Physical Address:21 Price Street, Newclare, 2093

Email: info@conquest.org.za

General Information: info@conquest.org.za

Contact Person: Glen Steyn

Telephone: +27 11 473 1651

Facsimile: +27 86 688 9303

REGISTRATION DETAILS
1. Association not for Gain - # 1996/00027/08
2. Not for Profit Organisation - # 005-415
3. Public Benefits Organization - #RG/0243/08/04
4. Section 18A Status - # 930 003 994

MISSION STATEMENT

"To be a self-sustaining youth organisation, run by young people, empowered to become agents of change by developing their identity, self worth, and a sense of community."

OBJECTIVES

Developing a Sense of Self Young people in South Africa need time, space and a safe environment in which to pursue alternatives to their current lifestyles. Conquest For Life has created and established this environment through a number of projects which give young people a variety of opportunities to redefine themselves from a minus to a plus; a failure to success and from a nobody to somebody.

Strengthening Family Structures One of the main problems in the townships is the lack of family values and poor family structures and environments. Single parent families headed by the mother are common, leaving young men without positive male role models. For every project Conquest For Life has incorporated a family/parent component (e.g. workshops, computer courses, volunteering) as a way of addressing this problem.

Strengthening Community Structures Conquest For Life is attempting to open up and strengthen dialogue between the child/young person, parent, community institutions (e.g. schools, community centres) and the wider community to ensure a holistic and sustainable approach to addressing community concerns.

Youth Development & Empowerment

The majority of staff came to Conquest For Life through participating in youth camps or after school activities and are therefore well placed to relate to other beneficiaries.

History of Conquest for Life

Conquest For Life was established in 1995 in Westbury, a township 8km west of Johannesburg. A group of young people came together to initiate innovate approaches to complex problems facing their community and, in doing so, make a difference in the lives of their family and friends. The Organisation has expanded its Westbury facilities by opening four new branches in other disadvantaged communities, i.e., the communities of Soweto, Ennerdale, Orange Farm and Platfontein in the Northern Cape. These dynamic communities have been crippled after many years of apartheid, discrimination, and poverty. It is evident that although the young people of these varied communities represent different cultural backgrounds, the disparities are prevalent cross-culturally. Many have not had positive relationships with productive, supportive role models.

They lack the exposure and the vision to believe that positive change can happen in their lives. Many fall prey to a life of crime or to a generational cycle of poverty and despondency. Anger and frustration are released anti-socially through random acts of violence, gang affiliation, crime, drug, and alcohol abuse. Many of the young people have difficulty adjusting to school and drop out before matriculation. As a result they lack the life skills needed to adjust to structured environments and to develop positive relationships.

Conquest For Life aims to empower the youth through a myriad of programs designed to produce a safe and structured environment in which the youth can realize their potential and have access to the life skills needed to enrich their lives. Our target group includes unemployed, out of school youth, youth in conflict with the law, parents, and people in the community interested in mentoring. Conquest For Life started in a dynamic, predominantly coloured community, it is characterized by an unemployment rate of over 80%, a very high school dropout rate, extreme family stress, poverty, very limited recreational facilities and substance abuse. The following is a reflection of most of the townships in South Africa. The severe lack of extra-curricular and recreational activities, mean that children and young people spend a lot of time on the streets 'bloming' (loafing/hanging around) or sitting in crammed flats.

The youth form the largest percentage with 40% of the population being younger than 18 years (1996 Census data). Living conditions are poor and even worse in the informal settlements with very high residential densities. Housing is basic with many people staying in self-constructed dwelling units made from corrugated iron, wood or clay, with very few brick houses visible. Due to the remoteness of the area, income levels are very low and indicative of the high levels of poverty and dependency rate within the community. 50% of the population have no income and approximately 62% earn less than R1, 500 per month.

