The Gem Project also runs other in-house pilot and special projects based on the identified needs of our beneficiaries.

Gem beneficiary’s parents support and positive parenting programme

This programme provides empowerment support and parenting coaching to mothers of the Gem Junior beneficiaries. The Gem Project runs a personal empowerment programme which helps the Gem beneficiary’s mothers to acquire basic skills in housekeeping and cooking. This provides them with general skills and experiential work experience which assists them to access employment as domestic workers, housekeepers/general cleaners, kitchen assistants and cooks.

The Gem Project Agri – Rehab Programme

The Gem Youth Academy is a zero-tolerant drug free school. Due to the high increase in substance abuse amongst youth, the Gem Project introduced in 2019 an in-house pilot substance recovery participant-driven support programme. As the Gem Project is not a drug rehabilitation center it is therefore not a formal drug rehabilitation programme.

The Agri-Rehab programme model combines nature and agriculture to assist in the drug recovery process. All activities aim to assist the detoxification and rehabilitation process within a specific period. The approach combines physical labor (gardening), provision of good nutrition (healthy eating), drug recover counselling, life skills and psycho-social wellness support to detox the mind and body. Once the learner is drug-free, the learner is given an opportunity to be re-evaluated and considered for admission to the Youth Academy programme.

The Gem Nomazulu’ Project

This is a pilot programme for learners with extreme cognitive, academic and learning disabilities.  These learners would not be able to complete the formal Adult Education and Training Programme offered by the Gem Youth Academy. The pilot program is offered to young women and provide a range of learning interventions to mentor and prepare them for the world of work. The training equips them to access low-skilled entry level jobs in the cleaning services and hospitality sector. The programme is offered at elementary level through practical exercises, role play, simulations and oral presentations.

The Gem ‘Save a pet’ and ‘Dog-therapy’ programme

Over the years the Gem has adopted stray dogs who have become part of the ‘Gem Family’. Dogs are ‘a man’s best friend’.  All learners assist in the daily walking, feeding and grooming the dogs. Daily interaction with the dogs serves as therapy and allows them to also develop caring skills which helps their emotional and social development.

The Gem Outdoor and Nature-based Activities

We focus on the physical wellbeing of our beneficiaries through by offering a range of extra-mural, recreational and sports activities. We use arts, sports and nature to instill positive thinking. This also assists in the behaviour modification of our beneficiaries.

The Gem Project facility provides the perfect place for outdoor and nature-based learning. A variety of nature-based learning programmes are offered to encourage free play and promote environmental awareness. Programmes includes hiking trails; camps; soccer; swimming; cricket; netball and dancing.