Papillon Foundation

History:

The Southern Suburbs of Johannesburg was of the first to be developed during the heady and exciting days of the Gold Rush in the early 1800’s. Once the home of Statesmen and Millionaires, these Suburbs have degenerated into vast decay, very similar today to areas such as the Bronx in America. From the farm of Turffontein, registered in 1859 pre-dating the discovery of gold, to the development of the Turffontein Race Course on a portion of the farm during the gold rush that saw the mining camp Johannesburg, explode with wealth and destitution alike; to the shame of the concentration camp that was home to 5000 women & children during the Anglo Boer War at the turn of the century.

From affluence to poverty, the South of Johannesburg has seen the tides of demographic change sweeping through its streets. Desperation has created very high crime figures, and alcohol and drugs complement hordes of prostitutes and beggars trying to eke out a living.

A vast influx of Economic Migrants, Foreigners, Refugees and Asylum Seekers add to the problem, and are now resident in the South - changing the complex situation into a veritable league of Nations. People in the Southern parts of Johannesburg have been subject to many changes in recent years, with a dramatic decrease in the economic viability of the area and a subsequent increase in the number of displaced, unemployed and destitute people.

Papillon was born into this fierce and hungry ambience, in January 2002, in order to aid in the economic and social rebirth of the area & to empower the communities to meet their own needs. Papillon is the French word for Butterfly, a universally accepted symbol of transformation and freedom.

Project Papillon is an independent non-denominational body, registered and directed by an Official Board of Members and assisted by a Network of Specialists in the areas of Research, Planning, Structuring and the Implementation of a Tapestry of Projects aimed at Societal Renewal and Transformation. The The Papillon Vision Statement of “Creating Better Tomorrows from the ashes of today” was established after a thorough Research was done into the immediate and long term empowerment needs of the Communities.

Wits University and others adopted the Papillon Foundation in Social Outreach Partnerships, and Papillon’s Courses are based on Accredited Courseware, but tailored to suit local circumstances and requirements. Papillon also assisted in opening Computer Training Centres in Soweto, Pretoria & Lenasia. The Trainers for Bushbuckridge and Kathlehong Centres are currently being trained.

NB: Papillon is tax exempt (18a) and tax deduction certificates will be issued for all financial donations!

Charity Division: (Socio economic)

1) Clothing / Blankets / Toys / Nappies / Furniture / Bedding / Food / Appliances / Toiletries etc.
2) Books and Toiletries for Old Age Homes, also tinned food.
3) Christmas presents for Orphan Homes and Crèches.
4) Any unwanted new or used good quality goods.

Social Outreach Skills Training Division: (Enterprise Development)

Items & Cost
1) Sponsoring 150 un-employed computer students. R 850 per student
2) Sponsoring computer training materials and certificates. R120 000 per annum
3) Sponsoring fittings for new Call Centre Training Class-Room R 85 000
4) Sponsoring Call Centre students. R 850 per student
5) Sponsoring the mobile “Train the Trainer” truck. R 25 000 per trip.
6) Stationary for 150 students. Copying paper / Pens / Pencils / exercise books.

Property repairs and Maintenance:

1) General overhead services costs R 6 500 per month
2) Courtyard revamp and making property wheel-chair friendly R 30 000
3) Painting building exteriors and general maintenance work R 170 000
4) New Guttering installations R 65 000
5) Burglar proofing and CCTV Alarm systems R 28 000
6) Replacement of crumbling rear boundary wall R 180 000