We believe in the power of (we)
Vision
Igniting resilient and thriving communities
Mission
To be the catalyst for igniting community wisdom, resilience and innovation to drive inclusive, sustainable social and economic empowerment in South Africa.
Our Approach: Siyakhwezela
Just as our ancestors gently blew on embers to re-ignite a flame, (we):
Amplify authentic voices that have been waiting to be heard.
Empower collective action that transforms communities.
Revolutionise philanthropy from giving to enabling.
Brand Essence
Shifting Power, Igniting Community Wisdom for Social Impact and Entrepreneurship.
Through our unique Siyakhwezela approach, (we): amplify authentic voices, empower collective action and transform philanthropy.
B(WE)F believes in the power of ‘we’. Like our ancestors who gathered around fire to share wisdom and build community, we’re here to listen and nurture the embers of potential already glowing within our communities. The (we) in our name represents our foundational belief that transformation happens through collective wisdom and shared action.
Brand Promise
B(WE)F promises to be a steadfast partner in igniting the power of communities to drive their own transformative change, by affirming their wisdom, strengthening their capacity, and amplifying their voices to achieve sustainable impact in Education, Environment, Entrepreneurship and Youth Development.
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Our five key priorities:
Education
We blow into the embers of knowledge, developing programmes that empower communities through education. By nurturing local wisdom and fostering lifelong learning, we ignite the potential for sustainable growth and development.
Environment
We blow into the embers of environmental stewardship community-based solutions to address environmental challenges. together, we cultivate sustainable practices that protect our natural resources and promote resilience in the face of climate change.
Entrepreneurship
We blow into the embers of enterprise already flickering in local markets and communities. By supporting local economic empowerment, we help communities build strong, self-reliant futures.
Social Empowerment
We blow into the embers of social justice and equity already smoldering within communities. By nurturing existing community bonds and leadership structures, we help kindle more inclusive and equitable societies. Our work stokes the fires of social transformation, amplifying voices that have long burned with wisdom but lacked oxygen to blaze.
Youth Development
We blow into the embers of potential already glowing within young minds. By nurturing the sparks of leadership and innovation in youth, we kindle the torchbearers of tomorrow. Our programmes stoke the fires of youth ambition and creativity, helping ignite a new generation of community leaders who will keep the flames of change burning bright.
Our unique storytelling approach:
We believe in the transformative power of stories. Our unique storytelling approach is not just about collecting tales; it’s about weaving a tapestry of wisdom that bridges communities, ignites change, and illuminates paths to sustainable development.
Ethical Acknowledgment
We honour each story as a heroic act of transmission from storyteller to listener. This ethical foundation shapes our entire storytelling methodology.
Reflexive Openess
We remain non-judgmental and open to learning, questioning our own reactions to gain new insights into diverse worldviews.
Creative Responsibility
As we retell stories to wider audiences, we embrace creative methods that capture nuance and evoke understanding rather than merely argue points.
Identity & Heritage
We believe that identifying our unique stories helps us to better understand ourselves. By recognising the journeys of our ancestors, we make sense of our identities today.
Central to our approach is the recognition of the fundamental importance of heritage to African identity.
We honour our clan names and ancestral lineages
as sources of individual and collective pride.
We view stories as living connections to our past, informing our present, and guiding our future.
We celebrate the diversity of African cultures
while recognising our shared experiences and
values.
We honour our clan names and ancestral lineages
as sources of individual and collective pride.
We view stories as living connections to our past, informing our present, and guiding our future.
We celebrate the diversity of African cultures
while recognising our shared experiences and
values.
Discover stories of our embers:
Kliptown Stories
My Hammanskraal Hero
Busani Textiles
Active Revision
Kidz Hub
Why Storytelling? We believe stories are more that just narratives; they are bridges between different knowledge systems.
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