International Day of the Girl Child

October 9, 2018, 11:13 am

≫ Next: Aspiring Township Scientists Face Unique Challenges

≪ Previous: Alumni September 2018

International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated on 11 October annually. It aims to acknowledge the needs and challenges of girls around the world whilst also promoting empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.

The story of Pookolala breaks hearts. She is five years old.

Her mother dropped out in Grade 9 in order to have her, and never returned to school. She has just given birth to her third child, and she is not yet twenty two.

Pookolala’s grandmother looks after her because her mom is addicted to drugs and alcohol, but Gogo has not been able to find work either since her diagnosis with cancer although she is now clear of the disease. When potential employers hear about her condition they back off.

Pookolala learned to talk late and needs therapy because of the traumas and deprivation she has suffered. Her family is a demonstration of generational poverty. There are no men in the family – the women are on their own, surviving on grants, a small income from recycling and the support of Afrika Tikkun in Braamfontein – who are also trying to help her with play therapy.

What is the future for families headed by children and single women? Sometimes they live with family and at other times they have to live on the street or in dangerous, temporary shelters pulled together haphazardly – their lives, health, bodies and possessions at risk.

According to the 2017 issue of South African Child Gauge by the Children’s Institute, poverty in South Africa is highest for young people age 0-17, and for girls in particular. 66.8% of children in South Africa live in poverty; and 29% of children live below the food poverty line. It is girls who feel the brunt of that poverty and disadvantage worst of all.

Nontsikelo who hails from the same area is an activist and a poet. Her activism for the rights of young women is expressed through spoken word. Her poem African Child was written for Pookolala’s story, with Johnny Sklar on guitar and mixed by Chanda Threezy. African Child will be released on Spotify on International Day of the Girl Child to raise awareness about girl child poverty in South Africa. All proceeds will go to the Young Urban Women Programme at Afrika Tikkun.

Listen to a preview of African Child on Soundcloud.

Nontsikelo Khunju recording “African Child”

Spoken Word by Nontsikelo Khunju

Guitar by Johnny Sklar

Mixed by Chanda Threezy

Final mix by Catherine Sofianos

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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Aspiring Township Scientists Face Unique Challenges

October 24, 2018, 12:20 am

≫ Next: Victory is Sweet for Spelling Bee Winners

≪ Previous: International Day of the Girl Child

By age 30, Marine Biologist Zoleka Filander had already discovered five potentially new species and one genera. It’s not an achievement she could easily have predicted, growing up as a black woman in rural South Africa, and raised by her grandparents. Her success is remarkable because it is unique – for a South African young black person. Young men and women from the townships and villages of South Africa face similar challenges, some with even less opportunity than she had. Their success is by no means guaranteed; but with a little mindfulness and commitment, it can be done. Here are some insights into what South Africa needs to do to empower its next generation of achievers in scientific innovation ahead of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4^th IR). South African workplaces currently report a poorly skilled workforce, which will worsen as jobs become more reliant on digital technology. The World Economic Forum (WEF) predicts that by 2020, 39% “of core skills required across occupations will be entirely different.” They also predict that by 2030, 41% of all work activities in South Africa will be automated. Weigh that against our current unemployment statistics (38% for young people). Currently, sub-Saharan Africa has a global share of high skilled employment of only 6% (the global average is 24%). By 2030, Africa is set to expand the size of its workforce by more than the rest of the world combined (to over 600 million people). This puts a tremendous burden on our education system to prepare school goers for an uncertain future. We need a future ready curriculum that speaks to the increasingly technology driven economy, as well as how these technologies are for lack of a better phrase – disrupting almost every industry. Learners require proficiency in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects and digital literacy, as well as intra-personal competency and critical thinking skills. According to a 2018 WEF report, South Africa scores second to last for quality of Africa’s Education Systems, only edging out Mauritania. The larger context for this rating is “a global learning crisis— which affects children and youth who are out of school with limited learning opportunities and those who are in school but not learning the skills they need for their futures,” states the Brookings Institution Center for Universal Education in A Global Compact on Learning: Taking Action on Education in Developing Countries.

Their report identifies three priority areas: early childhood education and care, basic literacy and numeracy, and equipping young people with relevant skills for lives and livelihoods. These are the same priority areas identified by local experts seeking to address STEM education for the 4^th IR (See Mail and Guardian, TechFinancials, TechSalon Session).

Free and compulsory early childhood education in the first six years of the child’s life is not yet available in South Africa (only Grade R is compulsory). But there is now ample research to show that children who participate in quality ECD programmes have higher levels of cognitive development and are better prepared to learn when they enter primary school. They also have lower repetition and dropout rates in the early grades, higher levels of overall achievement, and higher completion rates. They subsequently have better employment prospects. And the child’s outlook on life significantly improves with involvement of the parent in the life and learning journey of the child.

The passion for learning and imaginative exploration that the child learns in ECD, becomes an adventure of discovery in primary school. Statistics show that learners from disadvantaged backgrounds suffer from a high attrition rate from science subjects, and are most likely unable to complete their studies. When it comes to young people electing STEM subjects in their secondary schooling and as a tertiary study and career choice, the earlier the learner develops an interest in STEM subjects, the better. When it comes to giving children from townships these tools to empower their own education, there is an even more significant benefit. For them, the joy of learning and discovery, STEM competency and the ability to be self-directed are not only powerful competencies in the 4^th Industrial Revolution, but essential for survival. They give our children a path of hope.

Take Ntando Mbikwana from Mfuleni in the Cape. Like most families in the township of Mfuleni, Ntando’s family relies on grant money and has no solid income due to unemployment. Alcoholism is another issue that the family is faced with and this affects the children negatively. As Ntando explains: “There’s usually a lot of tension at home when our elders get drunk and get into conflicts; coming here (Afrika Tikkun) helps me to focus on myself and the future.”

Despite, or maybe because of, a distinct lack of social and familial privilege, Ntando is deeply intrinsically motivated. He has already been awarded more than 10 certificates of excellence in primary school alone. He was nominated for a Peace Prize and is a member of the Centre’s SRC (Student Representative Council).

“I believe in working hard for what you want. I am passionate about Maths and Natural Science and since they are challenging subjects, I have to work harder on them to ensure great marks,” says Ntando.

He aspires to be a medical doctor when he completes his studies. When asked what the key to great performance at school is, Ntando says, “firstly you have to take your school work seriously; participate in class and ask questions when you don’t understand. Then make sure you prepare and practice a lot because subjects like Mathematics need you to keep practicing”.

In a country as uniquely challenged as ours, perhaps one way to ensure that learners are given what they need to compete in what is going to be an unpredictable and challenging future, is to empower local teachers (or even districts) to adapt curriculum to local relevancies. “Creating concrete connection to mathematics, science and engineering that resonates with the student’s background and interest without jeopardising the integrity of the content,” creates a bridge to facilitate better access of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to STEM. Research shows that the most effective learning environments are those “that allow learners to negotiate meaning with their peers and promote self-interest.” (2013 Young, Young and Hamilton). Students are more vested in the outcome of the learning, and more likely to be self-directed and intrinsically motivated.

