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NON profit organisation, Khulisanani, meaning to help each other grow, was established by the youth of Mdantsane on February 3 2017, with a focus of developing the community, especially the youth. The NPO operates solely for the benefit of those coming from disadvantaged backgrounds; with schools reopening next week, the young people of the organisation saw many issues affecting their community and decided to help the community in tackling the challenges. The organisation runs a variety of initiatives and programs within the community in the hope of uplifting and developing the community while also creating awareness on social issues affecting our community.
Founder of the organisation, Bohlale Buzani,21, indicated their objectives are to prepare community members fro entrepreneurship and employment opportunities, so as to address their socio-economic challenges.
“We saw many challenges that were affecting the community namely; unemployment, poverty, drugs and alcohol abuse, crime and the growing rate of school drop outs. To break this cycle, we saw that the main focus should be in fighting the increase of drop out rates within the community; which lead the youth to criminal activities.”
The Daily Dispatch reported ( Caring duo give poor kid dignity” February 2 2017) that Bohlale with another member of the organisation, Zamuxolo Rete, handed over a school uniform to a six year old boy who was in dire need of help.
Buzani indicated they became part of the community to see these events first hand,and found out that a lack of basic school essentials was some of the causes for youth dropping out such as; school uniforms, shoes and bags.
“Basic human essentials such as toiletries, sanitary towels and a simple meal before they go to school had an affect too. Majority of the parents in the community use the children’s social grant money for their household expenses instead of school expenses.”
Bohlale indicated the organisation decided to prioritise the school uniform and school challenge.
“We went around schools within our community requesting that the teachers and principals provide us with the names and details of those pupils who were coming from disadvantaged homes,but were continuing attending school regardless of them not having school essentials or proper school uniform.”
“We collected from Zukisa Primary School, Phakamile Primary School, Khanyisa Primary School, Nkululeko Higher Primary School, and Mzomhle High School as a starting base. These schools gave us a list of 230 pupils combined; most lacking school uniforms. We understand that the department of social development does hand out uniforms,but seldom at these above mentioned schools.”
Khulisanani also holds events that generate funds for the Back to School Campaign, events like; Buya”Mbo Cultural Celebration, which was on heritage whereby local entrepreneurs got an opportunity to showcase their artworks and traditional clothing designs. It was also a platform for the local art Centre to showcase their artists , traditional dancers etc.
“We also had the Project Khulisanani Fun Run which was in November,other means of fundraising have been through selling food and refreshments at local events. Local community members and business owners have also been contributing.
