Bishop Simeon Trust

Our history is rooted in resistance to the brutality of Apartheid. We are inspired by the late Bishop Simeon Nkoane and his vision of a South Africa where young people were protected and equipped to lead. We believe that people working together can overcome the problems they face in powerful ways. We don’t pretend that this is easy, but we know that people can demonstrate incredible resourcefulness, innovation, compassion and dignity in the face of great challenges. We help local communities in South Africa to establish independent ‘Safe Parks’ where children can access counselling, advice, a daily meal, build leadership skills and make the most of their potential. This support helps them to face challenges in their lives and remove those obstacles that prevent them from accessing education, health services and the support they need to be safe and build a good life for themselves and their children. We also help them to set up Youth Committees using creative arts to build leadership, citizenship and greater confidence, so that children's voices are heard by those whose decisions affect their lives. We believe that all children have the right to achieve their potential in life and by so doing build a better South Africa.