community development project
cheeky cheetah day-care centre
intention
To support the people of the San tribes Harnas is providing sustainable education for their children and offering basic training for adult men and women. This enables them to gain skills to secure a more constant source of income and a better future.
backgroundThe San people, indigenous to the Kalahari, and Southern Africa’s oldest ethnic group, have always been nomadic. They use to make their living off the land on a day to day basis of hunting and gathering. |
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The desire to move and relocate is deeply engraved within their souls. Unfortunately the changing world now requires that they urgently adapt to the ways of modern civilization. Lacking a modern education and the inability to move freely is causing many social problems and racial conflicts. Many of the employees on Harnas belong to the San ethnic group. Harnas has been actively creating work opportunities for them, integrating them into the various projects being conducted. |
| With a rapidly increasing unemployment rate in Namibia, coupled with the high illiterate percentage and common social problems such as alcoholism, Harnas realized the overwhelming need for training in every area from medical and social skills, to basic education. Harnas comprehends the mythical lessen captured in the saying, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed a nation”, and strives to apply it practically. |  |
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This comprehension gave birth to the “Cheeky Cheetah Day-Care Centre”. Situated on the farm, its location provides a unique experience in which to learn, combining basic pre-school education, life skills and increasing awareness about wildlife conservation. The combination of essential skills and nature conservation will allow the San people to move forward. With this solid foundation the Cheeky Cheetah students have a better chance of finishing their schooling and adapting in public schools. |
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san development program
Because of past marginalization the San lack the skills required to integrate successfully into a modern, evolving society. It is important at this point to acknowledge that even as these people develop, they still need to maintain their cultural identity. As far as possible Harnas supports this notion by supplying them with means to do so and allowing interested individuals to express themselves through their traditional art and craft.
Harnas has created a place to acquire basic life skills and practical training. Further guidance and encouragement is given for their children to complete their schooling, thereby inspiring future generations to new possibilities. Establishing a training venue for up to twelve people with courses lasting up to six months in basic literacy, mechanics, building, fencing, welding and electrics is paramount to the program. Ideally, trainees receive a sponsored salary during this time period, after which they receive a certificate of their achievements and are assisted in finding permanent employment. |
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Donations are used to maintain the training facility and require the employment of teachers and trainers, the purchase of machinery and material and to supply trainees with accommodation.
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Although Harnas began with an overwhelming passion for the welfare of animals the need for compassion extends much further. The less fortunate native people need be protected and supported until such a time as they would want to fend for themselves in a modern environment.
Ostrich shell beading, a well established San craft, is promoted on Harnas. The beads and jewellery is sold in the Harnas curios shop to provide the San with additional income and to gain some business experience. |