at the forefront of social change in South Africa

After becoming the first implicitly recognised grey area in South Africa in the mid-1980's, its population transformed within a short period to be mostly low income black people during the 1990's.

Many social issues of South Africa are concentrated here
There is a high incidence of AIDS, abuse against woman, influx of refugees, urbanisation and degradation of its quality of life, drug dealing, prostitution and crime. Many of these are related to, or aggravated by, the lack of social structure, poor socialization of new residents and unemployment.

The previously German Lutheran congregation decided that instead of withdrawing from Hillbrow; to involve themselves in its healing process.

Hillbrow actively making music

A study of the environment led to the following aim; which was refined through an ensuing experience

The Outreach Foundation focuses on the flat-dwelling population, and specifically youth, in Hillbrow and surrounding high-density areas.

It offers educational and cultural programmes that transfer skills and simultaneously develop the person of the participants, enhancing self-esteem, uncovering creativity, and thereby contributing to personal healing.

Through incorporation of reflection on social issues, it contributes to the development of life-enhancing ethos in the inner-city community. We want to be an oasis, a haven for people, especially youth, from the community, where the disintegration, ugliness, and aggression of the surroundings can be overcome.