The Black Doll Project
In 1995 Project People Foundation endeavored to collect 15,000 Black dolls for children in the townships of South Africa. Relying on the kindness of volunteers traveling between the two countries and a relationship with South African Airways, the goal of transporting 15,000 Black dolls to children in South Africa was achieved.
Under apartheid, South African children were not able to have with Black dolls, depriving them of the opportunity to see themselves in the toys with which they played.
Under apartheid, South African children were not able to have with Black dolls, depriving them of the opportunity to see themselves in the toys with which they played.
"The "Doll Project" for South African children offers one of the clearest expressions of compassion and encouragement because it contributes to the self-esteem of the recipients. Equally important is the gentle way it helps the donors to know they were opting to be benefactors of a newly empowered people."
- Dr. James A. Forbes Jr., Sr. Minister Emeritus, The Riverside Church of New York City
"I want to tell you how pleased Scholastic Network is to be the online sponsor of the South African Black Doll Project. As an educational computer network used by thousands of K-12 teachers and students, we believe that the project has provided an excellent opportunity for children around the world to learn about the ways in which they can make a difference in other people's lives."
- Felicia Halpert, Senior Producer/Content Director Scholastic Network
Aid-to-Aids
On June 13th, 2000, PPF launched Aid-To-AIDS, a campaign to raise public awareness about the increase in AIDS cases among minorities int he U.S. and of the AIDS crisis in South Africa. A series of beaded AIDS pins were created by women in the townships of Cape Town, South Africa and sold in both countries; the proceeds of the campaign benefitted AIDS organizations - Iris House in New York City and Nkosi's Haven in Johannesburg.
"I am always proud when DDB people contribute their time and talents to groups that work to relieve poverty and suffering. Project People Foundations (PPF) is one of those organizations. PPF is about empowering women in the townships of South Africa. First, the women were taught how to manufacture black dolls for children, many whom had never had a doll at all. Now the newly trained artisans are turning out a series of beaded AIDS pins, designed to raise public awareness in the U.S about the AIDS crisis in Africa. The pins will be sold to raise money for PPF's "Aid-to-AIDS" campaign, the marketing and merchandising plans for which were developed by a top team from DDB New York."
- Keith Reinhard, Chairman Emeritus DDB Worldwide
Uniforms 101
Since 2004, PPF’s Uniforms 101 Project has provided over 3,000 new school uniforms for low-income students in Cape Town, Limpopo, Durban and Johannesburg. In Johannesburg, school uniforms are produced by PPF’s Crafting Social Change program at Basadi Pele Foundation (BPF), a community training and manufacturing site.
Through the generosity of PPF donors, these children can now attend school without stigma or the threat of expulsion.
Through the generosity of PPF donors, these children can now attend school without stigma or the threat of expulsion.
"We have different categories of families; some are child-headed, unemployed parents, and some children are taken care of by their grannies. The mortality rate of parents is growing daily. We appreciate the PPF partnership because you are making a difference and adding values. The children appreciate what they have been given and realize that there are people like you who recognize them and acknowledge their existence. The uniforms you have given have instilled pride in them and a sense of belonging."
- Mrs. E.M. Mahambe, Principal of Patrick Mashego Primary School (Kagiso Township, Johannesburg)
"The skills I gained through the school uniform project enabled me to tender for other contracts of the Department of Social Development. I could buy my own machines. Once my baby falls asleep at night, I can produce garments on order. I can really make a personal contribution to the family income!"
- Oniccah Time, seamstress (Kagiso township, Johannesburg)