Mandela Week

July 27, 2018, 1:29 am

≫ Next: Afrika Tikkun Hosts It’s First ICT Academy

So much shared purpose that Mandela Day becomes Mandela Week

Mandela Week demonstrates the power of shared goals and determination as an eventful July reveals that corporates and volunteers long to make a difference in their communities and pay their respects to the legacy of Madiba.

Every July, South Africans around the country are urged to plan a 67-minute long good deed for Mandela Day on the 18th. So, every year on Mandela Day each of Afrika Tikkun’s Centres of Excellence are abuzz with activity as sponsors, donors and volunteers gather in Joburg and Cape Town to do good, beyond the monetary donations; so much so that not all activities can take place in one day and the entire week of the 18^th has been dubbed Mandela Week.

Hudaco team at our Uthando Centre. 33 divisions from Hudaco visited all our Centres.

In Diepsloot, Motivational Speaker, Billy Selekane explained why he was there for his 67 minutes: “The African child must understand that the world is their oyster and they must never believe anyone that tells them otherwise. We are all born to be great and although it might take longer at times greatness can be achieved if we believe and work at it.”

Retail Capital braaing for our Skills Development learners.

Onyi Nwaneri, Group Executive of Partnerships and Marketing said, “We are so grateful to everyone who has had a hand in enriching the lives of our young and old people alike. On behalf of all of us at Afrika Tikkun, thank you from the bottom of our bursting hearts.”

Nwaneri concludes: “Mandela Day is an occasion for everyone to take action and inspire change. The fact that we now celebrate Mandela Week when it initially started out as one day is heart-warming. For us it demonstrates that doing good is infectious and gives us hope that one day we will see this much enthusiasm by the people of our nation 365 days a year.

Chief Rabbi Goldstein pictured at our Centre in Mfuleni

During this week several hundred people from organisations across the country undertake a wide variety of activities from interacting with our young people by way of feeding babies, reading stories to toddlers and doing mock interviews with skills development learners; to refurbishing the spaces in which our young people play by cleaning and painting, and further uplifting the people of our communities by distributing food parcels, learning more about the challenges faced by families of children with disabilities and spending time with the elderly.

National Empowerment Fund

Lizelle Pretorius of Retail Capital also had some gold: “We should do this every day – not just one specific day. It’s getting everyone together from the young to the old and creating a future for them. Young people are our future. We need to make sure they are kept off the streets and away from drugs and bad influences. We need to give everyone a fair chance in life. It was amazing for us to do this together.”

Billy Selekane with Afrika Tikkun’s Martine Ellis.

Companies that participated in Afrika Tikkuns Mandela Week activities include: Sappi Limited, ChemFresh, University of Johannesburg, Hudaco, AVI Limited, Dept of Agriculture, Vantage Capital, African Resonance, Huawei Technologies, City of Johannesburg, Sasfin Bank, Secret Sunrise, Retail Capital, Stallion Security, Afrox, African Bank, Johannesburg High Court, Billy Selekane International, Tourvest, IBM, Afro Visionary Legacy Pty Limited, House of Brave, Land Bank, Synthesis Technology, Innovate IQ, National Empowerment Fund, Netsurit, Spark ATM, ‘Herzlia Primary School, Sinai Academy, Cape Torah High School’ with Chief Rabbi Goldstein, DN PERS, Acceleration, Royal Grammar School and Kyalami Preparatory School.

For more information on Afrika Tikkun and their initiatives call 011 325 5914, email info@afrikatikkun.org or visit www.afrikatikkun.org

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Afrika Tikkun Hosts It’s First ICT Academy

July 27, 2018, 1:35 am

≫ Next: Babalwa Ntwanambi

≪ Previous: Mandela Week

Pictured: Soso Motloung from Cisco, Tebogo Moleta from ThinkTank, Peta-Lee Wainer from Fortinet, Nicole Gerber from Maxtec, Onyi Nwaneri from Afrika Tikkun

On Friday, 20 July 2018 Afrika Tikkun hosted its first Information Communication Technology (ICT) Academy launch in partnership with Think Tank under the theme ‘let’s tackle the ICT skills shortage’.

The launch event was opened by Group Executive of Partnerships and Marketing, Onyi Nwaneri and Think Tank Managing Director Tebogo Moleta. Also speaking at the event was Cisco’s Soso Motloung on the role of women in IT, and Fortinet’s Peta-Lee Wainer, who addressed the youth and how to develop a career in Network Security Engineering.

Marc Lubner CEO commenting on the launch, said: “”The ICT Academy is vital if youth are to be employable in the fourth industrial revolution. Navigating the net and being able to utilise information technology is as critical as maths and science in today’s world and Afrika Tikkun is committed to providing youth with these employable skills. It’s all part of our holistic development program.”

The ICT Academy launch was intended to be a dialogue between delegates from the IT/ ICT, financial services and network engineering sectors with additional 2018 Afrika Tikkun ICT Academy candidates, representatives from the public sector, NGOs and the corporate sector. Attendants took the opportunity to review the failures, challenges and successes of combatting the skills shortage in the ICT industry and the social and financial determinants impacting the sector, including a discussion on suitable industry aligned skills sets and standards in light of the approaching Fourth Industrial Revolution.

In addition, an exchange took place around the availability of adequate and affordable learning centres, and the effective partnership of Afrika Tikkun and Think Tank with regard to the supply of vendor-specific programs to ensure that these and other opportunities are correctly pursued.

Onyi Nwaneri, Group Executive of Partnerships and Marketing added: “This is the start of great things for Afrika Tikkun in partnership with ThinkTank. We are moving in the right direction to get young people ready for the 4^th industrial revolution by training them for jobs that we know they will get when they have graduated. Thanking all our partners present today, including ThinkTank, Cisco, Internet Solutions and Fortinet“. With the rapid evolution of technology in terms of information, communications and artificial intelligence it is imperative that our young people are given as much opportunity as possible to learn and prepare for changing professions and job specifications in the years to come. Afrika Tikkun and Think Tank are committed to working together to better understand and service the ICT sector with a view to looking out for the economic well-being of South Africa’s IT/ ICT sector, but more over to prepare our kids for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and to cultivate a future that works for us all.”

“We are creating a generation of Network Security Engineers on the pulse of technology. They are the next generation of leaders and managers in IT. Today marks the beginning of a new journey towards great things.” Think Tank Managing Director Tebogo Moleta

For more information on Afrika Tikkun and their initiatives call 011 325 5914, email info@afrikatikkun.org or visit www.afrikatikkun.org.

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Babalwa Ntwanambi

July 31, 2018, 3:11 am

≫ Next: Alumni NewsLetter

≪ Previous: Afrika Tikkun Hosts It’s First ICT Academy

Babalwa Ntwanambi (21) is a proud graduate of the Career Development Programme and Ready to Work course offered at Afrika Tikkun (NPO) where she learned business administration, computer skills and a range of skills and tools to prepare her for the workplace.

“I lost both my parents when I was in grade 7, so I could not sit and complain about not having funds to further my studies. I decided to do something to better my life after Matric and when I heard of the Career Development Programme at Afrika Tikkun, I decided to register” says Babalwa. This was a decision that opened a life-changing opportunity for her.

Upon completion of the course, Babalwa decided to volunteer at the Child and Youth Development programme, one of Afrika Tikkun’s programmes, to gain work experience and put the skills she learned into practice. In March 2017, Babalwa was then placed on a six month work experience contract as a HR intern at The Crazy Store in Epping, Cape Town. In July 2018, she was permanently appointed in her role.