In a South American project where teachers are provided with training on how to develop curriculum based on the needs of its communities, while allowing students to acquire and construct knowledge on their own, students scored significantly higher in third-grade mathematics and language than their counterparts. As a result of its success, this project is now in 17 countries including in Africa.

Students require more than a connection to scientific knowledge however – they also require concrete things like smart phones and tablets, and access to the internet with free or much cheaper data. Afrika Tikkun is able to provide well-equipped computer labs at all its township-based centres with fast internet thanks to partnerships with companies like Workonline Communications. And the access to information that it offers creates a powerful learning environment. Children independently develop computer literacy, and proficiency using the internet. Their mathematics and science scores improve and they form independent opinions across a range of subjects.

Thembani Mavunda, from the Centre in Alex, is today an A student in Maths and Science. He has achieved significant improvement with only a little encouragement and resources. Thembani talks about how science has changed and developed his intellectual capacity. It has helped him realise that knowledge is the transformer of people’s minds and has given him hunger to seek more knowledge about the universe. He further states that, he is confident and motivated because of the learnings he acquires in science.

“I am inspired by Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton, simply because the majority of the things that I learn and that fascinate me were discovered by them, I too, hope to make a discovery of my own in the near future”

But Thembani doesn’t only require knowledge about science and digital technology.

To get ahead, he needs to be able to pair it with a deep awareness of the world he lives in as well as its needs. He has already started to develop his ideas, and recently won a competition for noise-reducing, blue-tooth enabled headphones he developed for learners like him who have to study in the high noise environments of the townships.

The ability to solve his community’s challenges through technological innovation is going to serve him well in the 4^th Industrial Revolution where anything that can be automated will be automated. Jobs of the future across STEM careers, and more broadly, will reward the ability to be creative and solution orientated rather than fulfil tasks or serve a system.

TechSalon session for young people

At a recent TechSalon session, young people reflected that those who have grown up in poverty, “have a debilitating fear of failure that prevents them from trying new things.” The cost of failure is too high for those who stand to lose entire livelihoods for example, or who do not have access to disposable income. They continued, “in a country where a large part of the population lives in poverty, young people need motivation and confidence. Confidence creates change, facilitates curiosity and innovation and allows young people to take risks – including that of using and exploring technology.”

Every year for the last 11 years, Afrika Tikkun sends triathletes from its township-based Centres to participate in triathlons in Las Vegas, Germany and the UK (Thembani is an example of one). During their trips, they don’t just compete in sport – they are also exposed to the work environments of the sponsor – international company Belron (Carglass/Safelite). Years later, upon reflection on the trip (which has been, without exception, the first time someone in their family travels overseas) there is a memory of the experience universally shared by this diverse group of athletes from across the country.

They report an experience of love – yes love. To be more precise, they experience a pro-social way of doing business that radically inspires their own ideas of how to run a business and what can be cultivated in a workplace, and even a community. It’s a great company, with a truly commendable work culture. Many former triathletes – not all, not yet – have gone on to achieve great things. But this is an article about encouraging STEM subjects and STEM careers in township youth. So, so what?

Well the World Economic Forum report “the Future of Jobs” list skills that will be essential by 2020. The World Economic Forum’s list includes:

analytical thinking and innovation, creativity, originality and initiative, active learning and learning strategies, technology design and programming, complex problem-solving, leadership and social influence, reasoning, problem-solving and ideation, critical thinking and analysis, resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility, emotional intelligence.

The exposure to other ways of being and collaborating as a community radically changed our triathletes’ outlook and idea of what can be achieved. But travel is not a solution that can be afforded to the entire youth population. They need an education across learning environments to teach not only the STEM subjects spoken of, but also the transferrable skills WEF refer to. Transferrable skills are skills that can be applied across subjects, contexts, in and out of class, and in both formal and informal learning environments. They are not cultivated in isolation of development of the entire human being – and they are the skills that help the individual to flourish not only in a rapidly changing technology driven economy, but in a democracy as well.

When you hear someone like 15 year old Fortunate Baloyi speak about why she loves science, it is easy to pick up that she has already started to acquire some of the transferrable cognitive and emotional skills listed above:

‘I am a person who enjoys fixing things and finding more information on how things work so I can come up with ideas to make them better and solve problems,” said Fortunate. Fortunate is one of the best-achieving studies in the Maths and Science stream in the centre, and is motivated not only by her curiosity but by a desire to help her family out of poverty. This is a commonly expressed motivator.

Sandile from Hillbrow, explained that his science marks have significantly improved since he made the conscious decision to place his future in his own hands. The future pilot added that “as a child, I grew up watching science-related documentaries and sci-fi movies and that has a lot to do with my decision of finding a career in the field of science”. However, the most inspirational reason for wanting to fly is to honour his late father. Sandile’s father wanted to become a pilot before he passed on and this is his greatest motivator, to wear his flying colours in his father’s name.

Yet, for the majority, these skills are a very tall order to ask of young people under the kind of extreme stress and continuous trauma that characterise the lives of many young people living in townships. Township life combines poverty with gender bias, inadequate service delivery, high tolerance of violence and extreme inequality. It is not conducive to developing confidence, higher order general reasoning and experimentation and risk in young people.

Post-matric young people are currently being trained at Afrika Tikkun in coding, web design, network security and computer literacy among some of the essential skills we hope will prepare them for careers in the 4^thIR – however, over and above that is the caution that South Africa needs to respond comprehensively to the need for the child’s full development. Simply having STEM subjects are not enough – we need to reduce the attrition rate of under-privileged children by catching them early and supporting their full cognitive, intra-personal and emotional development.

Offline Sources

Learning and Education in Developing Countries: Research and Policy for the Post-2015 UN Development Goals Edited by Daniel A. Wagner UNESCO Chair in Learning and Literacy, Graduate

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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Victory is Sweet for Spelling Bee Winners

October 24, 2018, 4:59 am

≫ Next: Alumni October 2018

≪ Previous: Aspiring Township Scientists Face Unique Challenges

Arekopaneng Centre in Orange Farm played host to the Spelling Bee finals on 20 October 2018. Three young people in each age group from all five centres participated in the final. The 15 finalists in each age category battled it out round-by-round until one was left standing. The event presented numerous nail-biting moments for contestants (guests too!)

We want to extend a very big THANK YOU to Accelerate Property Fund, Indwe Risk Services, Netsurit, Dashpay, Waltons, Workonline Communications, Phoenix Capital and Growright for generously sponsoring the competition. Your contribution helps to power the next generation of Afrika Tikkun young people towards academic excellence. Experiences like these give our young people a taste of success – a priceless reward for your investment.

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 2019.

