Computer lab for homeless empowerment launched on Mandela Day

A new computer lab, aimed at empowering the homeless through education and employment assistance, was officially launched on Mandela Day, Friday, July 18.

Shadrick Valayadum, CEO of The Haven Night Shelter, said the Haven Night Shelter Moira Henderson House in Woodstock is the only one among the organisation’s 14 facilities - including an old age home and a frail care centre - to receive a brand-new computer room with fiber internet connectivity.

Mr Valayadum said: “We cannot do what we are doing without the help of our business partners.”

A year ago, The Haven partnered with a local fibre-optic service provider and has since provided a high-speed internet connection with high-speed connectivity to enhance the shelter’s digital capabilities.

Mr Valayadum said: “When we started the dignity project last year, they (the service provider) also supported us by sponsoring a meal - spaghetti bolognese - and we were able to reach 390 people.”

Continuing the initiative, another Dignity project was held on Wednesday, July 16, at the Haven Shelter in District Six, where once again spaghetti bolognese was served. This time, the team managed to reach 976 people.

As part of its corporate social responsibility initiative, the fibre-optic service provider's CSR team - led by Carly-Beth Haydricks, Olwethu Tshiki, and Darren Reddy - repainted the entire space, introduced a new design, and equipped the room with six computers, mousepads, and a printer to support digital learning and job-seeking activities, all within three days.

Ms Haydricks said representatives of the service provider met The Haven about a year ago and “that's when we supported their first dignity project."

Representatives of the service provider also sponsored about 15 social workers, who hosted a curriculum vitae writing course at the Haven Night Shelter in Retreat in May.

“Our partners also hosted a programme called ‘8 Days of Tech’, a series of workshops for students and learners, such as coding and robotics, Canva for Education, D6, SAMS, Google for Education, last year.”

Scott Cunningham, chief operating officer of the fibre service provider, which is known for providing free fibre connectivity to schools and qualifying non-profits, said they are calling on all businesses to support those in need.

“We will challenge businesses to come on board to support The Haven.”

Mr Valayadum said: “Although we are the biggest shelter organisation in the country, our efforts are a drop in the ocean to the huge number of people living rough on the street. The Haven houses just under 1 400 homeless people and has created more than 100 emergency beds to shelter those taking refuge from the stormy weather.” 

Mr Valayadum said The Haven in District 6 hosted a dignity project to reach as many homeless people as possible. More than 3 200 meals were served, 700 dignity packs, 950 blankets, first aid, shaves, and haircuts were all part of the project. Many homeless people were taken into our shelters, and 3 people were unified with families.

“Homeless people are human and need to be treated as such. The project aims to give back dignity to vulnerable people living on the street. This was made possible through partnership with various businesses and organisations working together with a common goal.

“We are grateful to (the service provider) for the amazing computer lab. Homeless clients can now do computer training, CV writing, and job applications."

Allistair Laguma, regional community development specialist for a large bread supplier, said they have been donating 1 200 loaves of bread a week.

“My role is to engage with non-profits, and we have been in  partnership with all the shelters of The Haven for a year and a half.”

Mr Valayadum said: “Our next big project is the building of a 200-bed shelter in Malmesbury. The Haven is in the process of acquiring the land and hopes to start building soon. We hope to get all over 60s who are living on the street, into the shelter and taken care of.”

For more information, or to partner with the shelter, contact Mr Valayadum at 082 381 0384 or email shaddie@haven.org.za