Farinaas Van Rheede, HR manager at The Crazy Store, shares on Babalwa’s appointment; “We needed extra hands in our department; someone who pays attention to detail and has the right attitude. After the interviews, I felt Babalwa was the best candidate for the job and she has not disappointed me since”.

‘BB’ as she’s now dearly addressed by her new colleagues, says she enjoys her new workplace and role, but most importantly, she enjoys working with her team, “they are very supportive and friendly, I am free to ask any questions and I feel valued here. My most memorable moment here is when they made my 21st birthday so special! I am very grateful”.

From having very limited computer skills, no job and no guarantee of any further studying due to lack of funds, to having a job Babalwa enjoys and great colleagues, Babalwa’s life has truly changed for the better. This is the very reason Afrika Tikkun exists; to enable young people to become economically empowered.

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Alumni NewsLetter

July 31, 2018, 4:30 am

≫ Next: Afrika Tikkun on Africa Business Radio

≪ Previous: Babalwa Ntwanambi

Dear Alumni

Legacy – that’s the buzzword at the moment. It’s good to be inspired by one, and it’s even better to build one. Think of “legacy” as both a goal and value. We hope that you are inspired through stories reflected here and challenged to consider whether what you are doing with your life is going to leave a legacy. May The Story of Babalwa Inspire You to Keep On Going.

Babalwa Ntwanambi (21) is a proud graduate of the Career Development Programme and Ready to Work course offered at Afrika Tikkun (NPO) where she learned business administration, computer

“I lost both my parents when I was in grade 7, so I could not sit and complain about not having funds to further my studies. I decided to do something to better my life after Matric and when I heard of the Career Development Programme at Afrika Tikkun, I decided to register” says Babalwa. This was a decision that opened a life-changing opportunity for her. Read her full story.

Afrika Tikkun Talent Day 2018

On Saturday 21^st July 2018 at the Mfuleni Centre and on Saturday 28^th July 2018 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, we held our annual Afrika Tikkun Talent Day, a day when we pay tribute to Nelson Mandela, our former Patron in Chief and a day when 2,500 children and youth from our Western Cape and Gauteng Centres meet at the Annual inter-centre sports and cultural day.

It was an exciting and spectacular day at both events and was the culmination of the children and young people’s hard work and the highlight of the year, a day to showcase their skills and talent through education, arts and culture, music and sports. Take a look at one of the highlights of the day.

“The African child must understand that the world is their oyster and they must never believe anyone that tells them otherwise. We are all born to be great and although it might take longer at times greatness can be achieved if we believe and work at it,” says Billy Selekane, who visited Afrika Tikkun during Mandela Week to offer a motivational talk to our young people in Diepsloot. We love his story of perseverance, read it here.

“Today marks the beginning of a new journey towards great things as we launch Afrika Tikkun’s ICT Academy. We are creating a generation of Network Security Engineers on the pulse of technology. They are the next generation of leaders and managers in IT.” Think Tank Managing Director Tebogo Moleta. Read about it.

Click here to vote for your favourite Alumni Programme name from those nominated at the Alumni launch Event that took place on 19th May 2018.

Watch this space for updates on exciting upcoming competitions, workshops and camps planned for the Alumni!

If you have any queries or ideas regarding the alumni programme please email: vuyelwam@afrikatikkun.org

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Afrika Tikkun on Africa Business Radio

August 7, 2018, 4:04 am

≫ Next: The Beauty of being a Woman

≪ Previous: Alumni NewsLetter

For more information on Afrika Tikkun and their initiatives call 011 325 5914, email info@afrikatikkun.org or visit www.afrikatikkun.org.

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The Beauty of being a Woman

August 8, 2018, 3:44 am

≫ Next: Womens Month Dorcas

≪ Previous: Afrika Tikkun on Africa Business Radio

For Women’s Day, we hear some inspiration from some of the inspirational women at Afrika Tikkun

Ladies, let’s not just reflect on the hardships we face as women and how we need to compete in a world of men … let’s focus for a moment on all the exceptional things about women.

Let’s list the things that women achieve. We are the givers of life, we are nurturers, we are breadwinners, we are homemakers, we are soldiers, we are mothers and sometimes fathers as well, we are beautiful, we are strong, we feel for others, we are healers, we are lovers, we are fighters, we are empowering, we are leaders and we are followers and the list goes on and on.

I am the first to admit that it’s not all a bed of roses and yes there are days when we stumble and even days when we fall but the secret lies in feeling that pain and then picking yourself up, dusting yourself off and moving forward with the experience of that fall having taught you something that empowers you in the next step you take.

RAMONA MOHANLALL, SPECIAL PROJECTS

I say to you all, let’s celebrate each other’s individual talents and unique beauty. The beauty of being a woman is unparalleled, and I want every woman who is reading this to own her magnetic brilliance. If you’re a man and reading this, please acknowledge a woman in your life today. Hug her a little longer and tell her you know how wonderful she is. We are magnificent creations. We can do, be, feel, have and experience anything we want. We are that powerful. We ARE that amazing! Whitney said it best: ‘I found the greatest love of all inside of me’!

I grew up knowing that every older woman in my community was my mother because of the love and care that they gave to us, as children. We honoured and gave them respect. I developed a passion to be a teacher inspired by those phenomenal women to offer the seeds of hope to young people.

In today’s world, women work themselves up to become leaders and managers. Even though we work twice as hard to be perceived as good, and YES we have risen to the challenge. To become ‘phenomenal women, we need to have what Maya Angelou describes as ‘Strong self confidence’.

Being a woman today means we have a voice and together it is even louder. Our voice is powerful and has the ability to move this nation. As a career woman surrounded by young people, I want to be remembered as a woman who shaped the economy of this country by educating and empowering young people to become economically viable.

JULIA THOBAKGALE, WINGS OF LIFE CYD

I am a proud mother of two. There is no greater gift than being called to care for two souls who mimic everything you do and encompass everything you are. Being a mother has taught me many valuable lessons most of which I have learned from the innocence of my kids. I feel like I have a purpose, that I found my calling, my true meaning of being me! The best job in the world. I wouldn’t want it any other way. I am important & feel wanted & loved.

Experiencing the small moments that can’t be explained, characterised, or memorised. Those fleeting moments when your child says something profound, mature, grown-up. Those moments that make you savour the little people they are because you’ve just seen a glimpse that childhood is a blip and time truly does fly. Because you are “mom,” you notice this subtle growing-up in a way no one else possibly could. The connection and love between my kids and I is the greatest part of being a mom.

LEZL BAULACKEY, MARKETING DEPARTMENT

I am proud to be a woman,

I am a mother,

I am a nurture,

I am a leader,

I am powerful,

And this goes to all women.

I have been married, I have divorced, I have been battered, I have been loved, I have been harassed, I have been admired, I have been successful, I have failed and I have laughed and I have cried. I love being a woman. I love being powerful and vulnerable. I love being soft and strong. I love that I can be an elegant lady and a rousing superhero, interchangeably, when and how I choose.

This Women’s Day celebrate your sisters, mothers, gogos and aunts for the powerful women of Africa they are. Happy Women’s Day!

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Womens Month Dorcas

August 23, 2018, 6:22 am

≫ Next: Child Protection is a Womens Rights issue

≪ Previous: The Beauty of being a Woman

With the stress of being unemployed and having to provide for five children by herself, Dorcas Racheku worried about her children’s future, especially of her youngest.

