Uthando Project Inc

Uthando Project Inc "Touching hearts and bringing play to life" - Handmade dolls for the children of KwaZulu-Natal Uthando is the isiZulu word for love.

KwaZulu Natal (KZN) is home to one quarter of South Africa’s children. Two in every three of them live in poverty and 1.5 million are younger than six. The HIV and AIDS pandemic affects everyone, and the ravages of the pandemic increase the vulnerability of all children. Children need the loving care of at least one adult for optimal growth and development. When one in five children has already lo

st one or both parents to the AIDS, the care-giving capacity of families is stretched and at times overwhelmed. While nutritious food, clean water, shelter and education are essential for a child’s wellbeing, so is play. Play enables children to develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially and spiritually in a more robust way. Through play children have the opportunity to experience delight and to unleash their imagination. They may also express their grief and loss, and come to better understand things that trouble or confuse them. One grandmother may have up to a dozen children in her care, and some children live in child-headed households. Tired, grieving and overburdened caregivers sometimes need help to find a place in their day to day lives to support and join in their children’s play. To support this process, dollmakers around the world, provide handmade dolls, sewn or knitted, for the caregivers to give their children. To support caregivers and their children in discovering the joys and the richness of play, Uthando Project distributes dolls in KwaZulu-Natal.

Another way in which Uthando Project Dolls are distributed and used by partner organisation Family Literacy Project.
13/06/2026

Another way in which Uthando Project Dolls are distributed and used by partner organisation Family Literacy Project.

The gift of literacy starts in the home. 🏡

Our delightful Home Visiting program, “Khulisa Abantwana” equips members of the Adult Groups with special skills to share with neighbours where there are toddlers. Carrying a bag of educational toys and attractive story books, the Adult Group member sits on the floor with the children and follows a pre-planned program, engaging with everyone in the household. Overburdened, often reluctant grandmothers gradually begin to see the value of spending focused time with their toddlers. They themselves are energized and encouraged by the home visit. Over the weeks a series of topics are covered and with great sensitivity the home environment is improved with regard to safety and the well-being of the children who live there. This is just one way that the love and value of reading is spread in the community, and children who are isolated are prepared for school with social and intellectual skills.

Hello Friends, Our Sorrento (Perth) group is holding their monthly meeting next Sunday, June 7th, 2026Location: Alexande...
30/05/2026

Hello Friends,

Our Sorrento (Perth) group is holding their monthly meeting next Sunday, June 7th, 2026
Location: Alexander Park Craft House, Clyde Street, Menora. (next to Alexander Park Tennis Club).
Time : 1.30 - 4pm.
Our special guest is Iris Whitelock, long time supporter and doll maker - Iris is in our book. We will hear about her recent trip to Ethiopia to learn more about the Hamelin Foundation, providing many services to women who have Fistula from obstructed birthing. Stories of the 2 Australian obstetricians who began the work, and the staff who continue it, and the women whose lives are changed by the services, are inspiring.
All welcome, bring your friends and join us for great afternoon, including doll making. Afternoon tea offerings to share appreciated. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Go well Friends

Hello Friends,Thankyou to Lynne T, Di Sharyn, Suzanne and Margaret for lovely morning at ARCC in Forrestfield, our head...
29/05/2026

Hello Friends,
Thankyou to Lynne T, Di Sharyn, Suzanne and Margaret for lovely morning at ARCC in Forrestfield, our headquarters. We had the joy of opening Robyn's post pack from Queensland, and chatting with Sharyn about her dolls and team work with Julie D (NSW) to finish off dolls together. Marlane (WA) posted 2 boxes of clothes which we also loved to see. Wonderful creative ladies. Thankyou so much xx

UPDATE: The books will be stocked at our Forrestfield Headquarters from next Friday 12th June, 2026. We had hoped to ha...
29/05/2026

UPDATE: The books will be stocked at our Forrestfield Headquarters from next Friday 12th June, 2026. We had hoped to have them there this week - apologies for any inconvenience.

