Hands of Hope

Initiative

The project was initiated & led by Hansie Elcock for many years, who through working with ladies inside the prison realised the difficulty ex-offenders faced when trying to get employment. She was instrumental in starting this job-creation initiative to help break the cycle of crime. Hansie's long season came to end in 2024 from where Tania has taken the role of project supervisor.

Problem

On leaving prison, ex-offenders face the daunting process of trying to regain the trust of family and to convince employers to give them a chance. Often, this proves to be insurmountable.

Solution

Having a job (or some work experience) gives people a sense of self worth and purpose. Conversely, unemployment leads to repeat offending and hopelessness.

Meet the ladies

The Hands of Hope project started in January 2012 with four ladies on parole from Pollsmoor Prison. At the end of 2013 there were six participants and an additional two ladies who were trained on the project found employment elsewhere. Some of the original ladies are still working at Hands of Hope, others have come, gained the skills and work experience and have moved on.

“The skills, support and encouragement ladies receive on joining the project has proved to be life-changing and transformational.”