Helping people to help themselves

freshStart Sedgefield is a not for profit organisation on the Garden Route, South Africa that aims to create new possibilities for children and their families by giving them a hands-up instead of hand-outs, encouraging them to a fresh start in life.

The Smutsville Recycle SwopShop is the main freshStart Sedgefield empowerment project. It is based on the successful model of Swop Shops started in Hermanus in 2003. Operational since 2014, the Smutsville Recycle SwopShop now has over 600 children registered as collectors. In a practical yet fun way, the kids learn the value of effort and perseverance, while developing confidence and self-respect.