This week we chat to Sikolwetu Msutwana of Ihlumelo Foundation about the work they do for the youth of their community.
What does your organisation do?
We have an Education Desk which offers an after-school tutoring and mentorship programme for primary and high schools in the BCM area, as well as a reading book club and computer literacy. We also focus on gender-based violence prevention programmes, focusing primarily on psycho-social intervention. We have anti-substance abuse programmes. We have also started programmes like recycling and gardening.
How many people are involved in your organisation?
We have seven permanent members and 50 members on six-month contracts. Our directors are Sikolwetu Msutwana and Vuyolwethu Madlela.
What are the core values that you practice with your organisation?
Absolute honesty, integrity, teamwork, collaboration and passion.
What are some of the challenges you face?
We struggle with issues of limited funding. We also do not have a vehicle to transport the tutors. We don’t have laptops and tables for our computer literacy programmes or general office equipment.
What are some of the projects you have done so far?
We have completed a winter school programme. We have also hosted a successful career expo. We have also hosted multiple awareness campaigns for GBV and anti-substance abuse programmes.
What are some of the problems you hope to solve in the community?
We face drug and alcohol abuse, high rates of high school dropouts and GBV. We also face unemployment in our youth; so we want to break the cycle of poverty through our interventions and skills development programmes.
How do you finance your organisation?
We finance our projects through donors and funders, financial support and fundraising.
Where can our readers find you?
Ihlumelo Foundation on Facebook