Dorcas found out about Afrika Tikkun’s services from the community, because her youngest son was struggling academically and was becoming distracted by friends. Afraid of where this could lead her child, Dorcas registered him with Afrika Tikkun. While being at Afrika Tikkun was beneficial for the child’s education, Dorcas still needed support.

Through the Family Support Services Programme, Dorcas’ family received donations to help ease the load, this included clothing and food for the family. Even though at the time Dorcas was selling sweets this was not enough to provide for basic needs and pay for education. Since receiving assistance the Racheku’s family life has changed.

“The advice that really made a difference in my life was when that social worker explained the importance of independence and encouraged me to work hard for my family,” said Dorcas.

As a result, Dorcas learnt to sew and is now part of a group of women that opened their own bag sewing business. Even though the business is still at the beginning stages there is hope for a better life for Dorcas and her children, she is able to put food on the table because she saw the importance of finding a community that is supportive and getting the help she needs so she is not alone.

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Child Protection is a Womens Rights issue

August 23, 2018, 6:36 am

≫ Next: Memeza Bazokuzwa

≪ Previous: Womens Month Dorcas

The Protection of Women’s Rights begins with childhood

Urban Townships are in a state of emergency for women, but to solve the crisis of violence we need to look to the experience of childhood in South Africa.

In Diepsloot, a peri-urban township north of Johannesburg, endemic Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) is a pervasive issue. In 2014, 76% of community members indicated that they or someone close to them had been a victim of violence in the home or from an intimate partner, indicating that domestic violence was the most prevalent problem facing their community, followed by rape and other forms of sexual violence (37%). (Lawyers against Violence & Sonke Gender Justice, 2014). Furthermore, a separate study from 2016 strongly suggested a state of emergency for women living in Diepsloot, as more than half of the men recruited for the research said that they had either raped or beaten a woman within the past year (Sonke Gender Justice, 2017, pp. 28).

Ominously, the same study’s results exposed a strong correlation between men’s own prior exposure to violence and consequent use of violence: “men experiencing child abuse were 5 times as likely to use recent violence against women. […] the majority of men interviewed experienced at least one type of physical or sexual childhood abuse. More than one-third had been raped or molested as a child” (ibid). It is therefore crucial that the persistent nature of violence is thoroughly recognized and adequately investigated. If we want to improve safety of women, we must begin with the protection and safety of all children from harm as a matter of priority.

The 2017 Optimus Study on the prevalence of sexual abuse amongst children in South Africa found similar prevalences of lifetime experience of sexual abuse for girls and boys. These data show that boys need as much protection as girls (though their needs are different) – but this fact is something that is only slowly being recognised. Violence in families, whether of children or witnessed by children has serious developmental consequences, and may result in the intergenerational transmission of violent behaviour.

in the world^[1]. In addition, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has consistently found that South Africa has among the highest rates of homicide in the world^[2]. Violence against children is also widespread, especially violent forms of discipline meted out against children by family members, and educators. Other forms of child abuse, such as neglect, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse, are also reported throughout the country^[3].

An influential study, “Lost Boys: Why Our Sons Turn Violent and How We Can Save Them” by Chicago-based psychologist James Garbarino identifies sets of factors that influence whether a male child will become violent. The first is the accumulation of risk factors in the life of a boy. While one or two risk factors may not diminish the child’s intellectual ability; having three or four, or more, dramatically impacts on the child: “When we put too many burdens on a kid’s shoulders,” explains Garbarino, “he can’t stand up under the weight”. Risk factors include exposure to the violence described above, poverty, absence of a parent, suffering abuse and neglect, drug abuse in a parent, mental illness in a parent, low educational attainment in a parent, child abuse in the family, exposure to racism and large family size.

The second is social assets present in the child’s family, school and community life that nurtures the child to develop emotional resilience. They are diverse, and may include ‘family life provides high level of support’, ‘child goes to church or religious institutions for at least an hour a week’, and ‘young person is optimistic about his/her future’. As with the risks, the more social assets a child has, the better their outcomes. Of the children with zero to 10 of the assets surveyed in the study Garbarino references, 61% were classified as violent (and this statistic proportionally decreases with the number of social assets the child has).

What we do know is that by a very early age, Garbarino argue, the accumulation of risk factors, and the presence of social assets combine with experiences of rejection, spiritual emptiness, and individual temperament to determine the child’s likely outcome in life: “90% of the kids who are put on the pathway that includes abuse, deprivation and oppression develop a chronic pattern of aggression, bad behaviour, acting out and violating others’ rights – behaviours that might meet the diagnostic standard for conduct disorder – by the time they are 10 years old” (Garbarino). Whether they end up as killers, he goes on to argue, depends a lot on “how toxic or benign the culture is around them”.X§

One young man from Diepsloot, speaks poignantly about the pain of exposure to violence from an early age. From childhood, Prime’s experience of manhood was from close male relatives who “constantly abused women”. Not understanding this behaviour Prime lost trust in men, became reserved, withdrawn and lost a lot of confidence. “I did not know what to do and felt helpless. I remember every time I wanted to protect these women I was called names and told I was letting women control me”, said Prime. This confused Prime and he did not know who or what to become.

When Prime was 14, he made a decision to change his life. He enrolled at Afrika Tikkun in Diepsloot, where he met many young people with similar experiences. The previously shy boy started making friends and interacting more with his peers. “When I first came to Afrika Tikkun I thought I was going to be judged, but I have since learnt to be myself which will allows other people to believe in me and in return I have learnt who I am as a person”, said Prime.

Prime is one of 85 child advocates between the ages of 13 and 18 years recently chosen as school-safety youth advocates due to their involvement in their respective schools’ self-advocacy groups which primarily target students with anti-violence and anti-bullying peer support. Within the community, the advocates identified issues such as teenage pregnancy, drugs and alcohol, poverty and inequality as being extremely visible and requiring immediate attention. Most of the advocates agreed that bullying, discrimination, and the consumption of drugs and alcohol were mainly responsible for creating threats to their safety at school. Over a third (33%) of advocates indicated that they had been bullied and experienced discrimination at school. 20% reported fearing going to school due to potential bullying.

There is a need for all members of society, including children, to be able to participate in holding duty bearers accountable for their protection from harm and social toxicity like the kind that Prime faces. One advocate complained, “I try to stand up for myself but every time I do that people shut me down because they think I am too young to understand my rights”.

Empowering young people with the language and tools to defend their rights and support their peers in this regard is a matter of some urgency if we wish to solve the state of emergency for women in South Africa. We also need to start looking deeper into the roots of the excessive violence against women and girls in South Africa, and remedy it, beginning with teaching parenting skills. Caregivers should be supported to develop warm and caring relationships with their children and monitor them closely. Parents, community members and even influential adults in the life of the child historically have expressed a level of tolerance of violence against children and a reluctance to routinely challenge the widespread culture of silence around child protection issues in the communities. Breaking the silence is a no-brainer.

What is also lacking is the coordination and integration necessary to view this challenge to childhood with a longitudinal cradle to career approach. The Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa published a report in 2014 detailing the urgent need for integrated prevention programmes in child protection strategies. Child protection systems in South Africa remain unintegrated and predominantly reactive rather than preventative methods. We strongly recommend a permanent inter-sectoral government structure led by the departments of social development and health to monitor child maltreatment prevention in all sectors and across the child’s lifespan if a safer and more peaceful society is to be achieved for women.

