The Topsy Foundation |
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| The Topsy Foundation was conceptualised and founded in
2000 by Duke Kaufman, Silja Elena and Doug Maritz. The mission of the Topsy Foundation is fulfilled using interrelated programmes, which operate together to help prevent HIV and AIDS and alleviate its consequences. The programmes operate a number of related projects. Frequently, the activities done in one project fulfil the mandates of more than one programme. It is precisely this 'web' of intervention that is helping to bring social, economic and physical change - within the communities that Topsy serves. Topsy seeks to address the effects of HIV and AIDS by intervening in the lives of individuals infected and affected by HIV and AIDS, as well as addressing the plight of affected children, by attending to their basic needs. The Prince Albert Gallery sells Topsy brooches to support them in their work. The Shukushukuma (meaning "Busy Hands") Beadwork project forms part of our Skills Training Programme. In this project, local women are taught different beading techniques needed to make designs incorporating the traditional and the modern. Christine Fischer, a well-known Johannesburg artist,
manages the beadwork project, focusing not only on the training of the
women, but also imparting essential knowledge pertaining to the whole
project. This includes guiding the women through the production process
and understanding the associated costing and marketing, in a drive
towards entrepreneurial independence for the women. Each beader is her
own business entity, and a high regard for quality and craftsmanship
remains pivotal. |
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