Beacon NPO
Beacon NPO is a non-profit organization that advocates for individuals affected by poverty. We initiate and support meaningful projects in selected communities in Cape Town. Our approach follows the “helping people help themselves” model, aiming to bring about sustainable and positive changes in the quality of life for children, youth, families, and community residents.
Beacon NPO was founded in late 2022 in South Africa.
Department of Social Development
About us
Fadri Camenisch 10.08.1999
Fadri Camenisch
In 2019, I successfully completed an apprenticeship in retail. Following that, I embarked on a language stay in Cape Town. During those three months, I came to appreciate and love the city and its magnificent surrounding landscapes. Of course, the contrast between wealth and poverty in this city is evident and palpable on a daily basis. While attending school, I got to know Kaashiefa Baderoen, who worked as a caregiver for the students. Through her, I also became acquainted with the other side of Cape Town. It became clear to me that, as a privileged individual, I wanted to make a small contribution to improving the daily lives of some people who find themselves on the fringes of society. Together with Kaashiefa, I decided to establish a non-profit organization (NPO)
Kaashiefa Baderoen 06.12.1974
Kaashiefa Baderoen
I grew up in Cape Town and worked as a caregiver for students at the EC School. In addition, I run a catering business and help students find suitable host families. I currently reside in Kensington and have three adult children. I have always wanted to be involved in the community and give something back. Being born and raised in Cape Town, I have many contacts with different people in the area and understand how the authorities operate. This allows me to contribute valuable insights to the work of Beacon NPO.
Current Projects
Hout Bay
Currently, we are focused on an area in the greater Cape Town area: Hout Bay. Hout Bay is a suburb of Cape Town known for its fishing and tourism. Within the neighborhood named Imizamo Yethu (IY), which is approximately 25 times smaller than Hout Bay, around 50% of the suburb’s population resides. Imizamo Yethu is a township where various nationals from southern and eastern Africa live, many of them illegally. Over 50% of the population is between 15 and 20 years old, and unemployment rates are high. Consequently, there are numerous challenges, including gang activity, lack of prospects, substance abuse, and prostitution.
In collaboration with the non-profit organization Sakhisizwe (www.sakhisizweydp.com), which provides after-school programs for children and youth aged 13-25 in the IY township, we are supporting two selected projects:
Football Project
Sakhisizwe already offers the opportunity for children to play football on a small field in IY. Two teams have been formed with approximately 30 children, who receive training twice a week. Due to limited financial resources, the teams have been unable to participate in matches due to a lack of basic equipment, such as football boots, team kits, and shin guards. Additionally, the high transportation costs to the respective venues could not be covered. With our donated funds, we aim to provide the children with the proper equipment to participate in matches outside of their familiar environment.
Music Project
Sakhisizwe offers a music program for children and youth in the adjacent school. Guitar, marimba, keyboard, and drum lessons are provided four days a week. Additionally, a small music studio allows for recording beats, vocals, and more.
Beacon aims to provide sustainable financial support to this project, enabling an annual concert where participants can showcase what they have learned to their parents and loved ones.
Upcoming Projects
Parkwood: Approximately 3000-4000 people reside in Parkwood, which is a Coloured community in the Cape Flats. The residents predominantly have ancestral roots in India or Indonesia and arrived in South Africa during the colonial period. The unemployment rate in Parkwood exceeds 70%. Consequently, the community faces issues such as crime, lack of prospects, and substance abuse. The community organization was founded by a young man named Max, who grew up in Parkwood. He has an intimate understanding of the needs of the impoverished community. Max is an essential partner for our project. Our initial objective is to advocate for the children and youth in the neighborhood. We aim to create a safe place—a protected environment where young people can retreat to. It will be a child-friendly space that provides them with a sense of security.
