ABOUT US
Background and Mandate of Buntuism - Transforming Human Rights and Community Development Organisation (BTHRCDO)
Buntuism – Transforming Human Rights and Community Development Organisation (BTHRCDO) was established by a group of development practitioners united by a shared passion for advocacy and community development. Registered as a Non-Profit Organization on July 28, 2020, BTHRCDO operates in diverse areas aimed at improving community resilience and well-being. These include climate change and environmental justice, educational support psychosocial and emotional support, mental health awareness, HIV/AIDS and life skills education, nutritional assistance, and income generation or livelihood projects. The organization also advocates for the rights of vulnerable groups, including children, youth, and women.
BTHRCDO’s interventions are designed to address the physical, intellectual, social, and emotional needs of communities. Its mandate is to enhance the social well-being of individuals and reduce dependency by equipping societies with critical skills, creating opportunities, and empowering women, youth, and vulnerable children to achieve improved living standards.
The organization focuses on delivering essential social services and providing vital information to marginalized communities with limited access to basic necessities. By addressing key issues such as crime, poverty, mental health challenges, and gender-based violence, BTHRCDO seeks to foster sustainable community development in Southern Africa. As a women-led initiative, the organization is deeply committed to promoting gender equality and uplifting underserved populations.
Vision
To foster empowered, resilient communities that uphold human rights, equality, and social justice, where individuals of all backgrounds have access to resources that enhance mental well-being, education, and socio-economic opportunities.
Mission
Buntusim Transforming Human Rights and Community Development (BTHRCD) is committed to advancing human rights, mental health literacy, and sustainable community development. We aim to build stronger communities by providing educational resources, promoting mental health awareness, climate change awareness, environmental justice and championing initiatives that support the socio-economic empowerment of vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and children.
Core Values
Human Dignity – we advocate for respect and dignity for all individuals, ensuring that everyone’s rights are upheld and that voices are heard and valued.
Mental health advocacy- we prioritise mental health as a core component of hums well-being, addressing stigma, promoting awareness and supporting mental health access.
Integrity and Accountability – we operate with honesty, transparency, and responsibility to build trust with communities we serve and all stakeholders involved.
Inclusivity and Diversity – we embrace diverse perspectives and ensure that programs are inclusive of all backgrounds, cultures and identities, fostering unity and mutual respect.
Community led development – we support initiatives that are driven by the needs and input of the community, ensuring that solutions are relevant and sustainable.
Compassion and empathy – we demonstrate genuine care, understand, and support those facing social and mental health challenges, promoting a safe and nurturing environment.
Education and Awareness – we prioritise education as a tool for transformation, with a special focus on mental health literacy, human rights, and community development to foster informed and resilient individuals.
Advocacy for Social Justice- actively working to address inequalities and support policies and practices that promote fairness, equity, and Justice for all.
Collaboration and partnership – building strategic partnerships with like- minded organisation’s, stakeholders, and communities to amplify impact and achieve shared goals.
Empowerment- we are committed to empowering individuals, especially women, youths, and children, through mental health literacy, knowledge, and skills to create positive change in their lives and communities.
Mental health advocacy- we prioritise mental health as a core component of human well-being, addressing stigma, promoting awareness and supporting mental health access.
PURPOSE
1. Promote Human Rights Awareness: Educate and empower communities by increasing awareness of human rights and advocating for the protection and respect of these rights, particularly among marginalized groups.
2. Community Development Initiatives: Support sustainable community development by implementing programs that enhance access to education, health services, and economic opportunities, aiming to improve quality of life for individuals and families.
3. Empowerment through Mental Health Literacy: Address mental health challenges by providing resources, education, and support for mental health literacy. Focus on helping individuals, especially women, youth, and children, to understand mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote well-being within their communities.
4. Youth and Women Empowerment Programs: Develop and implement programs to empower youth and women through skills training, education, and leadership development, fostering self-reliance and enhancing their social and economic participation.
5. Child Rights and Protection: Advocate for the rights of children, ensuring they have access to education, protection from abuse, and opportunities for holistic development. Offer support services and educational programs to create safe and nurturing environments for children.
6. Legal Aid and Advocacy: Provide legal support and resources for individuals facing injustices, working with community members to understand and access their legal rights. Engage in advocacy efforts to address systemic issues affecting human rights in the community.
7. Health Awareness and Support Services: Promote health awareness and provide access to essential health resources and information, focusing on preventive healthcare, reproductive health, and support for those with chronic health conditions.
8. Community Outreach and Collaboration: Build partnerships with other organizations, governmental bodies, and community leaders to enhance the impact of human rights and development efforts.
Objectives for Buntusim Transforming Human Rights and Community Development NPO
1. Promote and Protect Human Rights
Advocate for and protect the fundamental rights of marginalized and underserved communities, emphasizing justice, equity, and human dignity. Provide education on legal rights and access to resources that support the empowerment of vulnerable groups.
2. Empowerment Through Mental Health Literacy
Raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote mental health literacy among women, youth, and children. Equip these groups with tools to recognize, address, and manage mental health challenges, fostering a more resilient and supportive community.
3. Support Socio-Economic Development
Initiate and support programs aimed at socio-economic empowerment, such as skill-building workshops, micro-finance opportunities, and career development support to uplift individuals from poverty and dependence.
4. Education and Skill Development
Provide educational resources and support for youth and adults, focusing on both formal education and skill-based training. Offer programs to enhance literacy, leadership, and vocational skills, enabling community members to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
5. Gender Equality and Women’s Rights
Champion the rights of women and girls through targeted initiatives that address gender-based violence, promote equal opportunities, and create safe spaces for women to voice concerns and access support services.
6. Youth Engagement and Development
Create programs that engage youth in positive activities, instilling values of responsibility, leadership, and civic duty. Support youth involvement in community projects and provide mentorship to foster future leaders.
7. Community Health and Well-Being
Develop initiatives that promote physical and mental health, providing resources, education, and support to improve overall community well-being. Facilitate access to healthcare services and awareness programs to enhance quality of life.
8. Advocacy and Policy Influence
Act as a voice for the community in advocating for policies that protect human rights, improve mental health support, and promote community development. Collaborate with government bodies, other NGOs, and international organizations to influence change at all levels.
9. Environmental Sustainability and Community Development
Encourage sustainable development practices that protect the environment while supporting the community’s long-term needs. Engage the community in conservation activities, resource management, and sustainable agriculture.
10. Foster Social Cohesion and Inclusivity
Promote unity and understanding among diverse groups within the community. Create programs and events that celebrate diversity, reduce discrimination, and encourage inclusion across all societal divides.