Projects Undertaken
Since inception we have undertaken various projects in line with our goals and objectives.
Heritage Related Projects
Hosting of the elders from Mt Edgecombe & surrounding areas
This is a flagship project that honours our forebears for their sacrifices in establishing a community rich in culture and values. Their commitment to ensure that education is a central pillar in the community can never be forgotten. Every year in December the pioneers of Mt Edgecombe and surrounding areas gather at the Natest Primary School for a day filled with celebration. Fellow workers of the Mt Edgecombe Mill and the sugar plantations gather to reminisce the past, celebrate the year gone by and remember those that have fallen in between. The younger generation play host to these elders by rendering musical items and providing sumptuous meals.
It must be noted that this function is fully funded by various sponsors from the communities and no funds from the organisation is utilised for this function.
Life time achievement awards to community members that have dedicated their life in preservation of the community heritage
Over the years there have been many pioneers in the community that excelled in sports; music and community work. FWBME strives to honour these members at appropriate forums
Education Related Projects
The Natest Primary School 50th Anniversary & Project 101
This was a joint initiative between FWBME & Management of the School to celebrate Natest’s 50th anniversary and in the process to raise funds from ex-students of Natest Primary School and pioneer residents of Mt Edgecombe via Project 101. Funds were used to conduct much needed maintenance to the school and re-open the school library. Natest’s 50th Anniversary was a grand celebration that spread over a number of days.
Bursary to tertiary students
One of the 1st student related project was to assist a UKZN student that had completed her LLB cum laude at UKZN. However, due to her having outstanding fees she was not able to get her official results. FWBME raised funds to pay off the outstanding fees enabling her to register as an articled clerk – thus paving the way for her pursue a dream of becoming an attorney
Natest Primary School Uniform Project
FWBME partners with educators of Natest Primary School to identify students in need of assistance with regards to uniform. FWBME firmly believes that this will assist students in having positive outlook in their studies. It is believed that this will also empower them with confidence. Our current target is to kit 15 students annually. We have in the past collaborated with the Mt Edgecombe Golf Club who provided funding for the kitting of a further 15 students.
Natest Primary School Science & Technology Centre
This is by far the largest project undertaken by FWBME in financial terms. The project entailed the establishment of a modern day fully kitted Science & Technology Centre for the Natest Primary School.
Phase 1 of this project included the installation of desk top PCs; Projector, Printer as well as Local area network (LAN) with all necessary operational software. This project was undertaken jointly with key sponsor Albaraka Bank Limited and several other sponsors.
Natest Primary School Class Room Refurbishment Project
Natest Primary School has been in existence for many decades. It was ascertained that the state of the class rooms are in need of maintenance. The vinyl floors are the same that were installed more than 55 years ago. FWBME piloted the refurbishment of the first classroom. Since then, there has been interest shown from the community to come aboard in refurbishment project. The Mount Edgecombe Golf Club is one such sponsor. FWBME has committed to manage the project on behalf of the sponsor.
Community Upliftment Projects
Direct assistance with relocation of a destitute family.
FWBME assisted a family in dire need to move from a substandard rented premises. This included settling the outstanding rent and finding new premises that was affordable and within acceptable standard.
Contribution to Drug Awareness Programme
FWBME collaborates with organisation that seeks to address the current drug challenges being faced by the community.
FWBME contribution to the above programmes are both cash and kind.
Hamper of Love Programme
This is another mega project that was initiated in 2018 when FWBME saw a need to assist family in desperate need of food. Like every other project undertaken by FWBME, due diligence is of great importance.
In this regard potential families are identified by the Educators of Natest Primary School together with Phoenix & Child Welfare Societies. Applicants are initially screened by the data supplied on the Application Form. The second part of the selection process is an interview that scores each applicant on a Matrix. The points scored during the interview forms the basis of the 3rd leg of the screening which is house visit. These house visits give members of the Hamper Steering Committee insight to the actual plight of applicants.
A final decision in terms of the number of families undertaken in the Programme is dependent on the budget available.
General contributions to: for example Flood Relief and school nutrition programmes, etc.
On an adhoc basis FWBME receives several applications for financial support for flood relief, school nutrition programmes, etc.
Based on the availability of funds we provide support to these requests.
