Amy Biehl Foundation

About The Amy Foundation (formerly Amy Biehl Foundation)

The Amy Foundation (NPO 026-922) was founded by Peter and Linda Biehl, parents of Amy Biehl — an American student and anti-apartheid activist who was killed in Gugulethu, Cape Town, on 25 August 1993. Rather than responding to their daughter's death with bitterness, her parents founded the organisation in Amy's memory to continue her work of community development, reconciliation, and youth empowerment. Linda Biehl famously supported the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process and the amnesty granted to Amy's killers — even developing ongoing relationships with the men who killed her daughter, symbolising the remarkable reconciliatory spirit at the heart of the Foundation.

The Foundation is currently headquartered at Sybrand Park, Cape Town (not 1 Plein Street, which was an earlier address).

Programmes

After-school programmes (ASP) serve youth in Gugulethu, Philippi, and Bonteheuwel across five centres, reaching up to 1,000 young people daily. Programmes include: academic support (literacy and numeracy), creative arts (dance, music, drama), sports, life skills, HIV/AIDS awareness, and environmental activities. The Foundation aims to supplement inadequate township schooling, keep children off the streets, and build pathways to future employment and civic participation.

The Youth Skills Development Programme at the Sybrand Park head office targets young adults aged 18–35, preparing them for the world of work through vocational training, entrepreneurship, and employment preparation.

Scope Note for GBV Directory

The Amy Foundation does not provide GBV counselling, shelter, or crisis services. Their mandate is youth and community development with violence prevention as a broader goal. Include only if the directory covers violence prevention and youth empowerment alongside direct GBV services.