Friends of Amy Biehl

The Amy Biehl Foundation (ABF) is a non-profit organization based in Cape Town, South Africa. The foundation aims to reach thousands of children every week through programs that include; sport development, music, theatre, HIV/AIDS education, after school programs and so much more. The Foundation has put various measures in place to ensure future sustainable income, however, charitable donations fund a large portion of the operating costs and equipment. To ensure continuation and growth of our programs, donations and sponsorships from both individuals and companies are needed. Please visit the following links for more information on how to donate, shop, volunteer, etc.

Programs in place: http://www.amybiehl.org/program_profiles.php

After School Programs

Highslide JS Operating in several Townships in Cape Town, each of our four centres hosts approximately 300 children per day, keeping them off the streets and involved in educational, healthy and creative activities from Monday to Thursday. Nutrition plays an important part in this program with each child receiving a lunch every day. Besides the regular After School Programs, Amy Biehl Foundation also organizes outings and holiday programs for the children.

HIV/AIDS Peer Education

This program educates students in the Townships about the dangers, causes and prevention of HIV/AIDS through peer education. Areas of instruction include HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, substance abuse, sex and sexuality, adolescent development, morality, puberty, gender, contraception and pregnancy. 17 year old Jolanda Mtnini had this to share about the Amy Biehl Foundation HIV/AIDS awareness program "It is exciting because you learn about all the challenges that you can face in life and how you can overcome them and it is helpful to young people to know these things that we learn in class. I've learned that it's important to stand up for yourself and to say no!" Phelena Banca, also in the program shared: "Peer education class gives us confidence, it gives us support in our daily lives and makes us think more. I’ve learned how to take care of myself, how to communicate about the diseases (such as AIDS) which are killing our communities, and also about the social issues which we as youth are faced with."

Sports

Highslide JS The Sports Program provides a safe and supportive platform for youth to improve their skills. Sports include Soccer, Hockey, Netball, Swimming and Golf. Friends of Amy Biehl spoke to 15 year old Ayabonga Mbanyone who had this to say about being able to play his favorite sport: "I love this game and its part of my life now. One day I want to be a professional football player and play for the national team."

Creative Arts

This program strives to create a new order of artistic excellence by exploring and developing the Highslide JS Highslide JS children’s talents with Kwaito, Modern Dance, Beading, Drama, Contemporary and Traditional Dance, Visual and Fine Arts. We spoke to 17 year old, Abongile Mearmen. He very much appreciates the opportunities the Amy Biehl Foundation have provided and shared the following sentiments: "One day I will be an actor and a respected person". The most valuable lesson Abongile has learned: "To respect others and to have love for one another"! Classmates Yamkela Nazo and Vuyisa Gomba told us: "It teaches us how to draw and paint and it keeps us off the streets. It also gives us the ability to pass on learned skills to our brother’s and sister’s."

Greening and Environment

This program focuses on beautifying the Township schools through growing vegetable gardens and establishing environmental clubs. Students learn to have a greater respect for the environment. Classes cover issues such as global warming, pollution and recycling. Ayanfa Qhabalaza, 13 years old, has learned some amazing lessons through the Greening and Environment program: "It teaches us the importance of taking good care of nature and has given us the knowledge of what is truly happening around us".

Music

The Townships have a rich musical history and culture and thus forms an integral part of the After School programmes. Highslide JS Highslide JSThe Music program teaches children Marimba, Brass, Choir, Violin and Guitar. 12 year old Nosiphiwo loves the Amy Biehl Foundation music program. Noshiphiwo shared the following: "It is great because I am involved with really nice things. It's been a great addition to my life!" Maphelo Dayimani, aged 16, cannot believe his own progress. "Before attending choir class I didn't know how to sing, but now I cannot believe how well I can sing".

Computers

The Computer Program offers students the opportunity to gain a great insight into basic computer functions and typing (using Microsoft Word). Computers are also introduced in the Filming classes. We were fortunate enough to share a few minutes with, Thekozile Zungu. "I've learned a lot from class and I wish this class could always be at our center. I didn't know how to type but now I can, and I also know how to save a document from Microsoft Word". Way to go, Thekozile!

Amy Biehl Foundation Store: http://www.cafepress.com/amybiehl
Volunteering:http://www.amybiehl.co.za/new-page

"Amy Biehl knew that the struggle for justice has many faces, against poverty and for opportunity, against exploitation and for respect, against ignorance and for education, understanding, knowledge and hope." - Madeleine Albright

Fundraising Update

Over the Christmas holidays, Friends of Amy Biehl teamed up with East Coast Candles and several NBCCD pottery students to organize a holiday raffle. We managed to reach our goal of raising $500. Thanks to everyone!

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