Empowering Communities through education and Fire Risk Mitigation
At Thula Thula, we believe in taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of communities. In 2017, we were fortunate to receive support from Tintswalo Atlantic (hyperlink please https://www.tintswalo.com/atlantic/), who generously hosted a fundraising dinner on our behalf. With the funds raised, we initiated an impactful project called Fire-Wise.
Fire-Wise provided employment opportunities for local residents and aimed to mitigate fire risks in the community. Working closely with the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management and the Hout Bay Fire and Rescue services, we trained a dedicated team to identify fire risks and educate residents on effective mitigation strategies.
The Fire-Wise team went door to door, conducting fire risk assessments and sharing valuable educational information with residents. As part of our commitment to community empowerment, each household received a solar light with cell phone charging port. These practical items not only provided access to essential services but also served as a reminder of the importance of fire safety.
In the process, the team collected data from over 320 households, gathering valuable insights into water availability, electricity access, and daily household behaviours of more than 890 individuals. We were honoured when the University of Stellenbosch approached us to utilize this raw data for a research paper, highlighting fire risk and mitigation in the informal housing area of Hout Bay on an international platform.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the City of Cape Town, Disaster Risk Management, Hout Bay Fire and Rescue services, and, of course, Tintswalo Atlantic for their invaluable support in making this project possible. The collaborative efforts resulted in a significant decrease in fire incidents in the Xola Square area of Hout Bay, the primary focus of the Fire-Wise initiative.
While the impact of Fire-Wise has been remarkable, we aspire to do more.
However, funding remains a critical factor.
If you are looking to make a difference through your corporate CSI initiatives, we invite you to consider supporting this incredibly rewarding project. It not only creates employment opportunities but also raises awareness, spreads education, and provides sustainable solar power solutions.
Join us in empowering communities and making a lasting impact. Contact us today to explore how you can contribute to the Fire-Wise project and be a part of positive change.
