OUR MISSION: TO POSITIVELY INFLUENCE EASTERN CAPE COMMUNITIES

The effects of the South African Apartheid regime are still being felt among communities in the Eastern Cape Province. For a number of years, AFRICA REACT (UK) has been working day and night to help the African people turn their lives around. We endeavour to uplift communities who have been affected by Apartheid. We represent two South African registered Charity Organisations: The Restoration of Human Abilities (008-840 npo) and The HOPE Foundation (026-153 NPO), in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

MAKING REAL PROGRESS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Our projects provide disadvantaged, marginalised African communities with income-generating projects. The projects are uplifting communities and creating a structured environment for previously unemployed members. Training is offered mainly in craft-making, lifeskills programmes, and small business skills. This provides trainees with a structured work environment and helps communities rebuild. AFRICA REACT (UK) markets products created by these communities.

We sell online through this website, but also to craft shops and at cultural and craft fairs within the United Kingdom. Our speciality is hand-crafted jewellery items, which are offered with a complete warranty and quality guarantee. These are not mass machine-made, and the utmost care is taken to produce each item at reasonable prices. Our project workers are committed to producing the finest African hand-craft items.

We would consider supporting other projects of a similar nature operating in the Eastern Cape Province. Many individuals strive to be self-sufficient and independent in the region, and many types of project are seeking assistance. The availability of quality craft items from the Eastern Cape communities depends on exposure to a wider audience. We are able to accommodate such projects. Port Elizabeth (left) comprises of townships stretching up the coastline, and pilot projects exist here which are unknown and in need of assistance. If you are connected with, or aware of, such projects and communities then please contact AFRICA REACT (UK) as we can provide you with support.

Please email us by using the 'Contact us' page on this site.

A WINDOW ON THE WORLD: THE AFRICA REACT (UK) WEBSHOP

AFRICA REACT (UK) can provide support throughout the world for existing community projects. The current categories include:

- African friendship ring collection
- Project support 1) Building Project 2) Sport development project
- Assorted craft collection
- African hand-made card collection
- 'Art on Card' by South African artist Gordon de Bruyn
- Special offers
- Retail 1) Friendship rings 2) Retail Shop display Rack
- Art on Fabric
- African friendship bracelet (rainbow)
- Clothing
- Sponsor a Wendy-house craft training unit.

The items are beautifully hand-crafted, and are ideal for gifts and for re-sale. We invite you to purchase an item from one of the categories.

OUR PLEDGE OF ONGOING SUPPORT FOR AFRICA

Founder of AFRICA REACT (UK), Quentin Beningfield (left), has worked tirelessly to support groups of African women, ensuring that the projects they work within are sustained and fairly represented on the international front. Quentin has initially represented communities offering training in State institutions in the Eastern Cape and visiting township programmes, motivating and guiding project participants.

"I am committed to helping our communities develop to their full potential, and lobbying for support on their behalf globally is priority for me,” he said on his involvement in community development. “Working with marginalised communities for a number of years has opened my eyes to the desperate need there is within these communities. Parents have the right to a better life, children need to go to schools, be fed and deserve a chance to fulfil their destinies. I am here for them, in order that they can grow and develop like any individual hopes to."

"AFRICA REACT (UK) is making inroads into facilitating and providing workshops where none had existed previously. Communities are realising that there are opportunities available, and so striving for a better life for themselves and their families."

HOW TO CONTACT AFRICA REACT (UK)

AFRICA REACT (UK) Founder, Quentin Beningfield writes a daily journal on topical African issues, communities in the Province of the Eastern Cape, and more pressing issues from a global perspective.

AFRICA REACT (UK) will respond to all correspondence. Use the FREEPHONE number, or send an email with your news, views, comments and enquiries through the 'Contact us' link of this site.

You may also write to: AFRICA REACT (UK), 34 Broomfield Avenue, London, N13 4JN, United Kingdom

- Enabling participants to become financially independent;
- Keeping families together in a community context;
- Establishing community-based projects and co-ordinating structures to ensure sustainability;
- Careful monitoring, evaluation and recording in order to facilitate replicability;
- Economic empowerment as the projects gain growth; and
- Impacting positively on communities in a social context.