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.Connect .Empower
.Advocate

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“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt

Our Story

The Lady of Peace Community Foundation (LOPECO) promotes peace to end violence against women and girls - builds equal, resilient, and peaceful communities. We are.CONNECTED to over 20 women’s rights organizations in South Africa and over 5 countries around the world experiencing humanitarian crises or conflict. Our members are women and youth-led organizations that work on their communities’ most difficult issues—leading the way to a better and safer future.

 

It is incredible how one small idea can grow into something truly special. Lady of Peace Community Foundation believes that we all have an inherent responsibility to make a meaningful difference in our community. With a variety of active projects and a large volunteer staff, we harness our skills and resources to achieve our goals successfully. Since our founding in 2017, we have been humbled to witness how our activities have benefitted our communities and beyond..

10 000
PeaceKona
Chatroom

  • Involvement from more than 10 countries outside South Africa creating a global network for peace discussions outreach and engagement through social media reach .

  • Over 10,000 people reached through various social media platforms

  • community radio station interviews.

  • Broadcasting the foundation's commitment to positive change.

4 000
Orange Your World

  • Anti-Bullying Campaign in Tembisa

  • Close to 4,000 learners reached in 2023

  • Dedicated efforts towards fostering a bully-free environment

  • Peacebuilding Dialogues

  • Over 350 participants engaged in dialogues across 3 provinces in South Africa

  • Building bridges for peace and understanding

350Teach Peace

  • Almost 140 participants contributed to promoting a culture of peace

  • Empowering individuals with the knowledge to create a harmonious society

  • Orange Your Day Campaign

  • 100 learners actively participated in spreading positivity

  • A vibrant initiative to bring joy and unity

Our Mission

Vision:

To create a connected, empowered, and inclusive society where communities unite across differences to build lasting peace, equality, and social justice.

Mission:

We are dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between diverse communities, empowering individuals to take charge of local initiatives, and advocating for policies and practices that promote social cohesion, and healthier communities. Through grassroots organizing, capacity building, and strategic partnerships, we work to break down barriers, amplify marginalized voices, and create a society where everyone thrives together.

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  1. Connection: We believe in the power of relationships and collaboration. By building bridges between people, cultures, and communities, we foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

  2. Empowerment: We are committed to equipping individuals and communities with the tools and resources to take charge of their own futures, ensuring that local voices lead the change for stronger social cohesion.

  3. Advocacy: We champion the rights and needs of all individuals, especially marginalized groups, by influencing policies and promoting practices that create an equitable, just, and peaceful society.

  4. Inclusivity: We embrace diversity in all its forms, ensuring that every individual has a seat at the table and their voice is heard and valued.

  5. Respect and Dignity: We uphold the inherent worth of every person, promoting a culture of mutual respect and compassion.

  6. Non-Violence: We are committed to peaceful conflict resolution, fostering dialogue, and encouraging non-violent actions as paths to social change.

  7. Collaboration: We value collective action and partnerships, believing that meaningful change comes from working together across sectors and communities.

  8. Equity: We strive for fairness and justice, actively addressing inequality and ensuring that marginalized communities are prioritized in our work.

  9. Sustainability: We seek to create lasting impacts that build resilient, connected communities and ensure enduring social cohesion.

Our Core Values

Since our establishment in 2017, the Lady of Peace Community Foundation has been committed to serving the needs of our community.
What began as a small grassroots organization has grown into a dynamic force for positive change, impacting the lives of countless individuals along the way.Our journey has been marked by milestones and achievements, but our commitment to our mission has remained constant. From humble beginnings to our current initiatives, we continue to strive for excellence in all that we do.

Our History

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Our Team

Our team is comprised of dedicated individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. From our leadership team to our volunteers, each member plays a vital role in advancing our mission and vision.

Leadership Team: Meet the individuals who guide our organization and lead by example in our efforts to create positive change.

Staff: Learn more about the dedicated staff members who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of our programs and initiatives.

Volunteers: Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization. Discover how you can get involved and make a difference in your community.

Remo

Comms Lead

Oversees all communication strategies, ensuring that LOPECO's message is clear and impactful. They manage media relations, digital platforms, and internal communications.

Thabo

Corporate Services

Responsible for administrative and operational support within the foundation. They ensure the smooth functioning of daily activities and maintain organizational efficiency.

Celeste

Media Advocacy

Leads media campaigns and advocacy initiatives, using digital and traditional media to amplify LOPECO's causes and raise awareness on key issues affecting the community.

Pinampi

Partnerships & Coalitions

Focuses on building strong partnerships and coalitions with other organizations, fostering collaboration to advance the foundation's mission and broaden its impact.

Blessing

Public Health

Blessing works on public health initiatives, promoting health education, disease prevention, and access to healthcare, while also advocating for stronger health policies in the community.

”I am grateful to LOPECO for making me and my work feel valued. With the award, I was able to update my resume and gain recognition for my work. I got accepted into Cambridge University by applying with some of the money I got, and I felt that the award also played a huge role in that. I was also appointed to be a professor of research in the arts. I wear the award as a badge wherever I go. I managed to publish a book, and it now has global sales. With the money from the award, I was able to apply to Harvard as well.”
Sandile Mdlongwa
– 16 Actor 2022:
"This award has opened doors for me in my community, and I am now one of the most recognised people in Tembisa that help bring peace and change. With the award, i was able to help my community and help my family out.”
Bishop Michael Mtshali – 16 Actor 2022
“When I first got the award, I had imposter syndrome, but once I calmed down and finally got a grasp of what was happening, I was able to pay to get my LLM master’s degree in human rights law international.”
Noluyolo Mabuza
– 16 Actor 2023 
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