I am proud to be a woman, I am a mother, I am a nurture, I am a leader, I am powerful, And this goes to all women. I have been married, I have divorced, I have been battered, I have been loved, I have been harassed, I have been admired, I have been successful, I have failed and I have laughed and I have cried. I love being a woman. I love being powerful and vulnerable. I love being soft and strong. I love that I can be an elegant lady and a rousing superhero, interchangeably, when and how I choose.

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Memeza Bazokuzwa

August 23, 2018, 6:38 am

≫ Next: We Shout to be Heard

≪ Previous: Child Protection is a Womens Rights issue

“This month we trained women and staff at all our Centres in Self-Defence. The month was concluded with a train-the-trainer session, and we will be training our young people in the next few months in these important skills too.”

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We Shout to be Heard

August 24, 2018, 3:13 am

≫ Next: CDP SUCCESS STORY

≪ Previous: Memeza Bazokuzwa

When I came to Afrika Tikkun’s Wings of Life Centre I was just accompanying a friend and then I became fascinated by the services they offered. What captured my attention the most was the academic support that the centre provides as well as its social life. These can be overwhelming to any teenager and it becomes difficult to balance the two.

Like most other teens out there I had begun to crack under pressure, and I took my frustrations out on other pupils. This earned me the reputation of being a trouble maker and a bully. I hurt other children to make myself feel better.

I lost everyone around me, as people became scared of me. It became lonely but instead of stopping this behaviour I felt trapped inside myself and carried on. I longed for someone who would hear my silent cries from within for help.

Eventually it was Afrika Tikkun’s social worker Mr Makwena Ramoroka, who saved the day for me.

“Bonolo Satekge you are great, and can be the greatest you can ever be without making someone feel small,” said the social worker. Those words hit home, I knew I had to change!

“Bonolo Satekge you are great, and can be the greatest you can ever be without making someone feel small,” said the social worker. Those words hit home, I knew I had to change!

After a couple of sessions with the social worker, I realised I needed to open up about the challenges that I face and that I did not have to pull down others to make myself feel better or important.

Despite my bad track record, Tikkun kept faith in me becoming a better person one day and they sent me to a leadership camp. It was at this camp that I learnt that I need to channel my negative energy towards a positive endeavour and from that time, my life has never been the same again.

My drive to make a difference is inspired by a quote by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who said, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor

If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” Upon our return from the leadership camp, I signed up to be a Young Urban Woman (YUW) and AV Buddies, the support groups that fight against the person I was, a bully.

AV Buddies and Young Urban Women are support groups that refuse to watch an elephant put its foot on the mouse’s tail.

Siyamemeza basizwe! (We shout to be heard)

My life has transformed drastically socially as I can relate to other people better, and academically, I am now among the crème de la crème. My newly found positivity continues to attract more positive things in my life, and I am now part of the Student Representation Committee (SRC). When I am feeling down or in need of a pick me up, I dance or play football at Tikkun, and it is through my involvement in a lot more activities that I am becoming a better person and a great leader.

My dream is to become an Air Traffic controller, I do not even want to imagine what I would have been like at the job, if I was still the bully I used to be.

Imagine me arguing with a pilot who has hundreds of lives in his hands? You as person can still change. Tikkun will be there with you every step of the way. I am the living proof of the wonders of their programmes.

NOTE: Many teenagers like Bonolo face challenges that they are unable to speak about and as a result, they act out of character, for Bonolo, her situation changed as she received guidance. That she followed that advice and took the opportunity, is why Afrika Tikkun is so proud of her.

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CDP SUCCESS STORY

August 29, 2018, 8:35 am

≫ Next: Alumni Women’s Day Events

≪ Previous: We Shout to be Heard

Meet Renky

Renky is a bright young woman who lives in Alexandra Township. She grew up in Tzaneen, Limpopo and passed Matric with exceptional results. After Matric, she moved to Pretoria to study Office Management at TUT. However, she failed one module and lost her bursary. Renky then went on to work as an Office Clerk until she could find a way to get back into University. Fortunately, she was able to go back to University and studied Mechanical Engineering for a year until she had to drop out to support her family. She moved to Alexandra and joined the Career Development Programme to further her skills.

This amazing young woman completed the course and within a month was supported to be recruited by a fibre company called Britelink. Within a week of working at Britelink as a scheduler, Renky was promoted to the Maintenance department.

Nothing could stop this bright star as she received another promotion within a few months and now works as a co-ordinator.

Renky also has her own registered company called ‘Victory Branding Corporate’. She continues to work for Britelink and advises everybody on her social networks to recognise Afrika Tikkun and their Career Development Programme as it has helped her gain valuable skills that are needed in the workplace. She says that Afrika Tikkun has enabled her to become an asset to the working world.

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Alumni Women’s Day Events

August 30, 2018, 3:03 am

≫ Next: Alumni Newsletter August 2018

≪ Previous: CDP SUCCESS STORY

Wings of Life Event

Proud to be a Woman”: woman empowerment through Education and Entrepreneurship

The Wings of Life Women’s Day Alumni event took place at Indaba Hotel in Fourways and was attended by 60 young women from Afrika Tikkun’s Alumni programme in Diepsloot. For the young women who attended, this event was a platform to connect with other young women to share common struggles and collectively, come up with solutions.

Afrika Tikkun is committed to working towards alleviating youth unemployment as reflected by our four pillars. We do this through the application of our Cradle-to-Career 360˚ programme at our five Centres of Excellence in Orange Farm, Alexandra, Diepsloot, Braampark and Mfuleni. One of our core programmes is the Career Development programme (CDP) that aims to provide skills to our young people, preparing them for the world of work and placing them in employment where possible. The Alumni Programme is a part of this objective, as it furthers our goal to curb youth unemployment, currently a global challenge.

The Alumni Programme is a way of making sure that no one falls through the cracks by connecting and engaging with Alumni at regular events. The organisation is then able to develop a better sense of the needs and value expectations of our young people. Through its platforms of communication and engagement, alumni can network, support, share opportunities and continue to grow together toward economic empowerment.

The objective of the Alumni event was to create a platform for continuous engagement of Alumni post graduating from our skills training programmes and pending placement. This will ensure continued refreshing of skills taught and acquired, as well as empowerment. The Alumni programme will hopefully contribute towards re-enforcing the behavioural values of our young people in the long term.

Ms Marcia Lebambo, was the keynote speaker at the event, and was recently recognised as one of 100 Mandelas, by Media24. Originally, from Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga, Marcia is a 30-yearold woman currently employed as a Lecturer at the University of South Africa. She previously worked as a Residence Manager, Senior Campus officer and a Lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology. She also worked as Current Affairs Presenter for the Campus Radio TUTFM. Ms Lebambo also founded the first TUT Soshanguve Campus Residence Newsletter called Residence Life.

She is involved in many community development projects through her Foundation, the Marcia Lebambo Foundation. One is a campaign that deals with teaching learners in rural and township schools, reading and writing skills using a popular competition called Spelling BEE. She recently completed her PhD studies in Rural Entrepreneurship Development with Tshwane University of Technology Business School, and has published papers in journals and written book chapters. Marcia has presented papers in countries such as Tanzania and Austria. Her previous qualifications include:

Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship
National Diploma: Administrative Management
B-Tech Strategic Management
B-Tech Public Management

She is a Director of a company called Mashakoane consultancy; that helps students with postgraduate studies and research and is very passionate about developing young women especially in rural areas through Entrepreneurship and Education.