This indicates that the majority of people live below breadline. Most people are employed in elementary occupations or as craft and trade related workers, which is also indicative of the low levels of education and skills development Despite representing South Africa's present and future, children and young people also feel helpless in coping with the complex issues faced in their communities. They have few options other than a life of gangsterism and drugs (through dealing and substance abuse).

Conquest For Life believes that 'bad kids' are not born they are made, which means they can remade. As violence, bad manners and gangsterism are learned; so can good self-presentation, love and peaceful ways of resolving conflict.

Successes of Conquest For Life:

In October 1995 in Westbury, a group of young people came together to initiate innovative approaches to complex problems facing their community and, in doing so, to make a difference in the lives of their friends, families, neighbours and community members. This was achieved through outreach to schools (including placing members of the community in primary and high schools in response to the school crisis) and running a range of after-school activities.

In 1996, Conquest For Life moved into their local offices in Newclare. Community links were strengthened and validated by a community survey in April 1997. The survey secured grassroots participation in identifying problems, decision-making and project design. The results of the survey illustrated that Conquest For Life had gained the respect and encouragement of the community, which provided the impetus to roll out activities such as youth at risk camps, youth enrichment work and facilitating peace processes.

During 1998 Conquest For Life moved to new larger premises in Price Street and since then, has been able to develop a computer-training centre, victim offender conferencing and counselling work. In 1999 an independent evaluation was conducted on the impact of the In and Out Youth Development Project - Youth At Risk to see the impact of the project. During the evaluation it was clear to that the YAR Project is having a profound impact on the young people at risk.

In 2000 'Dreamlands' in De-Deur-Vereenigeng was bought. This farm has being developed as a residential centre. In addition, McKinsey International produced a feasibility study on the replication of the Conquest For Life model of working with youth at risk. In 2001 Conquest For Life signed an offer to purchase its current Head Office building. The organisation further expanded its work to the San People in Platfontein, Northern Cape. Positive relations were forged with the youth. An office is currently managed by the youth from that community.

During 2002 Conquest For Life opened an office in Ennerdale and runs four projects in that area. The same year CFL formed a partnership with the Johannesburg City Council Region 11 and acquires bigger premises in Ennerdale. Plans for the Soweto office was already on the way since 2002 but in 2003 Conquest For Life opened its offices at the Bridgement Center in Zola. From the centre CFL ran three projects. During the same year CFL have also applied with SARS for approval in terms of section 10 and 18A. In the same year Conquest For Life paid of it's Head Office and bought a house in Creswill Park, Roodepoort to accommodate it's ever growing International Volunteers.

During 2004, CFL moved to a bigger space in Meadowlands, Soweto. Plans are also under way to open another office in Soweto. Late the same year we opened another office in Orange and there are only four projects that are being run in Orange Farm. Conquest For Life is also in the process of looking at the East Rand and we in the process of developing a plan for 2010. During Human Rights month, CFL launched its Reathusana Child Youth Justice Project where we work with over 1500 young people in Prison. In the same year CFL received approval from SARS as a public Benefits Organisation and it has Section 18A status. Conquest For Life started the proceedings to transfer the Head Office onto its name.

In 2005 Conquest For Life increased the number of schools, children, youth, parents and programs. The organisation also signed an offer to a camping site in Magaliesburg. Conquest For Life work with over 40 000 children and youth per month. During the same year, Conquest For Life purchased a house in Ennerdale to run its operation from there. The organisation has experienced many problems with the local politicians and council officials and at times they have made the environment not conducive for development.

In early 2006, Conquest For Life moved into the house in Ennerdale, Ext 9 and runs all projects from the house. After moving into the Ennerdale property, the organisation than evaluated it's strategies and decided to do the same in all the other areas of operation. Having their property will allow the organisation to focus on it's identity, branding and work on its long term strategy - "Conquest For Life must be a household name through out South Africa." The same year, the organisation rented a house in Orange Farm and signed an offer to purchase a property in Soweto. During the year, Conquest For Life explored the idea of opening an operation in the UK and in the USA.

