Support ethical tourism in South Africa

The Angus Gillis Foundation works in the Kwa Pontak and Kwa Doli villages located within Kwandwe Game Reserve in rural Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape Province. The basis of it's work with impoverished rural communities is creating community based Self-Help Groups. In building community capacity to organize and create economic livelihoods, the positive effects have been widespread.

With the inauguration of a new  Community Center, Self-Help Groups and Handi-craft groups have seen increased interest from larger retailers in selling dolls, t-shirts, storybooks and other products. Beyond economic growth, the  communities (over 800 people) have increased opportunities to make their voices heard, had access to workshops on development and personal growth, community organizing, and capacity building. In turn, participants are empowered to create their own initiatives. One group even established a catering company that has catered for events, now, of over 500 people!

The effects of the Pro Poor Tourism campaign are growing and are making a huge positive impact. Thank you for your support of the this project. Your donation goes a long way to fund the infrastructure that makes it possible to reach so many people.

Angus Gillis was featured in the November edition of Business Link out of South Africa. The article highlights their great work in grassroots community development in Grahamstown, SA and the many facets of Angus Gillis’ efforts in health, education, and self-help groups. (To read the article in its original format click on http://www.businesslink.co.za/magazine/ and flip to page 8.)

A major part of what Angus Gillis has sparked, is the Pro Poor Tourism Project. After inaugurating the Project and the space for artisans to make products, the following has been a great success:

• The Doll-Makers Group members will be responsible for catering visitors as “the Visitors’ Leadership Group” and will be compensated with a small stipend.
• A participation contract was signed between Steercom (Steercom is a neighboring village) and Doll-Makers Group members- stipend payment began in January.
• The Mcamabele Community Center now provides space for child-care and events like the “Maximizing your potential” workshop, which over 50 people attended.

When you make a donation to help Angus Gillis continue its mission to organize and empower the communities in which it works, you are directly affecting the effectiveness of programs like the Pro Poor Tourism Project. Thank you for your support!