Founded in February 2000 by Mariana Crompton, we aim to address the neglect, abuse and poverty suffered by children in the Helenvale, Bethelsdorp, Bloemendal and Booysens Park suburbs. Gang violence, substance abuse and the high unemployment rate in our city has made for a formidable task, but shining a beacon of hope, and seeing the lives of hundreds of children improve, makes every effort worth it.
As a children’s outreach initiative, we work with children between the ages of 3 and 13. Our initial vision was to establish Sunday school outreaches at various locations. Working closely with a team of young people from the area we began by renting classrooms. From here onward, the functions performed by Project Hope, and the number of children’s lives affected by trained volunteers, proper meals, donations and life skills training programmes has grown rapidly.
Project Hope has built relationships with parents and guardians, teachers and social workers to better support the social and economic needs of each child. We have a proven track record of successfully implementing life skill teachings and providing nutritional meals to more than 400 children every week. Schools and families alike have indicated that they need Project Hope to play a greater role in supporting children, youth and families in the Northern areas of Port Elizabeth.