Social Development

Social development and upliftment are a priority for the VRCID. With the growing number of homeless and jobless people, the VRCID appointed a full-time Social Development Manager (registered Social Worker) and 2 Field Workers to liaise with especially the homeless on a daily basis. Together with our partners, MES, The Haven, Tygerberg Street Peoples Association amongst others, we provide funding for them to provide much-needed services.

These services include, amongst others, family reunifications, application for social grants, applications for identity documents, basic health services and also assisting with short-term shelter.

Together with the City of Cape Town Social Development department, the VRCID actively promotes the GIVE RESPONSIBLY campaign. This is an awareness campaign to raise awareness that simply by giving to those begging on the streets, might not have the desired effect. In many instances, this money is used to buy alcohol or drugs. We would rather the public to give of their time and money to NGO’s that the VRCID works with.

Social Development team

Wilma Piek: Social Development ManagerJacque Pietersen: Auxiliary Field WorkerAllistair Scholtz: Field WorkerVeronica Geduld: Fieldworker

Wilma graduated from the University of the Free State with a Bachelor’s in Social Sciences (Social Work) and has been the Social Development Manager of the VRCID, since July 2012. She has vast experience in general Social Work. She piloted a residential development programme for destitute young adults, while working for Echo Youth Development in Pretoria and gained valuable insight in the plight of the homeless while working with the children of destitute and poverty-stricken parents at the Ark Christian School, before joining the VRCID. Wilma also serves on the Boards of the Western Cape Street Children’s Forum and Tygerberg Association of Street People.

083 294 3667

Wilma.Piek@vrcid.co.za

Prior to joining the VRCID in 2016, Jacque worked for TASP (Tygerberg Association for Street People) and MES in Bellville. Before joining the street people sector, Jacque travelled the world, while working as a chef at the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line International. Jacque’s passion is to assist the people living on the street effectively and with compassion. He is currently studying to become a qualified Social Auxiliary Worker. Jacque is currently a Field Worker at the VRCID.

063 695 0287

Jacque.Pietersen@vrcid.co.za

Prior to joining the VRCID, Allistair worked in the health industry and later as a Public Safety Officer for the VRCID’s security service provider. His knowledge of the VRCID and working as a Public Safety Officer brought him into contact with most of the people who live on the streets of Bellville and Parow. He soon realised that he would prefer to assist the people on a social developmental level and that he would like to develop his skills in this area. Allistair is a soccer coach in his community and is passionate to work with children and to assist people who live on the streets.Through his work he hopes to create a better future for those in need and contribute to a healthy and safe environment for all.

071 302 6691

Allistair.Scholtz@vrcid.co.za

Veronica, a trained carer, worked with the frail and elderly, before joining OASIS and later MES as a Field Worker. She has been working for the VRCID as fieldworker since July 2016. Her experience as a carer assists the VRCID greatly to help people living on the street who need medical assistance.

063 695 0294

Veronica.Geduld@vrcid.co.za