What is Jabulani? The Jabulani Self-Help Centre is located in Mariannhill, KwaZulu Natal and provides help through self-help projects and support. Jabulani serves the disadvantaged women and their children, who live in the townships surrounding Mariannhill. The centre was founded in 1988 by sister Marco Gneis with the help of the Missionaries of Marianhill, who have been running the project since
then. The structure of the Jabulani-Centre is similar to an African village. There are recreation rooms, a hall, and other buildings used for particular activities. At the moment more than 120 women and up to 300 children are assited and cared for in the project. Jabulani is a Non-Profit Organization (NPO) as well as a Public Benefit Organization (PBO) and a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). The centre is funded almost solely through donations and only to a small amount through the sales of articles made at the Centre. What are the aims and principles of Jabulani? Jabulani aims to give those women a chance, who would otherwise be forgotten by society. The Jabulani Centre provides a place where the women and children can feel save, use their existing skills and learne new ones. All who are in need are accepted-regardless of their religion or tribe. The motto of Jabulani is:
“Working together in a protected environment, gaining experience, and sharing joy and sorrow.”
Within the Centre they can receive Social, Medical and Spiritual help. Through Jabulani it is hoped that the women will learn to love life again, and find ways to help themselves or provide help for others. “Jabulani” is a word from the African IsiZulu language and means:
“be happy, be joyful”