The Organisation also won an award from the Gordon Institute of Business Science - University of Pretoria for Social Entrepreneur on the Brink. The organisation was also featured in various news paper articles including three books - " Charting progress, mapping the future- Ann Skelton and Mike Batley", "Kaelo stories of hope 2006" and "From Diamonds to Dust - Stories of Social Entrepreneurship" by the Gordon Institute Of Social Business Science - Colloquium for social Entrepreneurs. in SA.

Currently, we have moved into the house and Soweto and use it as an office. We are also finalising our office space in Reiger Park on the East Rand and putting the bits and pieces together for the Eastern Cape. The US and UK negotiations are also under way. The Organisation have also set up a Job Creation Project that focuses on Cut Make and Trim (CMT) and beading. The project has the potential to allow CFL to become self sustainable. Glen Steyn and Conquest For Life have already featured in two programs on television this year - The Learning Channel and Its my Life on SABC 1.

The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship have been selected Glen Steyn as one of ten semi-finalists for the Social Entrepreneur Award 2007 in South Africa. Through the award, The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship and Ernst & Young seek to recognize and encourage the spirit of social entrepreneurship. We believe that your work, in positively impacting social change processes, transforming the lives of many people and creating substantial social value, is truly inspirational. On the 20th of June 2007, Kaelo will be filming a DVD on Conquest For Life and it will be screened on SABC 1.

Web Site: www.conquest.org.za
Tel: +27 11 (0) 473 - 1651 H/Office
Email: info@conquest.org.za
Fax: +27 (0) 86 688 - 9303

PROJECTS

Currently, our projects include: Youth At Risk- Building Bridges Diversion Project, Youth Enrichment Programme-Just For Kids & Aftercare, Reathusana Youth Child Justice Project, Computer Training Centre, and Victim- Offender Conferencing.

Youth Enrichment Project - The purpose of the Youth Enrichment Project (YEP) is to empower school aged children aged 5-16. We try to support youth in their learning at school and help improve their academic performance. Our services include the provision of a safe after-school environment for children; holiday camps; and teaching peace-making skills through games with regular school visits.

Just For Kids Peace Games -The Just For Kids (JFK) Peace Games brings children from conflicting cultures together through cooperative play to promote a positive relationship among people who have a history of intercultural tension. By bringing children together from unique backgrounds, values, and beliefs through the seemingly simple act of play, seeds of compassion are sown for a more peaceful today and tomorrow.

In and Out (Youth At Risk) Project - The purpose of the 3-Week Life Skills Camp is to educate and teach out of work, out of school youth in life skills through a holistic program of lessons and activities in an intensive three-week camp setting where they are not influenced by the problems and troublesome environment of their communities.

Building Bridges Diversion - Youths at risk may be sent to us via the RAR Centre, Community, School or the local courts. They enter a two month life skills programme at CFL and progress is monitored throughout. The project runs on weekday afternoons and is split into two segments. Topics covered include communication skills, conflict management and resolution, positive self image and attitude etc. and youth work in groups. The program also includes community service with the idea to give back to the community. At the end of the programme, CFL staff send a report to the court for feedback on progress.

Young Mothers' Project - Many young ladies get involved with gangsterism and crime and loose their self-respect. Once they have children, these young women feel it is the end of the world. The YMP covers all issues that relates to Maintenance, Life Skills, HIV/AIDS, etc. Young Mothers Project also provides mothers with the opportunity to be involved with vocational training

Victim Offender Conferencing - Victim Offender Conferencing (VOC) Project is a creative, community based and Restorative Justice Project dealing with human issues of crime through a face-to-face interaction between the offender(s), their respective families and to some extent appointed support persons from the community. The process is guided by highly skilled community mediators/facilitators and together we to try and reach common ground and resolve situations out of court.

