INTRODUCTION
The University of Pretoria, Medical Faculty, student community support initiative Project JJ (Jeans and Jerseys) was initiated with the aim to help underprivileged people in the community. The organization has now grown into a large group of passionate students who help hundreds of people every year. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Project JJ is an outreach society that aims solely to satisfy the needs of each home. We facilitate physical, psychological and social support when necessary that is very specific and unique to each home. We are project based and have both long term projects and short projects that run throughout the year, both nationally and internationally. ORGANISATION Project JJ is run by the students of the University of Pretoria, and has the support of many staff members. The organizing committee is comprised of executive members (including a Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer etc.) and subcommittee members. Other students are welcome to support and register as normal members. As we are an official society, the University of Pretoria has given us the opportunity to run as a proper organization, and as our accounts strictly audited to prevent any misuse of funds, this allows us to accept public funds. HISTORY AND ACHIEVEMENTS Project JJ is an official student society, and has been registered since 2009. Prior to that, it ran informally by a group of students since 2006. Project JJ has made substantial differences to many of the homes it has been involved with. Over the past few years we have had numerous interactive projects and have collected and distributed clothes, food, medical supplies, appliances, electricity, paint, gas, showers, toilets, toiletries, and stationery to homes both nationally and internationally when needed. Additionally we implemented an infrastructure which comprised of assisting in the building of and refurbishing a children's home, creche, library and Pediatric ward. Both psychological and social support has been provided in a variety of forms such as education, tutoring, healthcare seminars, support and counselling by the medical students. LONG TERM PROJECTS These projects have been decisively selected to run from year to year as they cater to assist destitute homes in desperate need for aid. They require help in all aspects i.e. physically, psychologically and socially and have been aided by us for years. Our long term projects include Crossroads Shelter, Tshwaraganang Community Outreach, Kalafong Hospital and Thuto Ke Lesedi Day Care Centre, in and around Pretoria. SHORT TERM PROJECTS These projects are focused on more social and psychological support. They include the Bergville community builders, Rural health club’s gardening project, and Westford Community Outreach. |