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Alumni October 2018

October 28, 2018, 9:59 am

≫ Next: Free and inclusive Education

≪ Previous: Victory is Sweet for Spelling Bee Winners

Dear Alumni

“Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.” – George S. Patton

Ntsiki – ‘African Child’

International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated on 11 October annually, acknowledging the needs and challenges of girls around the world whilst also promoting empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.

Nontsikelo, an Afrika Tikkun Alumni is an activist and a poet. Her activism for the rights of young women is expressed through spoken word. She performed her poem ‘African Child’ with Johnny Sklar on guitar and mixed by Chanda Threezy.

African Child was released on Spotify on International Day of the Girl Child to raise awareness about girl child poverty in South Africa. All proceeds will go to the Young Urban Women Programme at Afrika Tikkun. Listen Here

Lucky’s Success Story

Lucky started out his life in rural Limpopo. His mother was unemployed and his father had died. Hunger was a daily reality for him and his four siblings; and if it was not for the ingenuity of his mother and the kindness of neighbours, he would not have a story to tell.
Seeking any opportunity for work Lucky went to Alexandra, Johannesburg with his two siblings.

One day, at a time when he was “close to giving up”; he heard about Afrika Tikkun and the exciting prospect of travelling overseas to compete in a triathlon upon registration at Afrika Tikkun’s Phuthaditjaba Centre, Alexandra.

When he returned from Germany, Lucky successfully completed his learnership and work experience. He began discovering his passion – training, motivating and inspiring young people. He continued thriving within Afrika Tikkun and was appointed to work in the career and placement arm of Afrika Tikkun. This gave him the opportunity to interface with many other companies.

Watch this video to learn more about the tremendous opportunity Lucky received next and what he is doing today.

Alumni Events

Several illuminating and informative Alumni workshops took place as follows:

Uthando Centre, Braamfontein – on 21 and 22 September 2018

Arekopaneng Centre, Orange Farm – on 26 and 27 September 2018

Wings of Life Centre, Diepsloot – on 29 and 30 September 2018

Mfuleni, Cape Town – from 9 – 12 October 2018

At the workshops various interesting, thought-provoking and sometimes controversial topics were broached. Some of the themes discussed and debated included; gender equality and causes of gender-based violence, career guidance and employment opportunities, drug and substance abuse awareness, community development, health matters, and more. All the workshops were well attended and the feedback from attendees was constructive and positive.

Global Citizen Tickets up for Grabs

10 lucky winners will win two tickets each (one for you and one for a friend) to attend the Mandela 100 Global Citizen Festival on 2 December 2018 at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. Because the concert is in Johannesburg, this means that the incentive programme is only open to Alumni in the four Gauteng based centres.

To Qualify for the draw you need to fulfil AT LEAST THREE of the activities detailed below:

3-hours of community service at Afrika Tikkun or at any recognised local community organisation or church.
Recruit 5 new alumni into our system – stand a chance to win a ticket.
Health Screening Tests at Orange Farm and Diepsloot only, or with recommended partners in other areas – GMs to recommend valid partners.
Support activations during 16 Days of Activism by partnering with your Centres on activities planned.
Go out into your community to clean up for a minimum of 60 minutes (bring back at least 3 black bags of rubbish).
Send an advocacy letter around combating Gender based violence, gender inequality or disability rights to your local press, councillor or MEC and provide evidence of submission.

By 5pm 26 November 2018.

Ensure all relevant information is given to your GM for approval.

A Quick note on the volunteer option

You can help out at Afrika Tikkun or any other recognised organisation or church in your area – we only ask that when you are done, an appointed representative of the organisation signs a form to confirm that you have effectively and productively volunteered three (3) hours.

To take advantage of this opportunity to win these tickets that are very much in demand, talk to your Centre’s Marketing Coordinator.

Have Your Say

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.

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

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Free and inclusive Education

November 23, 2018, 12:02 am

≫ Next: Child and Youth Development Awards

≪ Previous: Alumni October 2018

We want disabled children to enjoy the right to an inclusive fee-free Basic Education in South Africa

Hilda and her husband are unemployed and their only source of income is their monthly grant of R1690 (R20,280.00 per annum). These are her expenses for her son with disability (one of two children):

School Fees R5200 (full year)
Stationery R255
Transport R20 000 (calculated at R500 a week for 40 weeks)

Although children are entitled to a free basic primary education, schools for children with disabilities still charge school fees. We want this to stop, and for an inclusive education system to make it possible for the hundreds of thousands of out-of-school children with disabilities in South Africa to access their right to a basic education.

Education is not a luxury- it is an immediate right in South Africa!

As parents and caregivers of children with disabilities, we want our children with disabilities to enjoy their right to free, inclusive education. We are advocating for an inclusive education system to make it possible for the over 600 000 out-of-school children with disabilities in South Africa to access their right to a basic education. Education is not a luxury. It is an immediate right in South Africa!

We are asking the Department of Basic Education:

Special schools need to be non-fee schools and mainstream schools must include children with disabilities.
Special schools that provide education also need to ensure that accommodation is reasonable and safe.

Sign the petition here.

Download Letter to Minister an email that you can send to Angie Motshekga, Minister of Basic Education.

Department of Basic Education

Private Bag X895

Pretoria,

0001

Support Afrika Tikkun and the Disabled Children’s Action Group’s Campaign for Free and Inclusive Education.

Get involved.

VIDEOS

https://youtu.be/3tYGoX4Z1bQhttps://youtu.be/4o8BQLabDPkhttps://youtu.be/Xb_C9e1xPs4https://youtu.be/6lJApNR-GiIhttps://youtu.be/BV5z24WN6rohttps://youtu.be/Y_ewUPQ-ZWg

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Child and Youth Development Awards

November 23, 2018, 12:21 am

≫ Next: 2018 Gala Dinner

≪ Previous: Free and inclusive Education

Excellence Award goes to Sisters

Our young people are a wealth of creativity and intelligence. They are leaders and powerful individuals who have the capacity to confront and overcome challenges and therefore they should be celebrated.

Cate Masetla was voted in by CYD young people as the best facilitator in their department for 2018. Since 2014, Cate has been running Grade 12 study camps at the centre to ensure that young people get the opportunity to study. Since that year the Centre has enjoyed a 100% pass rate.

The Chauke sisters Advocate (15), Mandy (11), and Fusion (9) have walked a rocky road to excellence. Coming from a difficult background the young women show courage and determination. Mandy and Fusion both started in ECD, and Advocate soon followed them to Afrika Tikkun after facing challenges at school. To them, Afrika Tikkun is a place to become everything they can be, without fear.

“When I came to Afrika Tikkun I was shy until my facilitator said to me that this is a place to make mistakes and learn, from that day I was never afraid of taking part in anything,” said Advocate. Advocate and Fusion both received Awards of Excellence at the CYD Awards.

Mabel strives to be the best that she can be

Mabel Sekgantsho, was honoured as the most improved facilitator in CYD at the CYD Awards in Alex.