Reathusana Child Justice Project - The Reathusana Child Youth Justice Project is part of Conquest For Life's Youth At Risk Project. The project targets awaiting trail young offenders under the age 18 and aims at rehabilitating young people while incarcerated. The is designed to monitor and further develop young peoples' character and change their mindsets through a variety of programs, which will be delivered by trained enthusiastic young people from Conquest For Life.

Computer Training Centre - The CTC consists of two programmes; office computer training and parent & community programme with plans to develop two additional programmes; technical support and internet development. Together, these four programmes help improve computer literacy, job search skills and employability amongst disaffected young people from surrounding communities and their parents.

Job Creation Project - Addressing severe unemployment in Westbury through offering up legitimate alternatives to crime and gangsterism.

Men For Life - Men For Life was established in October 2003 with the goal of working alongside the men in Westbury to create a better environment for themselves, their family and the community.

My Fathers House - At Conquest For Life it is our aim to establish a fully functional HIV/ AIDS Orphanage program called, "My Fathers House Initiative" run by young men to address the issue from a men's point of view. We strongly believe that young men must take responsibility for their own actions and at the same time be encouraged to enrich their own lives through education and self- empowerment. In order to encourage the full participant of the Westbury community and impact the attitude of young people about HIV/ AIDS, Conquest For Life has developed an Initiative project that will focus on engaging the youth to take action in the face of HIV/ AIDS.

Siyasizana Project - The Siyasizana Project is a project of Conquest for Life that focuses on the arts and culture and targets children and youth in the community. "Siyasizana" is zulu word and it means "we helping each other". These young people are at risk of getting involved in gangsterism, drug abuse, in trouble with the law and those that are developing social problems at school. We also target young from community that would like to make a change in their life. The project consist of 6 programmes; Arts and Culture, Poetry, Drama, Arts Livity, Mentorship Programme, Parent and Community Participation.

Exchange Programme - Exchanges are run with youths in Northern Ireland and USA, and we are always looking for new opportunities! Exchanges between countries run on alternate years. Lessons are applied to our communities and youth.

PARTNERS

ORGANIZATION	CONTACT PERSON	CONTACT NUMBER
Coronationville Training Centre	Mrs. Bothma Kerspuy	011 673 5220
St Nicholas Home	Maria Sandowns	011 477 2552
CRED	Valda	021 447 1995
Life Line	Maria Sandows	011 477 2552
RAR Centre	Daphine Naidoo	011 832 1459
Dpt of Social Development	Desire Carlinski	011 355 7724
CSVR	Amanda Dissel	011 403 6750

NB: This list is not exhaustive of all our partners

Previous and Current Donors

Funder	Purpose of Grant
ABB	YEP � After-School Programme
ABSA Foundation	Job Creation Project
AD Mahoney	General
Anglo American	In & Out Project
Anglo Vaal	Diversion Project
APSO	Administration
Anglo American	General
Bateman Benefit Fund	General
Cadbury Schweppes	General
Child welfare	Training of community projects
De Beers Fund	In & Out Project
Findley & Tont	General
First National Bank	General
Fuchs Foundation	In & Out Project - staff training
Gencor	In & Out Project
Global Fund for Children	Youth Enrichment Programme
Grinekar Construction	General
Hollard Insurance	General
Ithuba	General
Liberty Life	General
Lonmin	General
Murray & Roberts	General
New Zealand High Commission	Youth At Risk
Nedcor	YEP � Aftercare
Norwich	YEP � After-School Programme
Nucor	General
Open Society Foundation	In & Out Project
Parker Trust	General
PG Foundation	General
Phillips SA	Computer Training Centre
Pick & Pay	General
PPC	General
Reckitt & Coleman	In & Out Project
Royal Netherlands Embassy	In & Out Project
S A Breweries Ltd	Computer Training Centre
SCEF	Victim Offender Conferencing
South Bakels	General
Sundry	General
The Clicks Group	General
TNDT	General
Youth Development Network	Computer Centre
Woolworths	General