Empowering young people to succeed

Skhanyiso Foundation is a non-profit organisation that aims to uplift and empower vulnerable children and youth from underprivileged communities. Its goal is to break the cycle of poverty and inequality through education, health promotion, skills development, sport, arts, and cultural activities.

Chief Executive Officer, Thamsanqa Shoapa says, “The organisation started as an initiative to bridge the gap between the haves and have nots by making a profound impact in the lives of young people. This will enable them to develop themselves and bring about positive transformation in the broader society to eradicate poverty and inequalities. The organisation strives to build a generation of skilled and empowered youth that can contribute to our country’s economic growth and sustainable development.”

The organization is proud of the positive changes that have been achieved so far, namely:

• One of the beneficiaries achieved second place in the “Woorde open Werelde” national competition that took place at the Upington High School on 17th September 2022.
• The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants invited one of the top achieving students to their offices to gain more information about being a Chartered Accountant.
• In empowering the youth they serve, the organisation has enrolled five beneficiaries in a New Venture Creation initiative with the University of the Free State’s Business School.
• The organisation’s work contributed to the increase of the pass rate of grade 12 learners at Monwabisi Secondary School by 19.1 percent. One of the beneficiaries obtained three distinctions, making her the top achiever at the school.
• The organisation also empowered 70 young people through the Youth 4 Service programme.

“I always had the dream of being a public speaker, however my stuttering and lack of confidence made me feel and believe I would never become one. I relocated to De Aar and joined the Skhanyiso Foundation Ubuntu in 2022. This is where my confidence was boosted, and I started believing in myself. Today I can speak very boldly in front of a crowd, and I am reaching my dreams of becoming a public speaker. Thank you to Skhanyiso for making me believe in myself.”

Likhona Booi, a grade 12 student at Monwabisi High School.

20-year-old, Luyanda Legend Phike, from De Aar, visited Skhanyiso Foundation seeking a job but there were unfortunately no vacancies. He was offered an opportunity to study with Free State University for the New Venture Creation course. Due to successfully completing the course, he received a laptop for his new venture.

“In July after my graduation, the organization approached me to be part of the national youth service for another six months. I was part of the self-development programme which assisted me in navigating my path and finding my purpose in life. Currently I am a co-founder of Yolatha Youth Centre, a registered NPO, which operates on the same premises with Skhanyiso Foundation.”