About Heshima Youth Empowerment C.B.O.
Heshima Rescue Centre
The main aim of the Heshima Rescue Centre is to provide temporary shelter and protection for children at risk. The centre works closely with local authorities and communities to ensure that the children receive the best possible care:
Return to family or foster care: when safe and possible, children are returned to their families or suitable foster families.
Long-term solutions: In cases where return is not possible, the centre supports the children to find a long-term perspective, be it through care facilities or other suitable solutions.
Heshima Computer School
This project is not only intended to promote digital education, but also to create a sustainable source of income that will benefit the children of Heshima.
Two young, dedicated IT experts have agreed to set up the computer courses and teach them on a voluntary basis in the initial phase.
Heshima Kindergarten
At Heshima Kindergarten, we create a place where children can find a sense of security, education and prospects. In addition to the so-called rescue children who come to us from difficult circumstances, we also open our doors to needy children from the neighbourhood.
This special mix enables a diverse and inclusive community in which all children can learn from each other and grow together. Our aim is to offer every child the chance of loving support and a stable foundation for the future – regardless of their background or life story.
Heshima Kindergarten stands for hope, cohesion and the conviction that every child is valuable and has the potential to make the world a brighter place.
Heshima Sewing School
The choice to set up a sewing school was a conscious one: the skill of sewing is highly valued in many regions of Africa and offers a realistic income opportunity. For many of the young people staying at the Heshima Rescue Centre, this represents a real prospect of becoming financially independent and expressing their creativity at the same time.
Participants in the sewing school not only learn how to make and repair clothes, but also basic skills in design, fabric science and the operation of sewing machines. The sewing school currently has three sewing machines, which are used intensively. Heshima also produces its own school clothes, which gives the young people a concrete and tangible goal for their work. The lessons are led by an experienced tailor who places great value on practical and individualised learning methods.
In addition to manual skills, the young people also receive training in entrepreneurial thinking. They learn how to market their products and set up their own small business. This knowledge not only gives them the opportunity to generate an income, but also a sense of pride in their own achievements.
Success stories
The sewing school has already produced a number of success stories. Former participants report how they have improved their lives as a result of what they have learnt. Some of them now run their own tailoring businesses or work in local workshops. The change is not only of a financial nature – many young people also gain self-confidence and a positive self-image through their newly acquired skills.