Jersey Farm Advice and Information Centre

About Us

Jersey Farm Advice and Information Centre, based at the centre of Mthatha is a community-driven organisation dedicated to empowering communities, promoting human rights, and addressing critical social challenges, with a primary focus on combatting gender-based violence (GBV) and provision of paralegal services.

Their work stems from the heart of rural communities in areas such as Ntshele, Bityi, Mqhekezweni, Ross Mission, Qelana, and Zimbane within the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality. Through direct engagement, door-to-door outreach, and collaborative initiatives, they address the pressing need for education on human rights, the prevention of GBV, and the cultivation of informed, resilient communities. 

They recognize the vital role of traditional leaders and other stakeholders in creating sustainable change. By organizing local stakeholder committees, GBV awareness events, and leadership imbizos, they bridge the gap between knowledge and action. 

The mission of the organisation is to create a society where every individual understands their rights and responsibilities, where harmful practices are replaced with equitable values, and where the most vulnerable are protected and uplifted.

By combining experience of paralegal services, community engagement, and education, Jersey Farm Advice and Information Centre envisions a future free from gender-based violence, where human rights are respected, and vulnerable individuals are safeguarded. Jersey Farm Advice and Information Centre provides accessible paralegal support and fosters community involvement to build a safer, more equitable society for all.

Key Focus Area

1. Paralegal Services & Legal Empowerment: Providing accessible legal advice and information to vulnerable community members. As a paralegal advice office, they focus on helping individuals understand their legal rights, particularly in cases of gender-based violence (GBV), family law, and other human rights issues. They support people in navigating the legal system, ensuring that justice is within reach for all.
2. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention & Awareness: Tackling the escalating issue of GBV within rural communities, particularly in the KSD Local Municipality. They work to increase awareness and understanding of GBV, offering support to survivors and engaging in community education through public events, workshops, and campaigns. 
3. Community Engagement & Outreach: Actively engaging with local communities through door-to-door outreach, stakeholder meetings, and public events. They aim to increase awareness of human rights, empower individuals to speak up, and foster collaboration among local leaders and community members to address pressing social issues like GBV.
4. Education & Advocacy for Human Rights: Promoting knowledge of human rights through workshops, awareness campaigns, and the observance of important national holidays such as International Women’s Day, Human Rights Day, and Youth Day. By informing communities about their rights, they empower them to demand justice and stand against oppression.
5. Strengthening Traditional Leadership & Local Stakeholder Involvement:
   Collaborating with traditional leaders, local structures, and stakeholders to create a more informed and cohesive community response to GBV and other critical issues. By organizing imbizos and local stakeholder committee meetings, they provide a platform for leaders to gain knowledge and share experiences on how to tackle GBV in their areas.
6. Youth Empowerment & Development: Engaging young people in the fight against GBV and encouraging their active participation in peer education and advocacy efforts. They aim to empower youth to take on leadership roles, influence change, and help prevent future cycles of violence in their communities.
7. Psychosocial support services: The organisation also provides psychosocial support to victims of GBV. 

Jersey Farm Advice and Information Centre remains committed to addressing gender-based violence, empowering individuals, and promoting human rights through legal support, education, and advocacy. By collaborating with local stakeholders, the centre strives to create lasting change, reduce violence, and foster safer, more inclusive communities.

Impact and Achievements 

Jersey Farm Advice and Information Centre, with funding support from the Foundation for Human Rights (FHR), has made significant strides in empowering communities and combating gender-based violence (GBV). Through this partnership, the Centre has achieved increased awareness, empowered traditional leaders, and youth engagement, resulting in reduced GBV perpetrators and a shift in cultural attitudes towards gender equality. The Centre’s paralegal services have also provided critical support to GBV victims, while successful events and collaborations have strengthened stakeholder networks and promoted human rights. 

One of the key successes has been the involvement of traditional leaders in the Local Stakeholders Committee platform. Traditional leaders in the villages where Jersey Farm operates have expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn about gender-based violence (GBV) and human rights issues. This has enabled them to better handle GBV cases within their communities, thus improving their ability to protect and support survivors. This collaboration with the traditional leaders reflects the Jersey Farm’s impact in strengthening local governance structures and improving community responses to GBV.