In the heart of Vrygrond, the Rainbow Roots programme, an initiative designed and led by community-focused individuals and organisations from Muizenberg, Marina da Gama and Vrygrond, is restoring the dignity and self-esteem of young disadvantaged girls by providing life-changing skills.
Muizenberg resident Chad Cupido, a social entrepreneur and the driving force behind the initiative, started this transformative project while on a mission to set up a garden at Where Rainbows Meet Training and Development Foundation.
“The core mission of Rainbow Roots revolves around the focus areas of sanitation, education, entrepreneurship, and the arts. The team firmly believes in the power of these elements to build confidence, encourage self-expression, and equip participants with life-changing skills,” says Cupido.
One of the unique initiatives introduced by the programme is the sanitary drive that recognises the crucial role of sanitation in maintaining dignity and self-esteem, he adds.
“Rainbow Roots is committed to providing young women with essential sanitary items. This initiative, paired with comprehensive education, empowers participants by enhancing their understanding of hygiene, health, and their bodies.”
The programme includes entrepreneurship which is described as “at the heart of the programme” to nurture the business minds of tomorrow.
“Participants are encouraged to think innovatively, solve problems, and build skills that could lead to future business ventures.
“Creativity also plays a critical role in Rainbow Roots. Through various artistic activities, participants are given a platform for self-expression, with the arts serving as a powerful tool for communication, healing, and personal development.”
Cupido says in witnessing the struggles women face, especially with South Africa having the highest rates of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the world, he was “moved to action”.
“This programme aims to provide women with reusable menstrual products, including menstrual cups, period panties, and reusable cloth pads. This is not just about supplying essential sanitary products; it’s also about promoting education, reducing environmental impact, and most importantly, ensuring the dignity of women.”
Cupido acknowledges the need for parallel efforts directed at young boys and has plans in place to launch the Rainbow Roots Boys Project.
“This initiative will aim at engaging with young boys who roam the streets of Muizenberg, providing them with positive engagement, mentoring, and guidance.”
By equipping these girls with essential skills, knowledge, and confidence, they are not just empowering individuals; they are uplifting an entire community, says Cupido.
“With each girl that finds her voice, gains confidence, or learns a new skill, the programme takes one step closer to its vision of a world where every young woman can rise and reach her potential.
“Rainbow Roots is an example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision of empowerment and change.”
Fatiema Asvat, a youth leader from the Where Rainbows Meet Training and Development Foundation, says around 30 girls, from the ages of 11 to 18, are participating in the programme.
“We do performing arts in the community that helps to uplift the youth. We also mentor the group.
“We offer dancing, poetry, and drama and assist the youth to ensure they are in school and stay off the street. We also support their basic needs, such as providing sanitary products or a bath, and it is hard because we are a non-profit organisation and don’t always have the funds.
“If one of our members starts menstruating and doesn’t have sanitary towels, they don’t come to the programme. We want to be a home away from home, where they can come to us and feel comfortable to tell us, for example, that their mother has passed out on drugs.
Samantha Morris, the youth coordinator who teaches drama and dance, says the programme has a positive impact on the youth.
“I am very passionate about drama and giving life skills to youth because we need to ensure that they are safe and are equipped with knowledge.”
