Category: 2018

One of the main mindset changes the Career Development Programme wants to bring is the mind set of doing things for yourself, while contributing to the development of others. Four young people who began their career their journey at Afrika Tikkun received information about a career in the film industry. They went on to pursue their passion and interest in film, and in 2017, registered a production company called SOKAA PRODUCTION. Octavia Sonyawe, Neo Kgola, Samuel Motloung and Zwelibanzi Tshabalala proudly created a production called “When two worlds collide”. Their film was screened on the 9th October 2017 at Midrand Ster Kinekor, and on the 15th October 2017 they won a prize for the “Best Newcomer” at the 48 HOUR FILM PROJECT held in Johannesburg.

On the 20th October 2017 they received a call from the Big Fish School of Digital Filmmaking and were offered a scholarship opportunity to study filming in Cape Town for 2 years. They struggled to raise funds for transport to Cape Town, and approached Afrika Tikkun for assistance. They were awarded 4 bus tickets, and arrived safely. They reported to be settling in well.

“We are thankful for what Afrika Tikkun has done for us, since from the first day, and I hope that they continue helping other young people,” said Octavia Sonyawe.

Kamo is a 20 year-old young man from Orange Farm. He joined the CYD programme, after working with Afrika Tikkun as a Peer Educator at his school in 2016. Kamo attends Duzenendlela (LSEN), School in Orange Farm. He describes being a peer educator as the greatest thing to happen in his life, because it has allowed him to speak to his peers about social issues, like sexuality and bullying. “Most of the young people, especially those with learning difficulties are not informed about their sexuality or are not even aware when they are bullied. So the platform has allowed me to teach them and I have also learnt a lot in the process”, Kamo said.

Kamo has grown to be popular in the Centre, since his arrival in 2017. He does not allow his disability to out shine his confidence. His favourite day at the Centre is Tuesday, when they do the “Care for Yourself” pillar, which includes exercising, running and walking. “I learn more about exercises and healthy food to eat, and I know being physically fit will benefit my health” he said.

When Kamo attended the holiday camp in December 2017, he did not hold back on anything. He did the obstacle course (those that he could), played volley ball and did running. He enjoyed himself immensely. He taught the other youth not to judge those who live with disabilities by just being himself and refusing to be limited by any activity and any life situation. He inculcates courage and hope in all youth.

I am a 17-year old girl who aspires to be the greatest filmmaker in South Africa. I live in Alexandra. I see myself as an extrovert. I work hard for what I want and do my best with what I have. I love talking. I always have something to say, and a question to ask if I don’t understand. My love for talking has led me to write poetry, which always must inspire people who listen to me.

I found out about Afrika Tikkun from a competition called Step up to a Start-up. My friend and I had made it to the finals, where we met Afrika Tikkun CEO Marc Lubner who told us about Phuthaditjaba Centre. We had a 3-year mentorship programme lined up and joined Afrika Tikkun after hearing an inspirational talk. Since the day I signed up, I have never regretted my decision. Afrika Tikkun makes you realise that you are not defined by your situation at home or any challenge but through hard work and determination.

I started attending AT Uthando in 2012. I’m involved in drama classes, book club and debating. I am currently doing a work experience learnership at Uthando. I have come so far as Afrika Tikkuns’ ambassador because of the love, care, support and opportunities that I have received there. Good things come to those who wait, but I believe that the greatest things come to those who strive for a better future and don’t let bad situations bring them down. I have achieved more than what I could have had I not known Afrika Tikkun.

“The love of growth, empowerment and leadership is what has brought me this far. That is why I am here and a step closer to reaching one of my greatest dreams. I am Afrika Tikkun and Afrika Tikkun is me. This is why I believe that this great privilege of travelling as an ambassador of my home, Afrika Tikkun is the greatest opportunity for me.”

Meet Thembani Mavunda, an aspiring 18 year old doing his Grade 12 at Kwa-Bhekilanga secondary School in Alex. Thembani is destined for great things in life. He joined Afrika Tikkun when he was in  Grade 6, and attended most of the Centre programmes on offer. He says he enjoyed computer lessons and painting most of all. Thembani says he was an average student before joining Afrika Tikkun and he now believes that he is an exceller in his school work because of the Centre programmes that helped him improve his marks. He now proudly gets around 80% in Maths and Physical sciences.

