Project: Winter Hope (Garies, Northern Cape)

Winter has a special way of reminding us that small acts of kindness can create lasting warmth. Our Project Winter Hope initiative in Garies, Northern Cape, was an incredible success, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed, partnered with us, and helped make a meaningful impact in the lives of community members.

On behalf of the Community Engagement Unit (CEU), we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to our partners from the UWC Library, particularly Khanyisa Yekwani and Gerald Louw, for their dedication and support throughout this initiative. A special thank you goes to Dr Shirlene Neerputh, Director of the UWC Library, and Shehaamah Mohamed, Deputy Director Learning and Teaching, Library Services, for the valuable partnership and collaboration that made this project possible.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank our internal support team and leadership: our Acting Director, Dr Samantha Van Schalkwyk, Nathan Lawrence from the UWC Centre of Performing Arts (CPA), and Damaris Kiewiets, our Community Liaison Officer, for their commitment and contributions. To our valued partners, Change  Agents South Africa NPO, thank you for walking this journey with us. Special appreciation goes to Olin Kiewietz, who led this project with passion and dedication, as well as Change  Agents South Africa Chairperson, Jayson George, for the continued support and commitment to promoting social impact.

Throughout our visit to  JJ Lambert Primary School, facilitated by Juffrou Fagmieya Januarie and her team, and the Garies Town Hall, a number of meaningful activities took place that touched the lives of many community members. The Community Engagement Unit (CEU) led a workshop, “Die Stem van Garies,” which focused on community mapping and centring the voices of community members. This workshop was facilitated by Nathan Lawrence (UWC Centre for Performing Arts), Damaris Kiewiets (CEU Community Liaison Officer) and Dr. Samantha van Schalkwyk (Acting Director, CEU).  Khanyisa Yekwani and Gerald Louw from the UWC Library also facilitated a workshop for youth and their parents on the dangers of the online world and digital safety awareness.

One of the highlights of the programme was the Dignity Clothes Shop initiative led by Change Agents South Africa. Donations were carefully displayed, and community members were given the opportunity to choose items according to their needs and preferences. Children selected toys of their choice, individuals picked clothing items and shoes, while adults also received blankets, soup, socks, and other essential winter items. A particularly touching moment was reaching out directly to vulnerable members of the community.  Five elderly community members were visited in their homes, with the oldest being 91 years old. These moments reminded us that community engagement is not only about providing material support, but also about restoring dignity, sharing compassion, and building human connection.

Our outreach also extended to Joe Slovo Community Health Centre-ER, where we donated baby clothing and boxes of sanitary pads to support families and address important community needs.

This initiative demonstrated the true power of collaboration, compassion, and collective action. Together, we did more than provide warmth this winter; we shared hope, restored dignity, inspired smiles, and fostered a genuine sense of belonging. Thank you to every donor, volunteer, staff member, student, and partner who contributed towards making this initiative a success. Together, we continue to build stronger communities and create meaningful change.