Through our efforts, we have been able to bring moments of joy, emotional wellness, and support to individuals in communities, hospitals, homes, and schools.
Over the past 20 years, our biggest challenge has been cash flow. However, we have persevered, learned, and grown our joy toolbox. The UP methodology has been successfully implemented across all our outreach areas, utilizing creative arts to enhance sharing, playing, and learning. We recognize that food security is a critical challenge in South Africa, and we are actively forming partnerships with key stakeholders to uplift emotions and promote grassroots food security.
We believe that by uplifting emotions, we can inspire individuals to become active citizens and scale up joy in their communities through co-created food gardens. Our impact over the past 20 years is a testament to our commitment to emotional well-being and the transformative power of joy. As we expand our reach, we remain dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities throughout South Africa.
Training and developing Joy Facilitators have been instrumental in our success. With an enhanced “Joy toolbox” and curriculum, we have observed the ease in which these tools are received and utilized to sustain emotional wellness. We have trained over 800 Joy Facilitators who play a crucial role in delivering our programs and spreading joy to those who need it the most. These passionate individuals possess the skills and knowledge to create meaningful and transformative experiences for our beneficiaries and communities.
Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our work at The UP supports 10 out of the 17 SDGs. By aligning our efforts with these goals, we aim to uplift morale, support food security, and contribute to a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable future for all.