Who We Are

The Simunye Project is about empowering young Australians with the skills and attitude to make a global difference. It is a non-profit organisation, which assists disadvantaged urban and rural communities in South Africa. The word ‘Simunye’ is Zulu, meaning “we are one”.

Since its founding in 2006, in Melbourne, Australia, The Simunye Project has organised annual community service trips to make a difference in South Africa. Since the first trip in 2007, The Simunye Project has sent 75 people to South Africa to volunteer in underprivileged communities, and this number grows every year. In 2010, two more community service trips will be organised, sending a further 35 volunteers to South Africa who aim to do something real and be a catalyst for change. These young Australians will be adopting a hands-on approach to working with underprivileged communities.

Facts about The Simunye Project

• The first South African community visit was organised for students in September 2007
• In 2006, prior to the first trip, the Year 11 student group fundraised a total of $32,000, exceeding the $20,000 target remarkably
• The motto of The Simunye Project became “Make a difference, do something real!”
• The first “Friends of Simunye” adult trip went to South Africa in September 2008, which included parents, teachers, university students and friends
• Each year a trip is organised for Year 11 students from Huntingtower School to travel to South Africa and assist these communities. These trips are organised to coincide with school holidays, and each student contributes to fundraising activities in the year prior to their travels.
• Since 2006, The Simunye Project has raised in excess of $100,000 to make a real difference in South Africa.