“When my name was called up the stage, I shivered and felt blessed at the same time. I softly uttered, “thank you, Lord”. Above all, I am thankful to the management that had so much trust and faith in me. This was team work and together we have made it.”

Orange Farm’s Tikkun Spirit Award Lindiwe Zondo

Lindiwe Zondo runs New Covenant Development Centre for children with and without disabilities. She loves helping children living with disabilities and children who are not doing anything at home; and gives tirelessly of herself to raise awareness about people living with disabilities.

Mfuleni’s Tikkun Spirit Award George Tsamaesi

George Tsamaesi is a passionate football coach in the community of Mfuleni. He is well-known for encouraging the players to work hard and to never give up on their dreams.

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2018 Gala Dinner

November 23, 2018, 2:35 am

≫ Next: Telkom 947 Raised the Bar!

≪ Previous: Child and Youth Development Awards

THANK YOU FOR THE REMARKABLE SUCCESS OF THE GALA DINNER

The inaugural Icons Gala Dinner on 31 October was a key foundation building activity for Afrika Tikkun. That is why on the night, our founders, the Lubner family invested R1 000 000, proving that they are willing to always lead by example in any new endeavour of the organisation.

The aim of the Gala Dinner was to raise funds for the following projects:

120 computers for our skills training programmes @ R960 000.
150 tablets for a numeracy and literacy programme @ R450 000.
A second kitchen at Uthando Center @ R486 000
Two additional ECD classrooms @ R600 000

We can confirm that a whopping 40% of the funds needed was raised on the night and WE CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH for your generous participation. Watch this video of the event.

Seen on the Evening

Contact media@afrikatikkun.org if you would like a photo of yourself at the event.

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Telkom 947 Raised the Bar!

November 23, 2018, 2:56 am

≫ Next: Join the Tikkun Eagles for the Cape Cycle Tour

≪ Previous: 2018 Gala Dinner

A massive thank you to every rider who carried our name in their hearts and on their backs across the 94.7 kms cycled in Sunday’s incredible heat. It was a labour love for which we will be forever grateful! Thank you to CloudSmiths Salesforce Platinum Consulting Partner and Authorized Reseller for being an amazing partner and making all of this possible.

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Join the Tikkun Eagles for the Cape Cycle Tour

December 3, 2018, 6:32 am

≫ Next: Alumni Newsletter

≪ Previous: Telkom 947 Raised the Bar!

Known as the world’s biggest timed race and South Africa’s largest race, on 10 March 2019, cycling enthusiasts will once again be taking to the roads of beautiful Cape Town for the 2019 edition of the Cape Cycle Tour. Afrika Tikkun has secured 55 charity entries for this prestigious event. Join the Tikkun Eagles and you will be investing in the future of our youth.

Your investment of R1600 will offer you the following benefits:

First and foremost, the knowledge that your race will be an investment in the future of a young person
An entry into the event
A preferential starting time for unseeded riders
A beautifully designed race jersey
Full administrative support from race entry to finish
A paid-for team dinner before the event
Post-race hospitality

Already entered, but still want to ride with the Tikkun Eagles? No problem! An investment of R800 will secure you a Tikkun Eagles race jersey, a paid-for team dinner and post-race hospitality. Where our riders can really make a difference is through fundraising on the ‘Backabuddy’ fundraising platform. If you join our team, we will assist you with setting up your profile on Backabuddy.

Need more information? Please send a mail to events@afrikatikkun.org

We look forward to welcoming you as a member of the Tikkun Eagles team.

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Alumni Newsletter

December 5, 2018, 12:22 am

≫ Next: Dreaming of Alternative Sources of Energy

≪ Previous: Join the Tikkun Eagles for the Cape Cycle Tour

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

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Dreaming of Alternative Sources of Energy

January 18, 2019, 7:45 am

≫ Next: The world is nothing but a canvas

≪ Previous: Alumni Newsletter

People with determination are those who get up and keep going, who learn from what went wrong and adjust course, and who believe in themselves despite all obstacles.

At the beginning of 2018, Prime Nchabeleng made a decision to work hard and only focus on getting the best matric results. “I struggled in grade 11 with my favourite subjects and I didn’t want the same for matric, hence I took all the help I can get and ended my matric with a bachelor degree pass with three distinctions,” said Prime. For Prime the year was not without its challenges. At the beginning of the year, Prime had to move from home to be close to school. This could have derailed him but he decided to focus on what was important. He surrounded himself with an army of support. This included facilitators from Afrika Tikkun, who offered him tutoring, career counselling, computers to apply to universities and for bursaries, as well as a library to study through the night during the final exams.

Prime was selected to represent Afrika Tikkun in Germany in June 2018. “I took my books to Germany and studied at night while others were sleeping. I didn’t want to be left behind,” said Prime.

Prime’s three distinctions in Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Life Orientation earned him an entry into Wits University to study Chemical Engineering, with funding through a bursary. Explaining his choice of subject, Prime said, “the decision came from the love of creating things. I want to be part of the solution to the problems the world is facing like the petrol hikes. I believe I can one day come up with an alternative to petrol.”

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The world is nothing but a canvas

January 28, 2019, 1:45 am

≫ Next: Reflecting back on Coronation’s Financial Literacy

≪ Previous: Dreaming of Alternative Sources of Energy

“All people I look up to run their own businesses and it’s their frame of mind that caught my attention, their ability to think big regardless of how limited their resources are. You might know some of these successful businessmen I speak of, people like Shaun Carter famously known as Jay Z and DJ Sbu.”

These are the words of Afrika Tikkun alumni Vusi Ngema, who was the creative brain behind some of Afrika Tikkun’s most colourful exhibitions. Vusi joined the Child and Youth Development programme (CYD) in Grade 11, and after matriculating, he signed up for the Career Development Programme (CDP).

Raised by a single mother, Vusi has always had a soft spot for the advancement of women and children’s rights. He owes all of his success to his mother and wants to make her proud, he explains. While growing up, he picked up art as a hobby. It quickly became a driving passion as he learnt to express his emotions on canvas. Today, he is in the process of registering an entertainment company that will allow for artistic expression across multiple fields. RYD Entertainment has already started making a profit. “I was only 17 years old and I managed to sell an artwork for R280. At that time, I could not believe my luck! But I knew that I was sitting on a gold mine”, he added.

Currently, RYD Entertainment houses five artists, three of whom are Afrika Tikkun alumni. Over the festive season, Vusi held his first ever exhibition at the Creative Mentorship Hub in Johannesburg. And success! Vusi sold his most expensive artwork to date for R800. This year promises to yield great opportunities for his business – his next move is completing his company’s registration process, and from there, the sky is the limit.

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Reflecting back on Coronation’s Financial Literacy

January 28, 2019, 2:03 am

≫ Next: The Power of Money

≪ Previous: The world is nothing but a canvas

Financial decisions are integral to our everyday lives. We are following up on the 2018 Financial Literacy workshops held in Alexandra to see if what was learied has made any difference in the lives of the participants.

We meet with Elija Netshandama and his partner Katlego Kekana. The couple attended all the workshops, and today share with us how these workshops benefited them.

The couple says they have learned to prioritise and have passed this knowledge to their kids as well in the house. To cut certain costs and save money, Elijah bought himself a haircut clipper. Now he and his son cut their hair at home instead of both of going to the salon every week. Katlego on the other hand, only visits the salon to get her hair relaxed once in two months and she now plaits her daughter’s hair herself. This has helped to cut costs on hair in the family.

It’s tough to focus but we are trying, said the couple. For the first time, they managed to get through December. They say instead of buying Christmas clothes they bought school uniforms. They have also cut some items out from their grocery list and have moved a child from a private to a public school that is near to their home. This way they have cut monthly school fees and transport fare. It seems like a harsh decision, but after carefully reviewing their financial situation, they felt it had to be done.

Another issue the couple has looked at is their transport fare to go to and from work. With the recent decrease in petrol, they share their car, which is proving cheaper than using taxis. Should petrol increase, their plan is to park the car and use taxis. This is one thing they will keep on assessing, depending on petrol price.

Katlego has not yet planned for her retirement, but Elija is planning to have a catering business when he retires because he loves cooking. He is planning to slowly buy equipment now on lower prices especially when they are on sale. This way he can even start hiring the equipment out to boost their home income. The couple has an educational plan for their children with Old Mutual.

It’s the couples dream to move out of Alex, they say they want to buy a house and build a home for their family in a safe residential area. Now that they are able to achieve their long term goals and make healthy financial decisions, they believe that they will achieve their dreams for their family.

This way he can even start hiring the equipment out to boost their home income. The couple has an educational plan for their children with Old Mutual.

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The Power of Money

January 28, 2019, 2:18 am

≫ Next: 2019 Message from Marc Lubner

≪ Previous: Reflecting back on Coronation’s Financial Literacy

Why learning about money from an early age is essential to ending child poverty

“Sam” was raised in Alexandra township. He opened his first bank account at age 21, and spends 40% of his income on “black tax”, and another substantial amount on raising his adopted son. “Chantelle” was raised in a middle class family, and her parents opened her first bank account at age ten for her. She has no dependents, but was unprepared for the world of finance and so a few bad investments have left her in a state of permanent debt. “Danny” was raised in a very wealthy and financially astute family. He made his first million on the stock market, when he was in high school.

Three very different, true South African stories – with only the names changed.

It raises the question why we do not take more care to raise our children – and especially children to be financially savvy. Think about the debt incurred by students during their tertiary study years – and the years that it takes to pay those loans off. Financial literacy is not only about saving and budgeting. It’s also about investing, understanding credit and debt, taxes, insurance, banking, fraud and identity theft, and employment and income.

Financial literacy is also a powerful way to teach children about consequences, self-discipline and the importance of preparedness. This we must all inevitably find out ourselves – is a lesson none of us can ever prepare for enough. That children from socio-economic deprived situations should be taught financial literacy, and the basics of personal finance is a too easy overlooked necessity – in the midst of everything else they need to learn. For children affected by poverty, it should arguably be considered a human right. But not just that, increased financial literacy is essential for economic growth.

Financial literacy will help the economy better manage its national debt habit – South African households are drowning in debt. With the increased access of the poor to banking and credit, there has been a commensurate decrease in the credit health of the poor. According to Experian’s Consumer Credit Default index, “Indigent Poor Families” are the worst performing group on the index.

It is possible, and of critical importance, that such families are given personal finance skills in order to be able to manage expenditure and debt, and plan for the future. With whatever resources one starts out with, it is important to recognise that the power of financial control is effectively the power to overcome poverty, to ensure long term well-being and protect future generations. The importance of this is so great, that it could easily overshadow the point made at the very start of this piece – that building financial knowledge and experience also teaches executive functions with a much broader application – a child who is taught to budget and save is also learning about accountability, personal agency and deferring immediate pleasure for future benefit.

According to a Brookings University study on financial literacy, evidence suggests that learning the value and use of money needs to begin in early childhood, and continue throughout the schooling career. A curriculum begins with laying a foundation for healthy financial behaviours and attitudes to be put into practice as the child matures, and learns not only financial concepts, knowledge and skills; but also gains practical experience in working with his or her own money.

There are a number of ways in which to approach the development of financial literacy. The first is to recognise the ways in which poor families are in fact saving and investing – funeral policies and informal saving schemes like stokvels, grocery schemes and burial societies continue year in and year out to be the most popular vehicles for saving. But only 18% of poor families are saving for their children’s education. 41% of parents from these families expect their children to look after them when they are old; while 50% of these families expect the government to do that. With the high and increasing rate of youth unemployment, and our economy’s slow growth and beleaguered political environment – it is easy to anticipate that poor South African families may become even more entrenched in poverty than they have been.

South Africans in the last few years have become better at saving and planning for their financial future; but one of the cultural traps for poor South African families is “black tax”. Black tax or the obligation to provide for extended family affects many families, and is the reason that families are not accumulating wealth or saving towards their children’s future.

It is critical therefore that children are taught to understand the benefits of saving from an early age. Coronation offered Afrika Tikkun’s young people and their parents financial management workshops in Alexandra in 2018. What made their approach unique was that training was offered to the entire family. “We have noticed that our young people are not familiar with financial skills and what it entails. We decided to include parents because we realised that it brings no success to teach the kids only and then when they go back home their parents don’t have the knowledge. These workshops will help them be on the same level of understanding and handling finances,” said Malvin Khumalo, the Coronation facilitator.Learning about the world of money needs to offer real life and simulated learning experience opportunities.

Every year, the JSE runs the JSE Challenge with our young people. The JSE Challenge creates a simulated environment in which young people learn how to invest on the stock market. In communities where resources are few, simulation and games still enable a child to learn despite scarcity. It is also important that children learn the power of starting and saving small amounts regularly. The Piggy Bank project running at some of the centres allows children to do just that. What is essential in any curriculum and activity the full partnership and involvement of financial and fin-tech institutions

Learning to be prepared for financial shocks, and to know how it will affect your pocket and your future career well ahead of time is a powerful motivator to keep the piggy bank full. More than that is how it empowers a sense of self-efficacy in children and young people. When fire, pregnancy, death or abandonment afflict a young person in a township, the impact is made more severe by a lack of resources and dependence on services that are not easily accessible – your circumstances control you. We need to begin to arm children and families affected by poverty with the awareness and tools they need in order to prevent the future from threatening their survival and well-being.

A practical education of financial well-being is the missing link in our education system today. Children who are taught how to use, save, obtain and multiply money are given a foundational tool with which to navigate life. It generates the kind of insights that will make for a more enterprising society – simply because of the mindset and practical value it gives the child. Right now we are facing an economy with slow growth and a very poor growth forecast – we need more entrepreneurship, more enterprising minds and much more responsible behavior around our debt and spending.

President Ramaphosa needs to consider how financial literacy is incorporated throughout the curriculum, if entrepreneurship is indeed to be one of the outcomes our educational system

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2019 Message from Marc Lubner

January 29, 2019, 4:04 am

≫ Next: Never work a day in your life when you love what you do

≪ Previous: The Power of Money

Never work a day in your life when you love what you do!

Dear Fellow “Tikkuners”

As we start one of the most watershed years of the last two decades, we reflect on where we are today, and where we would like to be. We want peace and prosperity and have learnt that to have these, we need to wish and work for not just ourselves, but for all living in this paradise country. We want to feel we matter in the world. The way we experience this is by having a sense of purpose to our existence. In giving, we receive. In offering support for others, we experience a gratitude for all that we have.

Reflecting on the last year, we express our gratitude to you for enabling us to give alongside you and pray you experienced as much in return. Together, we made a significant difference not to… but with… over 20,000 beneficiaries who learnt or are on the path to taking responsibility for the outcome of their lives. Together with you, we fed over 800,000 meals to children, many of whom would only survive from these meals. Over 85% of “our” matriculants achieved pass rates and many will be entering institutions of higher learning, whilst over 1000 will enter into learnerships and work experience programmes, and a significant number will start small enterprises.

In the face of job security and growing youth unemployment, we are doing something significant in pioneering the Cradle to Career 360° model.

In 2019, we will strive for more together, and achieve even better results as we take our model to scale. We are focusing on improving the standard of our ECD teachers, upgrading IT infrastructure and investing further in career skills training. By working directly with corporations who define their skills requirements, we will train and place ever increasingly productive youth in jobs for which they are well suited. Skills training will translate increasingly into productive employment. The Afrika Tikkun team is motivated and driven by a passion to make a difference, knowing we have a lot to learn, but confident that we will positively impact the lives of thousands who, when they go to the polls to vote, will do so with a sense of responsibility and a knowledge that it is only through hard work, innovation and persistence, and not corruption, that success will be ours for the sharing.

I welcome you to journey alongside with us as true partners.

Warmly

MARC LUBNER AND THE AFRIKA TIKKUN TEAM

Each year, leading online Marketing and Advertising communication website, Bizcommunity, publishes its BizTrends feature for the new year. For 2019, Afrika Tikkun’s CEO, Marc Lubner was invited to deliver commentary on anticipated trends in the NGO sector for 2019. Read the article here: https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/721/185934.html

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Never work a day in your life when you love what you do

January 29, 2019, 4:25 am

≫ Next: Alumni News Letter March 2019

≪ Previous: 2019 Message from Marc Lubner

"Nhlonipho Respect The condition of being honored esteemed or respected or well regarded"

From an early age, Lucia had a love for the arts. Today she has taken her passion and turned it into a business. “NHLONIPHO CRAFT ART”, the name of her company, comes from the respect she has for her products. In her company, she does beading, and makes badges, jewellery and mosaics.

Lucia received a lot of training from the Afrika Tikkun Career Development Programme programme. The training allowed her to transition into an entrepreneurial programme with the Curriculum Development Project for Art and Culture Education Training. This is where she learnt to do mosaic, beading, jewellery making and making badges.

Despite running a successful start-up, Lucia is placing a lot of energy on developing her craft, giving back to the community and developing her financial knowledge. Many people, whether they are working a job or running their own business fail to understand the fundamentals of handling their money, planning and budgeting to avoid finding themselves in the traps of debt.

After graduating, she trained 15 young unemployed women from her community as her way of giving back.

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Alumni News Letter March 2019

March 28, 2019, 3:38 am

≫ Next: Alumni News Letter April 2019

≪ Previous: Never work a day in your life when you love what you do

YOU SPOKE, WE LISTENED

We look back to 2018 and there is so much we are grateful for, especially for all our Alumni Members. During the course of the year we were able to reach and register 1000 Alumni on our page, and engaged them in different interactive activities. These activities included, launching the programme earlier this year, and addressing youth challenges on various leadership trainings and camps.

We are excited that the programme succeeded in inaugurating its leadership committees around the centres. It comprises young men and women who are determined to work together in order to uplift their lives through career directed initiatives and engagements.

In 2019, we want to double the numbers of our membership to 2000 in all our career programmes within Afrika Tikkun. We encourage all 2018 matric students to register online. Your membership will give you crazy useful information for academic, career and various other opportunities. Every opportunity is designed to ensure that our Alumni is consistently exposed to the right people, the right opportunities and up to the moment information that will keep our alumni ahead of current trends so that they can experience success in the job market.

Recent platforms such as Bertie Lubner Week have provided extensive volunteer experiences. The 2019 ‘Pay it forward’ Campaign will promote alumni volunteerism at Afrika Tikkun. It is great for your CV, and looks even better on your academic scholarship application. We want to make it happen for you.

CELEBRATING BERTIE LUBNER WEEK WEEK IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

Over 100 Alumni members organized a successful Bertie Lubner Week as well as Human Rights Day celebrations.

This year’s celebrations focused on providing an opportunity for alumni members to give back and celebrate the philanthropic legacy of Bertie Lubner. Bertie’s legacy has touched many young people through Afrika Tikkun’s Cradle-to-Career 360 model. Each programme is centered in providing education, civic empowerment and basic needs that are everyone’s human rights.

According to one determined and shining alumni member, 22 year old Edwin Mohlama from Diepsloot, he expressed that the day made him feel really good to be part of a team that is willing to give back to the organization. Edwin completed matric at a local school in the community. He joined the alumni programme in July 2018 and is now an organizer at the Wings of Life Centre.

When asked about his thoughts regarding Bertie Lubner Week and Human Rights Day, he acclaimed that it was refreshing to celebrate and honour the vision that Bertie Lubner had for young people. He believes that every person has a basic human right to education, not only that but to have good quality education. Khanya Sibanda, a 20 year old Alumni President, shares the sentiment and belief that being a leader means more than just the role, being an organizer of a future is easy when you say you are, however the work paves a different venture.

Edwin’s volunteering and giving back spirit means a lot to him, and he hopes it can inspire many young people to do the same. Volunteerism provides a unique experience in understanding the purpose of developing young people.

Lastly, Edwin’s perspective is that young people should be part of the change they want to see in their communities and get themselves involved in celebrations such as the Bertie Lubner Week.

Khanya valued all the volunteerism that took place during the week and said, ‘giving back was their end game because Bertie Lubner was all about philanthropy’.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Alumni Programme Calendar

Alumni Day & Career Expo 18^th May

Mandela Week Motivations and Seminars 15^th – 19^th July

Business Expo 24^th August

Pay It Forward Campaign Nov- Dec (TBC)

Afrika Tikkun National Calendar

Child Protection Dialogue 30^th May

Mandela Week 15^th – 19^th July

Talent Day 27^th July

Gala Dinner 5^th September

Launch of Legacy Centre October date TBC

Spelling B Competition 26^th October

947 Cycle Challenge 17^th November

For more information on Afrika Tikkun events, please send your email to warrenr@afrikatikkun.org

IYEZA! (ALUMNI WEBSITE COMING SOON)

We are happy to announce that we are building a private website that will be easily accessible to all alumni. It will showcase success stories, job opportunities, Learnerships and more, direct online recruitment and updates on events.

25 YEARS STRONG

In 2019, Afrika Tikkun celebrates 25 years of developing young lives from cradle to career, and you are part of that rich and wonderful story. Not only a story, but a living legacy, and we are incredibly proud and grateful to you all.

To find out more email warrenr@afrikatikkun.org

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Alumni News Letter April 2019

April 24, 2019, 3:09 am

≫ Next: Human rights of children

≪ Previous: Alumni News Letter March 2019

“I’m a business woman now”. Lilizwi is empowered to start her own business.

Lilizwi Nodliwa (25) is a single mother and comes from a big family of nine members. Being one of the breadwinners, life has not necessarily been easy for her as she was unemployed for a long time. Lilizwi has been looking for employment for a while- unfortunately, she was often rejected by various companies. She has also undergone a self-discovery journey whereby she tried to explore her talents and skills. Going through this journey, she expected to discover what exactly she was passionate about and eventually pursuing a career in that field. She later joined the Career Development Programme at Mfuleni. She has an innovative and creative spirit and wishes to give bac to the community. The ‘Ready to Work’ programme aided in developing her creative mind, she was well informed on various business opportunities and she also acquired people and entrepreneurial skills.

Her passion for children sparked her passion to establish a day care centre in her community. She is already in partnership with SEDA (Small Enterprise Development Agency) and Learn to Live- an organization that joins communities to improve the quality of life through education and healthcare. More than her social entrepreneurial goal she is also a student at the University Of Stellenbosch Business School and is excited to graduate in October. The very passionate Lilizwi said “In future, I want to create a platform in our communities whereby the youth will learn new innovative ways of living and unlearn some theories or religious ways of doing things in education… I want to promote creativity.” Lilizwi expands her gratitude to Afrika Tikkun and the CDP for planting the seed of empowerment, she now looks forward to growing as an individual and as an entrepreneur.

Your first Impression is everything – Tips for your first Interview

According to brand experts, looking good at work is very important, to at least think through how your wardrobe is affecting your personal brand and how you’re perceived by others. Many unemployed young people do not know where to start or who to ask when they prepare for their first interview.

The AT Alumni programme launched the ‘Look good for work closet’ dedicated to providing good second hand clothes to assist our young people to prepare for interviews and work.

King David High School, our Act of Random Kindness Campaign partner and donor, committed to donating good clothes to all the Johannesburg Centres. The Look Good For Work Closet will continue up till December 2019. The Look Good for Work Closet’s next stop will be Wings of Life in Diepsloot for May 2019. Get ready, ‘Siyeza’, we are coming.

Here are a few tips that can assist you in preparing for a successful interview and work wardrobe.

Understand what’s appropriate in your industry
Make sure your clothes fit
Do not wear strong perfume or cologne
Wear well-kept, polished shoes
Wear rich colours to portray authority
Avoid neon colours and overly flashy clothes
Do not be too sexy
Do not over- accessorize
Facial hair should not overwhelm your face
A goatee is rarely a good idea

For more tips click on the link: http://www.executivestyle.com.au/20-tips-to-dress-appropriately-for-work-2xvcy

Are You Ready for Youth Day on the 16th of June.

Similar to last year’s inaugural event, this year the Alumni will gather again at Arekopaneng, Orange Farm on the 16^th June. The Alumni programme provides the opportunity for young people to network and be empowered with employment and business opportunities. This year’s Alumni day is purposely organized on June 16 to inspire young people and commemorate youth uprising in 1976. The day will be attended by all Alumni members from all Johannesburg Centres to experience world class speakers on career positioning in the 4^th Industrial Revolution, exhibitors from corporates, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions to provide connections to academic and employment opportunities.

Date: June 15 (Saturday)

Time: 9am- 4pm
Address: Arekopaneng, Ext 8B, 14356 Main Road, Orange Farm

To book your seat, Please contact your Career Development Manager at your Centre.

Volunteer & Job opportunities to empower your personal skills and upgrade your CV

1. 94.7 Cycle Challenge Recruitment Drive

We are looking for outspoken Alumni members that are interested in gaining experience in sales and recruitment. They will assist in recruiting potential riders at Johannesburg Cycle Stores for 1-2 hours sessions in the upcoming month of May. If you are interested please connect with your Career Development Programme Manager at your Centre with your name and contact. First come first serve. Positions limited.

2. Annual Afrika Tikkun Talent Day

We are looking for passionate Alumni members that are interested in gaining experience in events security and marshalling skills on Talent Day, 20^th July 2019, from 9am- 5pm. If you are interested please connect with your Career Development Programme Manager at your Centre with your name and contact. First come first serve. Positions limited.

3. Potential Job Opportunity in Alexandra

We will be looking to recruit 30 -40 young people from Alexandra to start on a very exciting project on the 1^st of June. If you are interested to be part of an innovative project that involves washing cars in business parks, using artificial intelligence, please contact Alex Career Development Manager to put down your names for consideration. First come first serve. Positions limited.

Iyeza! (Alumni Website Coming Soon)

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Human rights of children

May 14, 2019, 3:47 am

≫ Next: Child protection

≪ Previous: Alumni News Letter April 2019

Are the human rights of children really that important?

Are the human rights of children really that important? Yes, if we want our children to become the next generation of economically active South African citizens, we need to understand that their capacity to be the best they can be starts first through the acceptance and recognition of their human rights.

March was Human Rights Month with the 21st a recognised public holiday commemorating the sacrifices made by South Africans in the struggle for democracy. Not only acknowledged in SA, people around the world are constantly talking about human rights and there is a day specifically earmarked by the United Nations (UN) to celebrate just this – International Human Rights Day is on December 10th every year.

But why are human rights so important? I’m sure that many will agree, we live in difficult times; and because of this, human rights guarantee people their basic needs, freedom and protection against abuse so that they can take full advantage of opportunities for a better life. For young people this includes their right to association with both parents, human identity, as well as the basic needs for physical protection, food, universal state-paid education, health care, freedom from discrimination on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability, colour, ethnicity etc ; being physically, mentally and emotionally free from abuse, care and nurturing.

Chapter 2 of South Africa’s Constitution includes the highly comprehensive and inclusive Bill of Rights, arguably one of the most progressive in the world today, and yet we are not without stumbling blocks to fulfilling all the aspects set out within it. As such, many NGO’s across the country work with government and the private sector to assist the Bill of Rights come to fruition for all South Africans.

