The Nomntu Project

Why was The Nomntu Project set up?

The idea of forming The Nomntu Project arose from a visit to the Eastern Cape by Jane Devereux, who spent nearly a year on study leave there whilst working for The Open University on a teacher education research project with colleagues at the University of Fort Hare.

During this time she became involved with local people and communities, many of whom were marginalised by poverty and hunger, but were so welcoming and friendly, that she wanted to support them as they tried to change their lives and those of others. When she left South Africa, she was given the name Nomntu by the local people, a name meaning one who serves and cares for others first.

Together with her husband, Chris, The Nomntu Project took shape and became registered as a charity that aims to empower communities to take charge of their own development.

What does the Nomntu Project do?

The Nomntu Project provides educational, social and practical support to those suffering from poverty, abuse, HIV and AIDS in small communities in the Eastern Cape, which is the poorest region in South Africa.

It achieves this by working with trusted local people to help build centres that act as a focus for healing, including respite care for those with HIV and AIDS and for their carers. These centres are also developing health education and agrucultural initiatives.

The project is small with no paid staff and very low overheads. Money raised goes directly to those people and communities who are likely to make a positive difference to the marginalised, especially women and children, in the Eastern Caoe.

Where does the Nomntu Project operate?

The Nomntu Project works in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, currently in the countryside around the towns of East London and King Williams Town. However some activities extend towards Grahamstown in the south and Queenstown in the north.