If you’ve ever asked, “What exactly does Bulungula Incubator do?” and found yourself a bit confused after a mouthful of information thrown at you, you’re not alone. We have a lot going on! BI is a place-based organisation, meaning we work directly in the communities we serve. Unlike other organisations that might focus on one intervention, we take a holistic approach to ensure continuous support from, as we call it, preconception to career.
Our projects span a wide range, from primary healthcare to education, nutrition, sustainable livelihoods, youth development, and social cohesion. Our community is called the Xhorha Mouth Administrative Area, which is made up of four villages: Nqileni, KwaTshezi, Folokhwe and Mgojweni. All of our project sites are located in these four villages.
Let’s break down each of our programme focus areas and projects:
1. Health and Nutrition
Bulungula Health Point
A fixed outreach site of Nkanya Clinic (our government clinic) staffed by two professional nurses, providing primary healthcare five days a week. Services include maternal and neonatal care, child nutrition, immunisations, HIV and chronic disease support and care, dentistry, mental health support, sexual and reproductive health services, care for acute and minor ailments, and linkage to further services. Read more here.
Mobile Health Point
Mobile primary healthcare services provide gap healthcare coverage for families who are unable to reach the Health Point, located in Nqileni Village. Read more here.
Home-Based Care
Community Health Workers (“ooNomakhaya”) provide essential home-based primary healthcare. They conduct health screenings (including for alcoholism and HIV), offer maternal and child health support, distribute chronic medications (including for HIV, hypertension and diabetes), assist people living with disabilities, and link community members to further healthcare or social services. Read more here.
Nutrition Programme
We provide two nutritious, hot-cooked meals daily for all Early Childhood Development (ECD) and high school learners at our schools (over 400 learners). Additionally, our staff (~130 people) receive one daily hot-cooked meal for lunch. Read more here.
2. Education
ECD@Home (ages 0–3)
Early childhood development support is provided directly in homes by our Nomakhayas, providing growth monitoring and play foundations with parents and caregivers. Read more here.
Centre-Based ECD Centres (ages 3–6)
We have five ECD centres that provide quality early childhood education to prepare children for school readiness. Read more here.
iiTablet Tshomiz (Grades 1–9):
Tablet-based mathemathics and literacy tutoring programme in the four local government primary schools. Read more here.
Bulungula College (Grades 10–12):
Our community’s first and only independent high school, offering high-quality secondary education. Read more here.
Job Skills and Entrepreneurship Programme (Post-High School)
Post-graduation training programme offering accredited skills development, entrepreneurship support, paid internship placements within BI projects, and job placement. Read more here.
Sakha iKamva Programme
Career guidance and tertiary education support to help learners pursue further education opportunities. Read more here.
3. Sustainable Livelihoods
Masilime Ngqo! Vegetable Seedling Nursery
A community-run nursery supplying accessible vegetable seedlings to households, supporting subsistence gardens for food security. Read more here.
Livestock Health Project
A financially self-sustained, community-managed livestock healthcare programme. While financially independent, BI incubated this project and continues to provide support through bulk medication procurement (which is fully recovered) and volunteer management. Read more here.
4. Vibrant Villages (Social Cohesion and Youth Acceleration)
Bulungula Community Radio
Broadcasting online and locally to over 100 surrounding villages, our community radio station is the most reliable and trusted form of communication in our region. Read more here.
Soccer and Netball Leagues and Tournaments
Regular sporting events build joy, connection, and healthy behaviours (and avoid risky ones). They also create a very conducive space to promote other initiatives, such as HIV testing and gender-based violence awareness. Read more here.
Thatha iLiza Surf Team:
Surf therapy programme combining surfing with mentorship, emotional support, and youth empowerment. Read more here.
Talent Shows
Community talent events showcase local creativity and talent, fostering self-expression and joy for young people.