Introduction:

The HARVEST CENTRE dream was born over a decade ago from a wish to make a difference to to the lives of disenfranchised and disadvantaged people in Hout Bay. 

The current property, an empty badly vandalised old fish factory, was then found and bought with private funds to build a creative hub for Hout Bay that serves both as a job creation and skills training opportunity and as a springboard for small SME's through the creation of a major tourist drawcard. 

The Harvest Centre was then renovated by Helena as "owner builder" using local labour and skills. It now houses around 25 craft and light industrial workshops as well as the Bay Harbour Market whereby an immense turnaround to the area was created bringing new business and job opportunities. 

One is however always left with a feeling that more can be done and we saw a crying need for mentorship and affordable opportunities for underprivileged youth in Hout Bay - and so the HARVEST YOUTH PROJECT was initiated in 1915.

Sustainability of the Youth Project is an ongoing battle has previously been  mostly privately funded by Harvest Centre and  the CEO in her personal capacity. Since the Covid 19 pandemic forced the Centre to close its doors, the Harvest business lost its sources of income and although it kept going on a shoestring to help feed our students including around 300 families with food parcels and weekly soup and bread deliveries, was were finally forced to close its doors.

Though sheer passion and commitment however, three of our staff, namely Peter Michaels, Chad van Rooyen and Jeff Jonkers never gave up and simply kept teaching. to bridge the gap hoping for some funding to trickle back. This has now become a day to day battle to find some sponsorships to keep going and to not disappoint these young children.