Who we are and what we do:

The Seven Passes Initiative is a successful, community-based organisation that provides positive caring support to parents, children and young people. The organisation is doing the long term, deep work that prevents violence and create safe communities.

The Seven Passes Initiative started in 2008 to address gang violence by young men in the Touwsranten area. These were youngsters who were exposed to violence and addiction at home and were repeating the cycle.

Our aim was to prevent violence and break the cycle of poverty and inequality. And this is exactly what we do, by improving and supporting children's education, providing positive parenting programmes, and providing young people with a chance to work in their community for a year after finishing school. These young people give back to their community, and most go on to study further or find jobs.

This is how we build healthy communities and prevent violence:

We know that we are having a positive impact. Since we opened 11 years ago, the gang violence in Touwsranten has ended all together. Now our community is home to several graduates, where before there were none, parents are less stressed, children are less anxious and depressed and the community is more connected.

We offer training and working experience to school leavers, many of whom have attended our after school programmes.

A Community Without Help:

Without the help of The Seven Passes Initiative the community will suffer dire consequences. The children will be vulnerable, they will not be safe after school, they would be without a daily balanced meal that they would otherwise not receive and the relationship between the parents and their children will deteriorate. Interpersonal violence will escalate significantly and the hope and trust that has been built up over the last decade will be gone.

Why the work we do is important:

Research conducted by the Institute for Security Studies and the University of Cape Town has proven that our parenting programmes have reduced parents' stress and the use of corporal punishment, and alleviated children's depression and anxiety.

In short, we are helping to build a healthy, safe community and have the research to prove it.

Here is what Sello Hatang, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation had to say about Seven Passes:

"It is time to learn the lessons of communities like Touwsranten in the Southern Cape. Over several years this small township has seen progress in addressing the challenges of crime, domestic violence, corporal punishment, substance abuse, absent fathers, school dropout, unemployment and so on, through an innovative initiative involving community leaders, civil society, government and the private sector. Emphasis has been placed on parenting programmes, home visiting for pregnant women, school to university pipelining and other 'soft' interventions designed to build the fabric of society. This is the long haul stuff. It is slow but deep. It is what South Africa needs and what all of us should feel obliged to invest in"

The Proof:

The impact of what we do has been documented and proven. We know that the work we do in the community makes a difference and saves lives.

The Institute for Security Studies, who is the foremost expert on crime and violence prevention in Africa, have done a study on the effects that the work we do have had on the community here in Touwsranten:

https://issafrica.org/amp/iss-today/the-power-of-parenting-how-family-bonds-can-prevent-violence

"Extensive research has shown that children who grow up in a non-violent environment with positive emotional engagement and cognitive stimulation are more likely to succeed at school, find stable employment and form healthy adult relationships. They’re also less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression, abuse alcohol and other substances, engage in risky sexual behaviour or become involved in crime and violence.

Seven Passes’ parenting initiative includes four programmes: one for new parents, from 36 weeks of pregnancy to six months after birth; one for parents and caregivers of two- to nine-year-olds; one for the parents and caregivers of teenagers; and a book-sharing programme. The programmes run once a week for two to three months at a time and are open to any interested parents in and around Touwsranten."

Chandré Gould, board member of The Seven Passes Initiative and criminologist working for the ISS (Institute for Security Studies) also gives her testimony:

For more information on the work we do, you can look at our website: http://www.sevenpasses.org.za

Some of our donors:

We have been fortunate enough to receive donations from a few high-profile individuals and organisations. One of our most notable donors is the Queen of Sweden, in her capacity as a board member of The World Childhood Foundation. She has been a wonderful supporter for our organisation and expressed such an interest in what we do here that she came to South Africa to visit us, and the children, in person and see what the donations she provided have done for the community.

https://www.sevenpasses.org.za/swedens-queen-visits-seven-passes/

Your Help is Needed:

We require donations in order to continue our quality programmes. Every donation we receive will contribute towards a child's education and future by providing a balanced meal, after-school life skills, education programmes and more. You can support us through donations, sharing our campaign and website on your social media, and with the people in your life.

If you want to make a custom donation click on the button below to make a donation through PayPal: