OUR WORK AND ORGANIZATION:
It is essential that everyone have a simple understanding of the entire Organisation, and also their place in it. Multi-skilling and training of the staff enjoys top priority, and this is one of the reasons for Papillon’s successes. It is not only a case of outreach in support, but also true empowerment in the form of education and life skills, that is responsible for social and personal improvement. It must also be understood that we are not doing this for ourselves, as it would be utterly foolish to claim any of the good works for ourselves. The aim is to bring others to the realization that they can do things to improve their own lives by themselves.

Papillon - Empowering people to transform their lives…and their communities.
No one can own a Butterfly (Papillon) as it belongs to all, and it was purely created to show the beauty that is inherent inside each of us. It is our duty to awaken the talents within others, and to lead them to a better life, through education and skills Training. This is true Transformation.

“It is an honour to once again state with confidence how proud I am to be associated with the Papillon Foundation. This centre continues to be a source of hope and vision with many peoples lives being touched in a positive way through the services offered. Why does Papillon continue to record success stories in its endeavours? The answer is simple:

1. A dedicated and committed staff: Under the able directorship of Stephen & Marian Smith the focus is on service and not remuneration. The motivation is the restoration of dignity and not the building of personal empires. The staff have a deep love and concern for the community and give generously of themselves in all ways. A big thank you to all who offer their time and effort from the volunteers to the stipendants. Your valuable offering is recognised and much appreciated.

2. Remaining focused in its objectives: These are to offer a plate of food, clothes, communication skills and a means to sustainability. Added to this a forum where paralegal assistance can be sought. A special thank you to the numerous donors and especially the University of the Witwatersrand who have allowed our objectives to be realised.

3. Channels of Accountability: All activities operate transparently with accurate records being kept of all donations and the financial records audited by an independent Auditor. This accountability not only extends to the Board but also to the networking partners and donors. These are kept abreast of Papillon’s activities and receive Annual Financial Statements.

4. Impartiality: The Papillon Foundation guards its independence jealously, and while keen to get into Partnerships and network with many Organisation it refuses to be hijacked, manipulated or to be used by any of these bodies. At the same time Papillon is apolitical and cannot be a vehicle of any political or party for its own ends. The same is true for any religious or denominational body.

Once again a big thank you to the Board Members for their oversight, wisdom and support; to the dedication and commitment of Stephen, Marian and the staff; to all the volunteers, donors and partners. Without your input, Papillon would be nothing more than a dream.

“It must be noted, that we work with all in our Society regardless of Political, Religious or any other persuasion. Papillon’s door is open to all, and we have no restrictive criteria for any whom are seeking help. Far have we come and many mountains were climbed to get to this point, and many more are we sure to climb, but it is the end result that counts.

I can wax lyrical odes to our own growth and achievements, but would much rather place the focus on the people that we assist.
Have you seen the contentment on a poor man’s face after a nice hot meal?
Have you heard the screams of delighted children during our visits?
Or the glow when a family receives warm clothing?
What about the proud attitude of a person when they receive the good results of their English Language Exam?
Think of the new possibilities that await a person after they had received a Wits University Certificate for completing our Computer Training Course.
What about the new lease of life for an old pensioner, when they have learnt how to communicate with the Computer, or the tears in an orphan’s eyes, when they receive an unexpected Christmas gift?

Many amazing stories do we have of how people changed their own lives from hopelessness to productiveness, resulting in dignity and happiness. The happiness of knowing that one can now cope with one’s own needs, makes despair a distant memory.

All that they needed was an opportunity, a real opportunity and this is what Papillon is all about.
We offer people in need quality opportunities to improve their own lives by their own efforts. Real and affordable high quality opportunities make all the difference in life.

Our Logo is: ‘Empowering people to transform their lives’ and with very limited resources, we may not be able to give the people all that they want, but we can certainly show them, through their own education and development, how to improve their own lives and their Communities.

This is true empowerment.
Thank you.”

A Word from Stephen Smith
Papillon Foundation Director 2002