. Desperation has created
very high crime figures, and alcohol and drugs complement hordes of prostitutes and beggars
trying to eke out a living. A vast influx of Refugees and Asylum Seekers add to the problem,
some 20 000 from the D.R.C, 5000 from China, 10 000 from Zimbabwe, hundreds from areas
such as Burundi, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Angola, Sudan, Morocco, Palestine, Mozambique and
other hot spots in Africa, as well as areas like Brazil, Peru, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and others are
now resident in the South, changing the complex situation into a veritable league of Nations.
People in the Southern parts of Johannesburg have been subject to many changes in recent years,
with a dramatic decrease in the economic viability of the area and a subsequent increase in the
number of displaced, unemployed and destitute people.” |
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THE SOLUTIONS
“To aid in the economic and social rebirth of the area and to empower the communities to meet their own needs, The Papillon Foundation was born into this hungry and fierce ambience, in January 2002. Papillon is the French word for Butterfly, a universally accepted symbol of transformation, and freedom. Project Papillon is an independent non-denominational body, registered and directed by an Official Board of Members. Assisted by a Network of Specialists in the areas of Research, Planning, Structuring and the Implementation of a Tapestry of Projects aimed at Societal Renewal and Transformation. The Papillon Vision Statement of “Creating Better Tomorrows from the ashes of today” was established after a thorough Research was done into the immediate and long term empowerment needs of the Communities. Wits University, the top University on the African Continent, adopted the Papillon Foundation in a Social Outreach Partnership, and Papillon’s Courses are based on the University’s Curriculum, but tailored to suit local circumstances and requirements. The University of Johannesburg has now also come to the aid of Papillon, through the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Hotel School in the Waiter Training Project for 2006.”
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THE NETWORK
The University of the Witwatersrand (various Faculties), Wits Language School, The University of Johannesburg (Hotel School), The Law Society of South Africa, The Computer Society of S.A., Afrox, Dorcas aid South Africa, Rosebank Union Church (Sandton), Johannesburg Muslim Charitable Organisation, Hare Krishna Movement (Pta), Lenasia Inter-Cultural Organisaiton, Rand Park Ridge United Church, the United Sisterhood (Jewish), St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, St. Paul’s United Church (Mulbarton JHB South), Lawyers for Human Rights, Salvation Army (JHB South), The Black Sash Movement, South African Police, The Human Rights Commission, Blue Ribbon Bakeries, various Schools / N.G.O’s / Crèches / Churches / Mission groups, Local Government Departments, U.N.H.C.R, St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church (Rosettenville), Methodist Churches (JHB), Meals on Wheels, various Religious Groups and other Organisations.
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