In her talk, Marcia tackled issues of personal branding, goal setting, overcoming challenges as well as entrepreneurship. Not only were the topics relevant to the young women, they were able to gain an understanding of where they need to go to get the assistance they need to take the next step in their careers.

Arekopaneng Event

“Proud to be a Woman”

The Arekopaneng Centre hosted their Women’s month Alumni event on 16 August 2018, targeting young women who were previously part of Afrika Tikkun’s programme. Since the launch of the Alumni programme we still have a mission to bring our young people closer to our Centres, post-graduation.

The theme of the event was “Proud to be a Woman”, with all women present wearing all black and a doek, symbolising that they are proud to be African women even when faced with adversities. All the invited speakers were present (Rhiza Babuyile, Siyanqoba, Ke Moja, as well as a representative from a local Mobile Clinic). The objective of the day was to educate women around issues of health, abuse, women empowerment and women in business.

Young women were given a chance to question and to contribute. The highlight of the day was the candlelit moment, paying respect to all women who lost their lives in abusive relationships, those who have had the courage to walk away and those who still need the strength and support to leave an abusive relationship.

The event was a success, the local mobile clinic that was present enabled young people to undergo voluntary HIV/AIDS counselling and testing, and condoms were distributed to them. Young women in the alumni programme who own their own businesses had an opportunity to showcase their work.

The event was joyful and successful, all thanks to our partners, stakeholders and Arekopaneng Centre Staff members

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Alumni Newsletter August 2018

August 30, 2018, 4:05 am

≫ Next: Garden to Kindergarten launches

≪ Previous: Alumni Women’s Day Events

Dear Alumni

Welcome to another interesting and informative Alumni update on what’s hot and happening in the Alumni programme!

Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine. ― Roy T. Bennett

Meet Renky – A CDP Success Story

Renky is a bright young woman who lives in Alexandra Township. She grew up in Tzaneen, Limpopo and passed Matric with outstanding results. After Matric, she moved to Pretoria to study Office Management at TUT.

However, she failed one module and lost her bursary…but that is not the end of Renky’s story… nothing could stop this bright star. Read about Renky’s exceptional journey with Afrika Tikkun…

Alumni Women’s Month Events
Wings of Life

The event was attended by 60 young women from Afrika Tikkun’s Alumni programme in Diepsloot. For the young women who attended, this event was a platform to connect with other young women to share common struggles and collectively come up with solutions. Read more…

Arekopaneng

The Arekopaneng Centre hosted a similar event that was attended by young Alumni women who were previously part of Afrika Tikkun’s programmes. The event took place at the Arekopaneng Centre, on 16 August 2018.

Read more about this spectacular event…

Awesome Opportunities for Alumni

Amandla Campaigner Fellowship

Full-time paid Fellowship for Black Women, from 1 October to 21 December 2018 in Johannesburg. Click here for all the details…

For information on 2018/ 2019 SA Government scholarships to apply for, click here…

What should we call our Alumni?

Click here to vote for your favourite Alumni programme name from those nominated at the Alumni launch event that took place in May 2018.

Something very exciting is brewing but we can’t tell you about just yet as we still need to cross the t’s and dot the i’s!

Watch this space for updates on this and other awesome competitions, workshops and camps planned for our Alumni in the next Alumni newsletter!

If you have any queries or ideas regarding the Alumni programme please email: vuyelwam@afrikatikkun.org

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Garden to Kindergarten launches

September 3, 2018, 7:47 am

≫ Next: The Young Urban Women Netball Leagues

≪ Previous: Alumni Newsletter August 2018

Legacy of Sandi, Blooms and Grows at Afrika Tikkun

The Garden to Kindergarten programme that kicked off Friday, 31 August at Afrika Tikkun’s Centre in Orange Farm celebrates the life of Sandi Jacobson. In memory of their dear sister, Steve Jacobson and his sister Val Mardon have begun the Garden to Kindergarten Programme and Campaign at Afrika Tikkun. It embraces Sandi’s primary passions: growing vegetables and growing young minds and bodies. The programme will improve the lives and prospects of very young South Africans by teaching them organic gardening.

Sandi Jacobson, aka Millie Khumalo, was born in Durban, South Africa in 1957. There was never much that was conventional about Sandi. At 18, she was living in a village called Sekonyela in the Maluti Mountains of Lesotho, working with the local community. It was there that she developed skills in, and a passion for growing vegetables.

Her pacifist philosophy was fundamentally challenged in the 1980’s when a number of her close friends were executed by SADF commandos. She joined Umkhonto we Sizwe, the military arm of the ANC and operated in exile till mid-1991.

Apart from vegetable-growing and her core convictions on social justice, her other passion was children. She spent five years working in early childhood development. At the age of forty, she finally decided to do something for herself and bought a small organic veggie farm with her husband, Winston and a friend, Steve. Devastatingly, her joy of working with the soil again was short-lived when she was murdered on 31 October 1997.

“The aim is to teach children about the principles of organic gardening,” explains the Project Coordinator Tim Abaa, “including the values of equality and the fair distribution of resources. But of course the learning applications from gardening spans across the entire curriculum.”

Ultimately, the vision is to stir up a passion for agriculture as a career path. “Most youngsters do not like farming and agriculture as a career option – they see it as something that doesn’t pay well, but there are many career paths in farming. You can be a statistician, a dietician, a scientist. When you look in our communities, most people are unemployed and rely on grants. How do we help them to save their little money by planting vegetable gardens of their own?”

The Garden to Kindergarten programme will see learners aged two to six years in Early Childhood Development (ECD) classes at Arekopaneng Centre in Orange Farm get involved in the garden. They will learn about the importance of the environment, the lifecycle of plants, how that same fresh produce is part of their daily sustenance and about healthy eating in general.

The programme is three-pronged. It educates the Grade Rs, their parents and their teachers. At school, teachers are taught how to interate organic gardening into the curriculum. At home, parents can cultivate gardens with their children so that as they grow up children can develop lifelong abilities in the garden.

Tim Abaa continues, “we want the children to be warriors in the war on poverty. They should be able to look after their community, their families and themselves. With productive communities, the country’s economy will grow. People must create employment on their own, and we want to give them the skills to do that from an early age.” No mere vegetable garden – this programme gives families the skills to be authors of their own life, “Garden to Kindergarten is setting this foundation for them at a time when climate change and economic inequality is making innovation in the agricultural sector more important than ever before.”

The Jacobson family and Afrika Tikkun have launched the Garden to Kindergarten programme at the Arekopaneng Centre of Excellence in Orange Farm, and aim to raise funds to continue the programme indefinitely and roll it out at Afrika Tikkun’s other four Centres of Excellence in Joburg and Cape Town.

The official launch of the programme will be held at the Arekopaneng Orange Farm Centre on Thursday, 8 November 2018 with a harvest lunch and tour of the garden with ECD learners and the Jacobson family.

#health #food #nutrition #healthyeating #education #ecd #youngchildrenourfuture

For more information on Afrika Tikkun and their initiatives call 011 325 5914, email info@afrikatikkun.org or visit www.afrikatikkun.org.

For more information on the Garden to Kindergarten campaign specifically visit www.afrikatikkun.org/garden-to-kindergarten.

