For the average middle class South African, a first trip into the heart of Vrygrond is an assault on the senses. A rubbish dump welcomes you as you enter, litter is strewn all over the dusty roads, small tin shacks fit haphazardly next to each other, kids play together all over the streets, and stray dogs narrowly miss taxi’s as they hoot on their way down the roads. This is where the Sozo Foundation has set up its offices; in 2 containers next to a public library, surrounded by shrieking kids and noisy pollution. Happily located there to serve the people of the community; people living in the thin, dilapidated shacks around them. And in this setting of poverty and neglect, drugs, alcoholism, abuse and gangsterism, are stories of dignity restored and hope found.
What We See In The Future
“A restored community living with dignity, purpose and hope”.
We see a restoration of community, of people set free from cycles of abuse, addiction and apathy. We see a dignified people, rising up from the ashes of the past, to live as the beautiful people they are. We see people with an understanding of the purpose for their lives for the present. Having an understanding that they have value, and that what they do adds value to this life. We see people living with hope for the future, for their community, their families and their children.
![The Design Indaba
“I liked seeing the beautiful things that designers do…I enjoyed it, [it] somehow made me see that nothing is impossible”
“The experience has given me a greater perspective. I liked the fun, the interesting designs but most of all seeing DJ Fresh live”
“It made my passion for Fashion Design come back”
“It was very inspiring and it goes well with my career choice”
These are just some of the responses from the dynamic group of Sozonites who earned the opportunity to attend the Design Indaba 2014 on Sunday. It was evident that they had a fantastic time and they honestly did not want to leave. A world of creativity saw lit up faces every time they identified a design that intrigued them and they loved engaging with the designers asking them very well thought out questions! So proud of this group! The biggest treat for them was seeing DJ Fresh perform live! A very big thank you to all the designers for sharing your passion with these Sozonites, to the Design Indaba as well as to Interactive Africa for the amazing opportunity! Design Indaba #whatfun](https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1/s720x720/10006213_788175187877347_150892711_n.jpg)