The Denim Recycling Project was initiated in 2011 by SOS Children’s Village Port Elizabeth. It aims to empower women from the SOS Family Strengthening Programme and the community at large. Donated denim items of clothing are recycled/re-purposed into items uniquely created with lots of love. These pretty and practical household and fashion items are sold to generate an income for the women and their families. The women involved in these income-generating programmes are usually single parents, grandmothers or older siblings who are heading households.

Our Family Strengthening Programme (FSP) aims to provide dependent children, who are at risk of losing the care of their families, with the support that builds the capacity of their caregivers and assists them to grow in a safe family environment. We collaborate with local authorities and other service providers to empower families and communities to effectively protect and care for their children.

Our interventions aim to encourage participants, with support and resources, to generate an income to better care for their families. We believe in a partnership where a dependency mentality is not created and all participants’ dignity remains intact.