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The Young Urban Women Netball Leagues

September 14, 2018, 1:37 am

≫ Next: Change the World

≪ Previous: Garden to Kindergarten launches

The Young Urban Women Netball Leagues aim to prepare Young Girls for Career Pathways

Cradle to Sports Career

In partnership with the City of Joburg, Afrika Tikkun has established district-level netball leagues in Region F (inner-city Johannesburg), Region E (Alexandra) and Region A (Diepsloot). “We put these leagues in place to enable regular and weekly competition for our netball teams. In order for our young people to get into university on netball scholarships, it is very important that when scouts see them, they are competent players and good athletes – who have been competing at the right level,” Taole explains.

Meet Captain of the Netball team for U-17 in Alexandra

“Netball Captain Siphesihle hopes to become a Neuro-Surgeon one day.”

My name is Siphesihle Hope Kubeka. I am 17, was born and bred in Alexandra Township and doing Grade 11 at Realogile High School. I am zealous about everything I do, especially my school work, and I’m very optimistic. With each and every obstacle I encounter, I make pretty sure that I overcome it. I am multi-talented, an excellent netball player, and enjoy debate, Spelling Bee and reading novels.

I was introduced to Afrika Tikkun by my friend Izanokuhle Zasekhaya, who always encouraged me to attend Afrika Tikkun. The day I realised that I was struggling with mathematics, is the day I decided to come to Afrika Tikkun, which I proudly declare as my home today. Ever since I joined Afrika Tikkun, my life has completely changed for the better. Today, I am a great leader because of Afrika Tikkun’s motivation and skills. I am a mentee as well as a peer educator.

Afrika Tikkun brought the best out in me because today I am also the best netball player (if I have to say so myself). When I came to Afrika Tikkun I did not know how to play netball but now I know

how to play all the positions now. My best position is Goal Keeper (GK). My centre taught me discipline, consistency and dedication which are the main reasons we won the Netball Match on Talent Day.

My netball role model is Joane Harten who is one of the top netball players in UK. I can simply say that she inspires me in every way. I was so overwhelmed by our victory on Talent Day. Not to say that I underestimated our opponents, but I always knew that we were going to succeed. The greatest feeling was when we ran for our trophy at the stadium, being recognised and then walking away with our trophy held high. Now, together with the team, we are looking forward to proudly collecting all the trophies. With the support I receive from Afrika Tikkun I believe and trust that I will go far.

For more information on Afrika Tikkun and their initiatives call 011 325 5914, email info@afrikatikkun.org or visit www.afrikatikkun.org.

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Change the World

September 17, 2018, 11:20 am

≫ Next: fighting poverty

≪ Previous: The Young Urban Women Netball Leagues

Born to be Woman of the Match

Cradle to Sports Career

“To date I have 42 medals as well as 10 trophies to my name, this includes ‘Best Player of the Year twice in a row, and three ‘Player of the Tournament’ awards. Is it fair to say I love sports? I have competed in soccer, netball, tennis and athletics. Amazingly, I enjoy each and every sport and It goes without saying that I was born to play.”

Meet Rosinah Mohlapamaswi, she is an 18-year-old, currently in Matric. Rosinah started playing sports at the age of 6 when she was signed up for athletics at her school.

“It was the first time I ever won a medal and a sporting certificate – I had to feel like that again and I did”.

At the age of 9 she started taking an interest in netball, and has not stopped playing since. During her high school career, she registered at Afrika Tikkun, Uthando Centre, with the hope of improving her academics and personal development.

There Rosinah was introduced to Coach Dominic Moitsi, “…Coach is also my mentor, he taught me everything I know about sports and life in general. Through his mentoring, I have met amazing people who have become like family to me”, she explained.

“Netball used to be my coping mechanism whenever I felt sad. I would just go downstairs and start playing with the children in my flat. They had no clue about the sport so I would pass around the ball and teach them the rules of the game, before I knew it, it would be dark and my mood would have improved”.

Rosinah decided long ago to pursue Sports Management at the University of Johannesburg.

“This is the only career path that will maintain my connection to my passion. I also love teaching and developing young people through sports; and so through this qualification, I will be in a position to offer mentoring and coaching to young people like myself.”

When she gets her degree, the world will be her oyster – and Rosina is dreaming big.

“I want to transform communities through sports and recreation. I believe that you have to start with the little things in order to make bigger moves and ultimately change the world. I would love to be the leading woman in sports in my community and eventually in the country, to represent my country like Caster Semenya”.

Rosinah has been recognized by Uthando Centre for her hard work and contribution to sports, her achievements include being awarded the ‘Best Centre Player’ twice and also receiving ‘Woman of the Match’ during a tournament.

She keeps all her medals and certificates to motivate her to go after her ultimate dream.

For more information on Afrika Tikkun and their initiatives call 011 325 5914, email info@afrikatikkun.org or visit www.afrikatikkun.org.

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fighting poverty

September 18, 2018, 4:33 am

≫ Next: Cradle to Sports Career Thought Leadership

≪ Previous: Change the World

To fight poverty, world should invest in Africa’s youth - Bill Gates

The billionaire philanthropist put forward a ‘simple idea’ that investing in the health and education of Africa’s younger generation would help tackle poverty.

UNITED NATIONS – The world should help Africa invest in its people as the continent confronts a demographic boom, said billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates, whose foundation released its annual report on Tuesday.

Gates put forward a “simple idea” that investing in the health and education of Africa’s younger generation would help tackle poverty.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation released its annual “Goalkeepers” report measuring progress towards achieving UN poverty-reducing goals in 2030, based on an assessment of 18 indicators.

While poverty is receding globally, the demographic boom could stall that progress and it could even rise, the report warns.

“If those investments are made in the right way,” said the report, young Africans would contribute to the economy and the population growth would likely diminish, as has been the case in other countries.

A projection of poverty rates in the report showed that by 2050, more than 40% of extremely poor people in the world will live in just two countries: The Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria.

“The particular challenge of the population growth in Africa leads to a simple idea that the world should help Africa invest in its human capital, and that means both the health and the education of this young generation coming up in Africa,” Gates told journalists.

In its annual assessment, the foundation cited progress from Brazil on nutrition, Indonesia for family planning and Vietnam for the quality of education.

Bill and Melinda Gates will co-host an event in New York next week, on the sidelines of the gathering of world leaders at the United Nations, to highlight their campaign for investing in youth

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Cradle to Sports Career Thought Leadership

September 19, 2018, 10:23 am

≫ Next: Spelling Bee 2018

≪ Previous: fighting poverty

Thomas Taole has coached sports for the last 30 years at some of the best private schools in Johannesburg. Today he develops the sport careers of township youth through Afrika Tikkun. He discusses some of the challenges and opportunities presenting to young people who want to develop careers as athletes and sports administrators in SA today.

Msizi Yende and Simphiwe Ntombela with Thomas Taole at the Recent REDHUB Series were they did well.

“School sports in the township is dying a slow death if it isn’t dead already,” Taole declares. “But for South Africa to see the level and number of professional sports players it needs, we need to begin with ensuring the resources and facilities are present in the townships. And here, we are not talking only about facilities, but human resources as well”.

The handful of young people identified by talent scouts and taken in by the private schools is a small percentage of what South Africa could be producing if the disadvantaged communities were appropriately resourced by government. A key solution to the lack of sports development is that physical education is not offered as a subject at schools.

“I work at private schools in Jo’burg simply because they are able to pay me. Township school teachers are overwhelmed, overworked and most importantly not trained to teach sport,” Thomas argues. Physical Education is 5% of Life Orientation, and it is being taught by individuals, who are not trained in physical education. They lack the technical know-how to develop athletes. “I stand for the re-institution of physical education into the curriculum, and we are working with a team at the North West University led by Professor Dorita Du Toit to campaign for the return of Physical Education to schools.”

