Friday the 8th of March saw over one hundred NPO leaders, development practitioners and nation builders gathering together to explore real and tangible ways to build hope in some of South Africa’s toughest spaces.
The ReStory Foundation was invited by We Are Durban to offer a HOPE Building workshop aimed at transforming the way people help and give to the vulnerable, materially poor and marginalised. “So much giving is in response to our hearts, when we really need to apply our heads, and ask how our giving will truly impact in the long term,” says Mandy Pearson, CEO and Founder of the ReStory Foundation and Developer of the HOPE Building Model.
The ReStory Foundation runs a community-based orphan support model, which looks to re-story the lives of orphans and vulnerable children, through relationships and empowerment, enabling them to become courageous agents of change in the world. There are currently over 200 children on their programmes. The ReStory Foundation believes in, and practices, what they call eye2eye giving, a two-way approach, where every person is both a giver and receiver, with dignity not being compromised by the ‘powerful’ giving to the perceived ‘powerless.’
The HOPE Building Workshop takes participants through a journey of exploring four essential practices for long-term development which will build dignity and agency. The firm underlying belief is that how we see others and how we give has the ability to change our nation. The HOPE building model speaks to giving with Honour rather than pity, with a focus on long-term Outcomes rather than short-term handouts, seeing Potential rather than weakness and lack, and Empowering individuals and communities to solve their own problems and be the hero of their story.
Using compelling stories of impact and transformation, thought-provoking presentations and opportunities for interactive learning, workshop participants are challenged, and new ideas are sparked. It was a day of learning, laughter, tears, and togetherness, ending with new resolve to build hope. “I now want to help others help themselves rather than look to be a hero myself,” said a participant of the HOPE Building Workshop.
With a focus on human rights, ahead of Human Rights Day on 21st March, the ReStory Foundation is passionate about establishing ways of giving in South Africa that build equality, and each person’s own positive power and potential.
“At a critical time in our nation’s history, whilst it is easy and understandable to feel overwhelmed by all that is wrong, we need to start by seeing every person with equal and incredible worth. Change starts with me, and with how I see others,” says Pearson.
“The workshop was a wonderful opportunity for so many who serve others to recalibrate, join hands, and consider fresh ideas and new approaches. It was indeed a HOPE building time,” said another NPO Leader.
To book a HOPE Building Workshop for your team, school or event, or to find out more about how you can engage with the ReStory Foundation, please contact [email protected]