Uthando Project is delighted to announce that, with a collaborative effort by our founder Georgia Efford and author Clare Harris, a very special book "A Garden in Gooseberry Hill", is now available for sale.

The book may be useful to anyone with diminished memory or sight or expression. The whole book has all the spreads designed with large print text on the left and a related full page photo on right. Within the text are questions and "memory awakener" words or phrases which could encourage deeper conversations between reader and listener when the listener finds reading difficult.

Our Uthando dolls stimulate play and expression, the book stimulates memory and conversation. Both deepen relationships.

As global events continue to impact shipping and other costs, we are very grateful to Georgia and Clare for their generous efforts in producing this book to assist Uthando Project raise additional funds.

Books are available through our online shop for $25.10 (postage included). Posting to Australia only.

https://shop.uthandoproject.org/

Copies may also be purchased directly from Headquarters, or from a few Group leaders and Board members for $20 each. Please contact us for further details of in person sales, bulk sales to libraries or other organisations that may find the book useful.

Each book sold will cover the cost of shipping (3) dolls to the children in KwaZulu Natal.

Fridays at Forrestfield Headquarters are a joy. The work of making and dressing dolls shared to produce these beauties! ...
22/05/2026

Fridays at Forrestfield Headquarters are a joy. The work of making and dressing dolls shared to produce these beauties! And the occasional visitor dropping by to pick up supplies. The kettle is always on - drop in and visit any Friday if you would like to find out more or consider joining our Project.
Fridays 10am - 2pm.
Anderson Road Community Centre,
24 Anderson Road, Forrestfield WA

Thankyou to Suzanne Emma and Jen who visited Toodyay on Sunday to make dolls at Cheryl's Craft Emporium. Sitting out th...
18/05/2026

Thankyou to Suzanne Emma and Jen who visited Toodyay on Sunday to make dolls at Cheryl's Craft Emporium. Sitting out the front under the porch in nice weather, our friends were able to chat with customers while sewing, and encourage doll making. Cheryl sells Uthando products at cost in her shop and we appreciate very much her contagious enthusiasm for Uthando Project.
So when you are wondering where to go for nice drive sometime, pop in on Cheryl and say hi. Toodyay is a lovely visit.

Thankyou to the people from South Africa ( I'm assuming) who have commented on our Uthando Doll, and requesting informat...
18/05/2026

Thankyou to the people from South Africa ( I'm assuming) who have commented on our Uthando Doll, and requesting information. These dolls are made by our doll making groups and individuals across Australia, and posted from our headquarters in Perth, Western Australia. Our partner organisations in SA use the dolls in their programs, including staff development and training. So for more local information and opportunities, please contact TREE-ecd (Durban) Dlalanathi: play with us (Pietermaritzburg) or Family Literacy (Underburg). Good luck to you all in your important work with children and families

17/05/2026

CANCELLATION.

Apologies for not publishing this earlier but Headquarters was unable to open today as it has on the third Sunday of each month previously. We should be able to open on June 21st but will post here to confirm that closer to the time.

Send a message to learn more

Thanks TREE-ecd for sharing these images! Wonderful to know how the dolls are used in play.
07/05/2026

Thanks TREE-ecd for sharing these images! Wonderful to know how the dolls are used in play.

Hello FriendsJust finished 4 doll making sessions with wonderful Mrs L and terrific Yr 11 students at Greenwood College....
05/05/2026

Hello Friends
Just finished 4 doll making sessions with wonderful Mrs L and terrific Yr 11 students at Greenwood College. I am very impressed with their effort, persistence and enthusiasm. One young lady shouted her happy hello and I shouted back, momentarily forgetting I'm 68! Was great fun and the dolls will be lovely, nearly finished. Thankyou ladies, I enjoyed making dolls with you

Address

24 Anderson Road
Forrestfield, WA
6058

Opening Hours

Monday 1pm - 3pm
Friday 10am - 12pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Uthando Project Inc posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category