The EFSA Institute presents diverse programmes that cover a variety of issues related to the important role of religious institutions, the state, the business sector, the media, academics and community organisations in proactively working together towards a healthier society.

The institute’s programmes include:

1. The church and development consultations and forums

2. The church and reconciliation in society

3. The public role of the church and religious communities: values and the role of women

4. Economic policy research and dialogue with business and trade unions

5. Dialogue programme of the Bavaria and Western Cape partnership

6. Community Leadership Academy

7. Religious sector and state cooperation

8. Church and Business Against HIV and AIDS

 

1. The church and development consultations and forums


These consultations and forums present an opportunity to reflect on various challenges, problems and opportunities relating to the role of the church and religious communities in development programmes.  The EFSA Institute is increasingly focusing on specific issues, such as problems with the transformation of welfare to a more developmental approach, special emphasis on the role of women, the effects of globalisation on welfare and working in partnership with government structures.

The title of this programme places emphasis on the church but the broader religious sector is not excluded from this programme by implication.

2. The church and reconciliation in society


This programme focuses on projects that can assist in breaking down stereotypes and divisions in South African society through dialogue, cultural exchange, etc.  Special events to celebrate the cultural diversity of South Africa are organised.

The title of this programme places emphasis on the church but the broader religious sector is not excluded from this programme by implication.

3. The public role of the church and religious communities: values and the role of women


The public role of the church and religious communities in South Africa’s relatively new democracy is one of the most important programmes.  It pays special attention to the role that the church and religious communities play in shaping values in society.  One of the main themes includes the continuous focus on the role of women in religious communities and society.

4. Economic policy research and dialogue with business and trade unions


The economic policy research and dialogue programme aims to strengthen the social fabric and caring networks of society.  It is a unique programme with participants from religious networks, government representatives, business networks and trade unions.

5. Dialogue programme of the Bavaria and Western Cape partnership


Since 1999 the EFSA Institute and the Protestant Academy of Tutzing (Germany) have initiated a series of consultations on globalisation in partnership with the Western Cape Government and the State of Bavaria (Germany).  The objective is to bring together representatives of different disciplines to reflect on and discuss the impact of globalisation on different sectors of society.

The issue of social cohesion is an important part of the ongoing debate on strengthening social capital (the network of relationships within a community).  These relationships between different structures or sectors act as the glue that keeps a society functional and healthy.  Without these social networks and relations in place, any development project is likely to fail – regardless of how much capital (finances) or skills development (human capital) is invested.  The opposite, however, is also true: a healthy interaction between different role players is the key to sustainable development since it focuses the energy of different role players on the same challenge.

This initiative is now an official part of the Bavaria and Western Cape partnership.

6. Community Leadership Academy

The Community Leadership Academy (CLA) fosters leadership skills, social entrepreneurship and development projects in local communities.  The academy assists young leaders in community structures to improve their skills to launch and manage meaningful community projects that address local needs.  Funding is secured for the best project proposals that allow the implementation of projects by young leaders.

Through the projects of this programme, community initiatives are initiated and supported.  The programme builds social trust and restores hope through the mobilisation of communities to work for a common goal.


For more information on the CLA, click here.

7. Religious sector and state cooperation

The National Religious Association for Social Development (NRASD) has established itself as an important national role-player, representing the concerns and interests of different faith welfare networks, such as Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic and Jewish.


The NRASD strives to fulfil various functions: consultations with government departments and ministries, the joint lobby for changes on programme level and the implementation of a development partnership with government.

For more information on the NRASD, click here.

8. Church and Business Against HIV and AIDS


This project has a comprehensive approach: it includes counselling, testing, as well as linking people to care and support networks, and to clinics where treatment is available.

The model has a special emphasis on prevention: preventing the spread of the virus and keeping people HIV negative; empowering people through education and testing to change their behaviour towards a responsible lifestyle and avoiding the risk of HIV infection.  It also aims to prevent people with HIV from getting opportunistic infections and from spreading the virus, as well as delaying the onset of the AIDS phase.

The focus is on small companies to develop a comprehensive policy and programme for the workplace and communities where the workers live.  Churches and religious communities provide a crucial support role to people (individuals and families) living with HIV and AIDS.

The programme exists as a partnership between the EFSA Institute, the Africa Centre for HIV/Aids Management at the University of Stellenbosch, AfriSIDA Management Services, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Southern Africa, the Lutheran Communion in Southern Africa, the South African Council of Churches (SACC), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia, Evangelische Kirche im Rheinland, Evangelische Kirche von Westfahlen and Lippische Landeskirche.