Sometimes government builds the facilities without putting the appropriate human resources in place. Tennis courts and cricket grounds should not be built for example, without providing training in those sports at the same time. Moreover, there needs to be training on how to manage and maintain those facilities. “You find people don’t know what to do with those facilities – they use them for weddings, church and funerals and the people who are meant to be benefitting do not,” Taole explains.

Young people wanting to build sports careers as athletes or in sport administration, and who hail from townships face a significant challenge from these complications, as well as from the less obvious challenges, like the expense required to be involved in local and provincial sports. For example, three years ago, Afrika Tikkun had five girls who made the team to represent the district in netball. They were called to do training at the University of Pretoria to represent the province. “They had the talent, but neither we as an organisation nor their parents had the capacity or resources to get them there in the evenings – so that is where their career ended,” he confesses.

Sugarboy Malinga teaching boxing to young people.

When a young person represents province, they stand a good chance of being scouted for scholarships to play sports at university level – which in turn is an opportunity for young people to use their talent in order to get an education. But because they were not able to get to Pretoria for their training, all this was lost to these five young women. Similarly, sports administration courses also require hidden costs like transport, accommodation etc. making this career option prohibitive for young people in townships and rural areas.

To solve this problem, Afrika Tikkun approached CATHSSETA – the SETA responsible for sports development – to offer sports administration skills development training at Afrika Tikkun centres in townships. We are in five communities and this would have enabled the SETA to train young people in sports administration on a large scale – without incurring the prohibitive costs in transport and accommodation. Internal changes at the company led to a lack of political will to do this.

Afrika Tikkun shifted its strategy, and today is building partnerships with tertiary institutions to offer bursaries, including Boston College, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the North-West University (NWU).

Another important consideration is that children and young people need holistic support in order to be able to play sports (not least to go far in sports). Children and young people need to be able

to eat in order to exercise. To children who are hungry, sports is simply not an option. The basic needs of the child are fundamentally important, and take priority. For that reason, government should be partnering with organisations that support the 360° development of the child’s nutritional, health and psycho-social needs.

This is particularly true for young people who want to pursue a career in athletics or sports. Take Khanya Sibanda, he has been with Afrika Tikkun since the age of 5. He is out of school, and is training (as best he can) to compete in the Tokyo Olympics in Track and Field (800m and 1.5km races). In order for him to succeed, he will need a professional team to support him – and it will be costly. He will need access to a gym, a physiotherapist and a personal dietician to ensure he is getting the right nutrition for optimal performance. The institutions who are there to help don’t favour underdogs like Khanya, and instead will invest all their resources into athletes training at elite institutions. Had Khanya been exposed to physical education at school he would be 50% there already, because of his natural talent – but he did not get that.

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates Development Support starts at 15 – but, argues Taole, that is at least ten years too late – all the bad habits have already been acquired and they are not going to change at that age. Any development programme for sport needs to start at age 5; and the aspiring athlete needs to put at least 10 000 hours into becoming a top performer. “As a country we are being reactionary in our response to the challenge of transformation in sports” argues Taole. “We are not solving at the grassroots level. That is why Afrika Tikkun’s model of 360° development from the age of 2 upwards is the best solution – expensive though it may be.”

To really make an impact on sports development, requires a co-ordinated effort from all stakeholders, which at the moment we don’t get right. “That is why you don’t see many people able to build the kind of career I have been able to build over the last thirty years, today,” Thomas explains.

But through his efforts all this is starting to change. “For the last ten years, my career has been focused on developing young people into the career of sports coaching and movement. I have trained and placed 20 young people into good entry-level coaching jobs at private schools and movement companies.” One example of someone who benefitted from Thomas’ support at Afrika Tikkun, is Thabiso Peloeng who started out on a Learnership at Afrika Tikkun. “We saw his passion and talent in coaching and sent him on further training, and sent him to London to compete in a Triathlon. He eventually became qualified to coach under-7s and today works for a company earning more than four times what he was earning with us.”

Through partnerships he is building, today Thomas is poised to direct many more young people into careers in sports and sports administration. For the organisation, this capacity begins with recruiting passionate and qualified individuals to train Afrika Tikkun’ s young people, and then equipping them with a considered physical education curriculum. Afrika Tikkun has recruited the assistance of experts like Professor Dorita Du Toit to contribute to a sports education curriculum and training materials for its young people. This will go some way towards helping the organisation to ensure that young people with talent are identified early and put on pathways for sport careers, both here and abroad.

Afrika Tikkun has also experienced some success with the City of Johannesburg in the establishment of district-level netball leagues. With the support of the City of Jo’burg, and the Johannesburg Netball Association, it established netball leagues in Region F (inner-city Johannesburg), Region E (Alexandra) and Region A (Diepsloot). “We put these leagues in place to enable regular and weekly competition for our netball teams. In order for our young people to get into university on netball scholarships, it is very important that when scouts see them, they are competent players and good athletes – who have been competing at the right level,” Taole explains.

Through this partnership, resources are shared in such a way that it allows the community at large to benefit directly and thereby overcome its resource challenge with regard to Netball. Another example of strategic partnerships is Palesa Holdings, who saw the Netball League success in Region F, and contacted Afrika Tikkun to help. They came and offered financial management training for the sports team to enable them to manage budgets.

“We realise that what we want to achieve is ambitious, but our team has been built to a point where we can achieve this for our young people,” Taole explains with a mixture of passion, and sober preparedness for the work that lies ahead. “I am doing today what I was doing at the age of 13, and that was 38 years ago. People would dismiss me and say, “he is just a child”. It is all thanks to the help of many different people along the way who played a part into developing me, and saw my passion. Anyone who wants a career in sports needs this kind of support and this is what we want to provide on a much larger scale to our young people through Afrika Tikkun, and with the help of partners.”

“We have had many failures and disappointments along the way. There have been times when we

have not been able to find the resources we require to do the work, or when partners or stakeholders do not share the vision or the will; but we are making progress,” says Thomas. What is certain, is that the task requires an appreciation of the big picture – that it starts at grassroots; but more than that we need to appreciate the specifics.

It’s all in the details – coordination and cooperation is required across private, public and civic sectors; as well as between basic education and tertiary education – so that career pathways can be designed per individual and that the process is facilitated as smoothly as possible. We also need to ensure young people are supported 360° throughout their lives – most especially if they have the raw talent to really achieve. Expertise in this field is essential – from the educators to the curriculum, to government. Sports is a source of tremendous consumer interest and national pride. With the right investment it can be used to change the conversation we have about ourselves as a country, to excel as we have the capability to do internationally, and to grow the GDP.

For more information on Afrika Tikkun and their initiatives call 011 325 5914, email info@afrikatikkun.org or visit www.afrikatikkun.org.

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Spelling Bee 2018

September 24, 2018, 5:54 am

≫ Next: Alumni September 2018

≪ Previous: Cradle to Sports Career Thought Leadership

Afrika Tikkun’s Spelling Bee Championship develops academic excellence, a spirit of competition and a sense of achievement in its children and young people. It teaches spelling, language, grammar, comprehension and even history.

It instils pride and self- confidence. Be a part of growing our next generation of achievers and champions, and encouraging a culture of learning in South African townships. Support the Afrika Tikkun Spelling Bee Championship.

