About Us
Joseph Project is a registered non-government organization. It was first originated in 1998 with the vision to mentor, equip and support the leaders of the next generation to overcome obstacles, such as education, and to reach their full potential.
Joseph Project was independently birthed in the hearts of Dylan Atkinson and Jonathan Botha back in 1998 though they only met in 2000.
Initially they felt called to establish a youth-centre. A palace where the kids could come and feel they belong, but most importantly that they would be introduced to the love of God.
However once God gave the ministry the name Joseph Project the objective of the ministries came much more clearly defined. Centred around the story of the Old Testament character Joseph 10th son of Jacob (Genisis 37-48). The ministry was about those kids in the community, who like Joseph, have an anointing to be leaders in their generation, yet just like Joseph have huge obstacles in their path. So the youth-centre was not the objective it was merely to be the vehicle to realise the vision – a generation of young Spirit filled leaders shaping the destiny of this nation and beyond. The facilitation of a generation of 'Josephs'.
Jonathan and Dylan and their respective wives, Maria and Young Mi, identified inadequate education as one the biggest obstacles to the Joseph dreams and so established the homework centre (officially ‘Revival’ but locally known only as ‘The Centre’) in 2001 to address this. Seeds of Hope was later added as a school readiness centre (Grade R) to attempt to provide a better foundation for kids entering school. The work then spread to address other areas of need.
The name Joseph Project comes from the Old Testament character Joseph, 10th son of Jacob (Genesis 37-48). Joseph, like the children of the community, have an anointing to be leaders in their generation, yet just like Joseph have huge obstacles in their path.
At Joseph Project, the children are equipped with the 'tools' to transform their families, then communities, and finally society at large by providing the leadership and instruction needed to transform this nation. Joseph Project also aims to intercede for the children and maintain a voice on behalf of this generation through advocacy in a number of spheres.
To achieve this, the volunteers and staff of Joseph Project seek to challenge the next generation to regard humility, self discipline, integrity, morality, hard work, diligence, perseverance and equality as the only acceptable set of norms to live and judge by.
The practicalities of this can be changeable as staff and volunteers seek to differentiate curriculum and programs to suit the needs of the children and teenagers in the community.
However, one long standing program has been the Homework Club. An aftercare program, the Homework Club focuses on equipping students in the area of education. Volunteers assist with homework, assignments and projects to ensure understanding of content and to build skills. The volunteers also mentor the children through a variety of groups and activities to develop social and interpersonal skills as well as resilience and social awareness.
Other programs such as Kingdom Kids, Cherish and Dare day incorporate multiple techniques to engage the children to think deeply about a number of relevant issues.
Our Vision
Joseph Project’s vision is to see every child and teen come to salvation, enter the local church and be consistently discipled in the ways of God and his kingdom.
Our Mission
Our Base
Joseph Project owns ( mortgage free) two adjoining buildings.
One double storey and the other single storey. The double storey building is home to 4 upstairs rooms and ground floor rooms.
Upstairs is the team and visitors accommodation with enough beds to cover 25 people.
Downstairs has two rooms, an office and staff lounge.
There are two single seater toilet shower rooms.
Our Team
Meet the dedicated and experienced staff of Joseph Project
We are the Frans family, dedicated full-time missionaries with Youth with a Mission Joseph Project. For over a decade, we have been actively serving as missionaries. Our shared passion lies in working alongside children at risk, youth, and families in Johannesburg's inner city. Presently, we are leading the Joseph Project.
Partner with Us
Our Journey
The call
The Joseph Project was independently birthed in the hearts of Dylan Atkinson and Jonathan Botha back in 1998 though they only met in 2000.
Initially they felt called to establish a youth-centre. A place where the kids could come and feel they belong, but most importantly that they would be introduced to the love of God.
The vision
However, once God gave the ministry the name Joseph Project the objective of the ministries became much more clearly defined, centered around the story of the Old Testament character Joseph, the 10th son of Jacob (Genisis 37-48).
The ministry was about the kids in the community, who like Joseph, have an anointing to be leaders in their generation. Yet just like Joseph, they have huge obstacles in their path.
So the youth-centre was not the objective, but merely the vehicle to realise the vision – a generation of young Spirit-filled leaders shaping the destiny of this nation and beyond. The facilitation of a generation of 'Josephs'.
“The Centre”
Jonathan, Dylan and their respective wives, Maria and Young Mi, identified inadequate education as one the biggest obstacles to the Joseph dreams, and so established the homework centre (officially ‘Revival’ but locally known only as ‘The Centre’) in 2001 to address this.
Seeds of Hope was later added as a school readiness centre (Grade R) in an attempt to provide a better foundation for kids entering school. The work then spread to address other areas of need.
The present and beyond
After 25 years of serving at Joseph Project, in March 2025, Dylan and Youngmi handed over Joseph Project to Sizwe and Anna.
Join the Mission
Make a difference in the lives of children at risk in Johannesburg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the Joseph Project, its mission, and how you can get involved or support.
Yes we are.
To apply for staffing please fill out this form here.
Our mission is:
- To disciple and release the leaders of this generation
- To challenge the next generation to regard; humility, self discipline, hard work, perseverance and equality as the only norms to live by
- To equip the next generation with tools to transform their families then community finally society at large
- And to maintain a voice into on behalf of this generation
You can donate to our organization online here. Your contributions will help us continue our work and support the children in need.
YWAM Johannesburg is the base for our organization. It stands for Youth With A Mission and serves as a hub for various ministries, including our work with children at risk in the inner city.
To apply for volunteering please fill out this form here.
Yes, you can visit our organization. We welcome visitors who are interested in learning more about our work and seeing the impact we are making in the community. Contact us to schedule a visit.