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) reports in their 2016/2017 Trend Analysis [1] that “in the five-year period from 2011/ 2012 – 2015/ 2016 human rights complaints and enquiries rose from 8,149 to 9,238. The highest number of human rights’ violations reported to the Commission was in the category of equality where between 2014/15 and 2015/16 equality complaints jumped from 493 to 749, representing an increase of 34%. In addition, socio-economic rights have consistently been in the top five complaints reported to the Commission, and between 2015/16 and 2016/17 increased drastically from 428 to 631 – an increase of more than 30%”. More significantly, “when these complaints (631) are taken together with other socio-economic rights’ complaints relating to housing (297) and education (289), the total number of socio-economic rights complaints (1,217) exceeds equality complaints (705)”.

Our Bill of Rights stipulates the everyone has the right to life, the right to equality before the law, the right to have their dignity respected and protected, the right to freedom and security, the right to freedom of religion and opinion, the right to a basic education, the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being, and the right to have access to health care services, sufficient food and water; and social security.

More importantly for us at Afrika Tikkun are the rights of children, the most vulnerable of our society: every child has the right to family or parental care, or to appropriate alternative care; to basic nutrition, education, shelter, health care services and social services; to be protected from maltreatment, neglect or abuse; and to be protected from exploitative labour practices; to freedom and security.

Do you see how that word ‘freedom’ keeps popping up? Possibly more so than adults, children need freedom. The guarantee of security, a stable environment and care enables children the freedom to learn, play and grow as individuals, which in turn encourages problem solving, self-reliant, capable and responsible adults. The freedom to express themselves and have opinions inspires confidence and a positive sense of self.

That said, in the 2017 Child Gauge by the Children’s Institute of the University of Cape Town [1] it was reported that one in three children will experience sexual or physical abuse before the age of eighteen. And more recently, Parliament heard from the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, that 99% of children in South Africa have experienced or witnessed violence, and that 41% of all reported rape cases in the last three years have been of children.

Further, the 2018 Child Gauge [2] notes that South Africa has very high rates of child poverty. “In 2017, 65% of children lived below the upper-bound poverty line… and 36% of children were below the food poverty line, meaning that they were not getting enough nutrition”. They talk about “glaring racial disparities in income poverty: while 72% of African children lived in poor households in 2017, 45% of Coloured children were defined as poor, only 2% of White children lived below this poverty line”. In terms of employment, education and training – according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for Q2 of 2018 released by Statistics South Africa [3], “Of the 20,2 million young people in South Africa aged 15-34 years in the second quarter of 2018, 39,3% were not in employment, education or training (NEET) – an increase by 0,4 of a percentage point compared to the second quarter of 2017. The NEET rate increased for black African males and white males… The female NEET rate was higher than that of their male counterparts for all population groups.”

This is not freedom for the children of our nation… who we say are our future and the hope of the nation.

[1] http://www.ci.uct.ac.za/sites/default/files/image_tool/images/367/Child_Gauge/South_African_Child_Gauge_2017/Child_Gauge_2017_lowres.pdf

[2] http://www.statssa.gov.za/?p=11361

Afrika Tikkun is one of a network of organisations working to make SA a better place, protecting the rights of children and young people, and lending support to enable them develop into young adults with the education, skills and value based attitude that gives them the ability to access the economy in real time. We aim to economically empower young people through our Cradle to Career 360° model from early childhood development through to job placement and beyond. Moreover, we offer outreach and support services to children of all ages with programmes such as nutrition and food security, health care, gender-based violence and child abuse programmes, family support and an empowerment programme for children and families living with disabilities.

At our five centres of excellence in Gauteng and Western Cape we have over 12,000 registered young people every year who each receive a comprehensive set of services designed to propel them into success, and we provide additional services to over 10,000 beneficiaries on ad-hoc interventions. In 2018, 2,102 vulnerable families received psycho-social support; 2,206 received primary healthcare services; 659 families of children with disability were supported; 1,381,572 meals were served; 2,143 food parcels were distributed to families in need; 941 kilograms of food was harvested from vegetable gardens; and we handled 57 child protection cases. We also advocate for the rights of women and children, freedom of speech, empowerment and child protection throughout the year with campaigns such as Memeza Bazokuzwa.

All of this in an effort for the children of South Africa to be productive citizens of the future. If we want the country to grow, we have to acknowledge the human rights of all its inhabitants and work together to ensure their safety, freedom, economic advancement and well-being. It takes a village to raise a child.

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Child protection

May 14, 2019, 4:12 am

≫ Next: The issue of youth unemployment

≪ Previous: Human rights of children

CHILD PROTECTION SHOULD BE A YEAR-ROUND EFFORT

Each year, government and organisations around the country gear up to mark National Child Protection Week with a multitude of campaigns and programmes designed to raise awareness about children’s rights and provide services for their safety. It is a week aimed at mobilising all sectors of South African society to care for and protect children as the most vulnerable – and valuable – members of our society. But with abuse statistics on the rise, child protection should really be a year-round effort. To give you some examples of how scary this situation is:

A 2017 study by the Children’s Institute of the University of Cape Town reported that one in three children will experience sexual or physical abuse before the age of eighteen. More recently, Parliament heard that 99% of children in South Africa have experienced or witnessed violence and 41% of all reported rape cases in the last three years have been of children.

At Afrika Tikkun we believe that child protection plays a crucial role in our “bigger picture”, which concentrates on youth development and ending youth unemployment in underprivileged communities. So, Afrika Tikkun’s year-long Memeza Bazokuzwa (‘Speak out, they will hear you’) campaign focuses on child protection 24/ 7/ 365 – as it should be.

This ongoing effort is intended to strengthen the capacity of children to speak out against abuse and empower families and communities to care for and protect their children. We believe that it is of critical importance that the voices of the most vulnerable are empowered to break the silence around child abuse. Young people need to understand that they can and should hold their guardians accountable for safeguarding their rights but to do so, they need to have faith that adults will listen to them, believe them and pursue justice for them in a way that protects their dignity and best interests. As adults we need to acknowledge that we all have a responsibility to protect children from harm and that we should be encouraging them to speak out.

We take child protection very seriously at Afrika Tikkun and we are investing a great deal to bring about institutional change towards greater protection for children. For one thing, we have developed the Afrika Tikkun Child Protection Policy based on national and global best practice, and every single staff member is currently being trained to apply it. In addition, we submit the details of every one of our employees to SAPS for clearance and with regard the Child Protection Register.

This year’s global NGO sexual abuse scandal has rocked and saddened us, but it has also strengthened our resolve as a non-profit organisation working with children and youth not to be tarred with the same brush. Non-profits often play a crucial role in representing minority views, as well as policy innovation and advocacy. In respect of child protection, for us this means giving our youth a platform to speak, seeking their council and valuing their leadership.

We help mould children and youth that can contribute to the successful building of our nation, and we are very fortunate to have the amazing staff, parents, support and benefactors that we do – all involved in the good work that we are able to achieve daily.

As a society and as a family, let us challenge the culture of tolerance for violence and silence when it is perpetrated against children.

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