By: Khethukuthula Lembethe

Hope 2 Educate together with the Jes Forde Foundation will open two new crises centres in two of Mayville’s police stations this year.

Hope 2 Educate is a non-profit organisation providing lifestyle and HIV/AIDS education through its peer education program into four schools in the Cato Manor area and the Jes Forde Foundation was formed by rape survivor Jes Forde.

Her vision and mission is to create centres that will assist in reducing the debilitating effects that rape has on the lives of rape survivors and their families.

Emotional support will be provided through counselling with the intention of empowering all those affected by rape. It also educates and raises awareness in the community on issues of rape.

“I formed the Foundation to help restore lives after rape by way of a number of initiatives and activities designed to change rape victims into rape survivors. I want to educate people and help them realise that there is life after rape,” said Forde.

The relationship between the Jes Forde Foundation and Hope 2 Educate began early this year, with their combined passion for assisting rape victims; the idea of the crises center was born.

One of the police stations where the crises centers will be opened. Picture by: Khethukuthula Lembethe.

The rape crises centres will offer immediate health care for rape victims, women and children.

“Victims will be seen at first hand, which eliminates long waiting periods and they will be assisted and all the necessary checkups will be done at the police station,” said Hope 2 Educate CEO Siyabonga Nzimande.

Hope 2 Educate plans to have the official launch and opening of the centres at the beginning of June.