Social Upliftment Initiatives
The Wendywood Muslim Jamaat Trust (WMJT) has been assisting some of the less fortunate since 2013 as part of our social upliftment and welfare initiatives. These initiatives have helped towards financial stability, enhanced capacity, and developmental opportunities to beneficiaries.
Over R1.83 million has been disbursed thus far (as at 2023). These Sustainable initiatives are making an impactful difference in the lives of many beneficiaries. We hope to continue and expand our collaborative projects.
Some of the projects we have successfully completed are detailed below
1. Food Hamper Drive
Primarily distributed to the underprivileged of the Tembisa community.
Total number of hampers distributed since inception exceeds 3 000.
Done in conjunction with reputable organisations such as Gift of the Givers and Ashraful Aid.
2. Internship Program
There is acknowledgment that the unemployment rate in South Africa is one of the highest in Africa and the world. Often a barrier to seeking employment is a lack of work experience. The WMJT has partnered with local aid organisations and small businesses where candidates that are below the poverty line will be provided with a fixed term internship opportunity to gain valuable on-the-job experience and hence become more marketable for employment. The candidate will earn a stipend out of charity funds whilst on this internship program. After the internship, the small business has the opportunity to employ the candidate on a full-time basis.
A pilot was successfully conducted in 2019 with two candidates (a mechanic and a book-keeper/office administrator). Both candidates have since been employed by the businesses where they served their internship.
3. Small Business Development
Provided financial and business support for entrepreneurial start-ups typically in home-based industries, tradesman, vendors, etc.
Many of these recipients are women, typically single mothers. With the logistical support of Ashraful Aid, funds were used in 2019 to assist a female in starting up a small stall in the Alexandra township. The community continues to support this individual by donating items for her to resell.
4. Bursaries
Bursaries for basic education to 3 underprivileged students with one recipient achieving 6 distinctions and all recipients achieving academic awards.
5. Youth Initiatives
Social soccer tournaments.
Hiking trips.
Food hamper packaging and distribution for the underprivileged.