“Five extremely worthy finalists from each of the 4 age categories have earned the right to compete at the final stage of the Afrika Tikkun Spelling Bee Championship. Remember these children outlasted dozens of competitors to make it to this stage. One of these bright minds in each age category will win the title of Afrika Tikkun Spelling Bee Champion together with a range of donated prizes. Donate a email prize

Make their dreams come true!

Adopt the contestant you think is going to take the title of champion. Follow, share, like and donate. The Spelling Bee finalist with the most likes, shares and donations wins a prize for their Centre! All proceeds go to Afrika Tikkun and support the development of the 2500 children and young people benefitting from the Cradle to Career 360° programme during their school years.

Meet the Finalists

Keep up with the Campaign

Every Friday at 4pm our young people will live stream practice spelling sessions. Tune in on facebook (www.facebook/afrikatikkun) and give your finalists spelling tips and practice words to spell. Watch Ntando Mbikwana do a practice session at our Mfuleni Centre.

Afrika Tikkun Spelling Bee Championship

October 20 - 9am to 2pm

Join us on October 20 for the Spelling Bee Finals and support your finalist!

Would you like to help Afrika Tikkun make this day possible?
Supporting excellence in educational achievement is an investment that will bring sustained change to our country and help to end child poverty.

Spelling Bee Resources

Thinking of encouraging our kids? Here are some references to help you give our young people the best advice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esmvqf5ayx0
https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/competitive-secrets-every-spelling-bee-champ-knows/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3tkupRVYOQ

Spell like a Spelling Bee champ.

For more information on Afrika Tikkun and their initiatives call 011 325 5914, email info@afrikatikkun.org or visit www.afrikatikkun.org.

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Alumni September 2018

September 25, 2018, 3:26 am

≫ Next: International Day of the Girl Child

≪ Previous: Spelling Bee 2018

Dear Alumni

This is your September 2018 Alumni Newsletter, sit tight, we have some awesome news for you!

As we celebrate Heritage Day with our loved ones, let’s take time to acknowledge and appreciate all the beautiful, diverse cultures in our communities, with a spirit of tolerance.

“Our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our nation. “ – Nelson Mandela

Alumni Events

At the end of August, and throughout the month of September 2018, the Alumni were kept busy with various engaging and interactive events and activities:-

Alumni Workshops

Two Alumni workshops were held at the Afrika Tikkun centre at Mfuleni, Western Cape and at a venue in Pretoria, Gauteng respectively, in order to clarify and unpack the purpose of the programme, assess what has been done thus far and define the objectives of this programme. It was established that the Alumni Programme differs from the other Afrika Tikkun programmes in that it targets people who have graduated from these programmes. The workshops were also used to develop a structure for the Alumni programme that is democratic and participatory.

Career Development Programme Review Workshop – 4 September 2018

Afrika Tikkun is in the process of evaluating and innovating its career development and placement (CDP) programme that currently provides ICT training, career guidance, job-readiness training, as well as specialised training in the retail, hospitality and IT (coding) sectors. In addition, the CDP programme sources job placement opportunities for those trained that includes entry-level jobs, Learnerships, internships and work experience placement opportunities with our partners.

As key stakeholders in the Afrika Tikkun CDP, 20 Alumni, who are graduates of the CDP programme, were invited to participate in this evaluation and ideation workshop.

The workshop was facilitated by Youth Lab in order to illicit and consolidate the insights and experiences of the programme by our Alumni. One of the key outcomes of the workshop was to gain a deeper understanding of the needs and aspirations that our young people have for the future of the programme to ensure that the programme meets its core mandate of youth career development and employment.

Awesome Opportunities for Alumni

Global Citizen Festival SA 2018 – Take action and stand the chance to win FREE tickets!

We are so excited to finally reveal that we have partnered with Global Citizen to give our Alumni more opportunities to take positive advocacy actions in their communities, help end extreme poverty on local and global issues, and stand a chance to attend the historic Mandela 100 Global Citizen Festival. The festival will take place in Johannesburg on 2 December, 2018, with Beyoncé, JAY-Z, Cassper Nyovest, Tiwa Savage, and many more amazing artists; read about the full line-up here.

We will be facilitating various activities and opportunities at the Afrika Tikkun Centres between now and the end of November 2018 that will give you an opportunity to work towards winning your tickets to this once-in-a lifetime Global Citizen event! Look out for the upcoming SMSs giving you all the details.

For information on 2018/ 2019 SA Government scholarships to apply for, click here…

What should we call our Alumni?

Click here to vote for your favourite Alumni programme name from those nominated at the Alumni launch earlier this year. Results will be announced in November 2018.

Look out for those Global Citizen activities SMSs and other fantastic updates, competitions and workshops planned for our Alumni in the next newsletter!

If you have any queries or ideas regarding the Alumni programme please email: vuyelwam@afrikatikkun.org

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So much shared purpose that Mandela Day becomes Mandela Week

Pictured: Soso Motloung from Cisco, Tebogo Moleta from ThinkTank, Peta-Lee Wainer from Fortinet, Nicole Gerber from Maxtec, Onyi Nwaneri from Afrika Tikkun

Watch this space for updates on exciting upcoming competitions, workshops and camps planned for the Alumni!

For Women’s Day, we hear some inspiration from some of the inspirational women at Afrika Tikkun

RAMONA MOHANLALL, SPECIAL PROJECTS

JULIA THOBAKGALE, WINGS OF LIFE CYD

LEZL BAULACKEY, MARKETING DEPARTMENT

This Women’s Day celebrate your sisters, mothers, gogos and aunts for the powerful women of Africa they are. Happy Women’s Day!

The Protection of Women’s Rights begins with childhood

“This month we trained women and staff at all our Centres in Self-Defence. The month was concluded with a train-the-trainer session, and we will be training our young people in the next few months in these important skills too.”

“Bonolo Satekge you are great, and can be the greatest you can ever be without making someone feel small,” said the social worker. Those words hit home, I knew I had to change!

Siyamemeza basizwe! (We shout to be heard)

Meet Renky

Wings of Life Event

Proud to be a Woman”: woman empowerment through Education and Entrepreneurship

Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship

National Diploma: Administrative Management

B-Tech Strategic Management

B-Tech Public Management

Arekopaneng Event

“Proud to be a Woman”

Dear Alumni

Meet Renky – A CDP Success Story

Alumni Women’s Month Events Wings of Life

Arekopaneng

Awesome Opportunities for Alumni

Legacy of Sandi, Blooms and Grows at Afrika Tikkun

The Young Urban Women Netball Leagues aim to prepare Young Girls for Career Pathways

Cradle to Sports Career

Meet Captain of the Netball team for U-17 in Alexandra

Born to be Woman of the Match

Cradle to Sports Career

To fight poverty, world should invest in Africa’s youth - Bill Gates

Make their dreams come true!

Meet the Finalists

Keep up with the Campaign

Afrika Tikkun Spelling Bee Championship

October 20 - 9am to 2pm

Join us on October 20 for the Spelling Bee Finals and support your finalist!

Dear Alumni

This is your September 2018 Alumni Newsletter, sit tight, we have some awesome news for you!

Alumni Events

Alumni Workshops

Career Development Programme Review Workshop – 4 September 2018

Awesome Opportunities for Alumni

Global Citizen Festival SA 2018 – Take action and stand the chance to win FREE tickets!

Alumni Women’s Month Events
Wings of Life