Who we are
The Paternoster Project NPO started in 2016 when philanthropist, Christian Neuber and local businesses sharing common values, initially started an after-school volunteer project. During the past three years, the Hoopsig Project grew into a fully-fledged project and is currently registered as a Partial Care Facility.
Why we do it
Paternoster is a small West Coast fishing village and one of five towns within the Saldanha Bay Municipality (SBM), Western Cape Province of South Africa. The town has about 4000 residents of whom more than 45% are dependent on meagre and unpredictable fishing quotas.
Children from Hopland and Kliprug (subsidised housing in Paternoster) experience a challenging home environment. Domestic violence, alcohol and drug addiction are rife and start at an early age amplifying the intergenerational cycle of poverty. Household income depends on government-aided pensions/grants often the only source of income. RDP homes are small and sometimes shared by three generations.
Job opportunities and upskilling are few and transport to a nearby town, Vredenburg, is expensive and irregular. The town presents a stark visual socio-economic contrast between the wealthy and the poor. Many residents remain trapped in a historical/ generational inequality gap of socio-economic and resource poverty.
Through our programs, we are committed to promoting charity, justice, and empowerment of learners.
We strive to empower young school children with the knowledge and skills they need to become active citizens who can make a difference in their communities.
Our vision is a world where every child has the chance to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Join us in making this vision a reality!
OUR VALUES
What we do
Our role is to create an enabling environment where Paternoster children of all ages are given the opportunity to fulfil their potential, for both personal benefit and that of the wider community.
Create a safe – and fun – space for play, learning and nutrition
60 children receive a daily nutritious home-cooked meal followed by an afternoon life skills programme for 5 to 17-year-old learners
Facilitate early learning educational support to young learners
We promote Paternoster’s history, culture, and heritage in classrooms through our activities and school programs.
OUR GOALS
At Paternoster Project NPO, we envision a world where vulnerable families receive the support they need to thrive.
We are committed to preventing food insecurity and stunting by providing nutritious meals and educational stimulation that promotes life skills development.
Our mission is to empower families with the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Through our unwavering dedication to this vision, we aim to create a world where every child can access the resources they need to reach their full potential.
How we do it
At Paternoster Project NPO, we believe that every child deserves a safe and free space to explore, learn, and grow. That's why we're committed to providing German/local volunteer-based activities that foster creativity, teamwork, and personal development.
Our flagship program, The Hoopsig Project, not only provides children with access to sports and physical activity, but also empowers them with life skills such as leadership, communication, and goal setting.
With our dedicated staff component, we ensure that every child feels supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. Join us in creating a brighter future for our youth!