In 2017, he became interested in cycling, and was chosen to travel to the USA to participate in the Safelite Triathlon. In February, he won a medal for a triathlon, but, these days, Thembani is known for being more than a sportsman. Above all, he is an entrepreneur who invented noise cancelling headphones and he currently runs his own business. He participated in the National Young Entrepreneurship program called Step-Up to a Start-Up and took the first place.

Thembani wants to see success in his business and one day become a civil engineer. He says Afrika Tikkun has changed his life and has become his second home. He thanks Afrika Tikkun for exposing him to such greatness.

In March, Afrika Tikkun convened the 2^nd annual Disability Rights Symposium. This event aims to bring together leaders from the fields of disability and human rights, and to reignite the sector with the vibrancy and the power of collaboration. A panel was convened by Harvard Professor Michael Stein who is a global actor for Disability Rights. At the same time, Dr Jean Elphick of Afrika Tikkun travelled to Harvard University in the USA to share our  work and achievements there. In March, Makhoaphe Letsie of Afrika Tikkun also travelled to the United Nations in Geneva Switzerland to make a report on the advocacy priorities agreed upon at the 2017 Disability Symposium to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Makwena Ramoroka was raised by a single mother doing subsistence farming in rural Limpopo. Growing up without a father he felt lost and alone especially when other children shared stories of their fathers. It was this need for a father figure in his life that made Makwena pursue a career in child and youth care. He knew children need all kinds of support, including emotional, financial and physical support in order to fulfill their potential.

“No one is aware of what children are going through, they are easily malleable and led astray making them the most vulnerable members of society. That is why I had to get involved and make an impact,” said Makwena. As a social worker at Afrika Tikkun Wings of Life, Makwena aims to change the mind-set that parents of our beneficiaries have towards parenting by ensuring that they are aware of and involved in the development of their children. “When parents are involved in the lives of their children, the challenges they face are reduced because they can share the load with their parents.” Watch this TED TALK on the link between fatherlessness and school violence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi1oN1icAYc

Watch this video to see how remarkably Makwena and his team impacted on the life of one young man in 2017.

One of the main mindset changes the Career Development Programme wants to bring is the mind set of doing things for yourself, while contributing to the development of others. Four young people who began their career their journey at Afrika Tikkun received information about a career in the film industry. They went on to pursue their passion and interest in film, and in 2017, registered a production company called SOKAA PRODUCTION. Octavia Sonyawe, Neo Kgola, Samuel Motloung and Zwelibanzi Tshabalala proudly created a production called “When two worlds collide”. Their film was screened on the 9th October 2017 at Midrand Ster Kinekor, and on the 15th October 2017 they won a prize for the “Best Newcomer” at the 48 HOUR FILM PROJECT held in Johannesburg.

On the 20th October 2017 they received a call from the Big Fish School of Digital Filmmaking and were offered a scholarship opportunity to study filming in Cape Town for 2 years. They struggled to raise funds for transport to Cape Town, and approached Afrika Tikkun for assistance. They were awarded 4 bus tickets, and arrived safely. They reported to be settling in well.

“We are thankful for what Afrika Tikkun has done for us, since from the first day, and I hope that they continue helping other young people,” said Octavia Sonyawe.

Zulema registered at the Arekopaneng Centre’s Career Development Programme in 2017, after years of being unemployed. Afrika Tikkun helped to support her basic needs, while she grew in her knowledge of business and entrepreneurship. Upon completion of the course, she was given the opportunity to pitch her business idea at the BizHub for young and upcoming entrepreneurs. “It was the first time I ever presented my business idea,” she explained. Her farming business idea stood out, making her a winner of R 12 500, 00. “I want to see my co-operative making money. My wish is for my farm to produce spinach juice,” Zulema proudly said.
[envira-gallery id=”3586″]

In 2017, the National Development Agency nominated Afrika Tikkun’s Early Childhood Development Centre in Cape Town as one of the top 5 ECDs in the province, out of 500 entries. Moreover, 3 Afrika Tikkun ECD practitioners are in the top 5 finalists for best practitioner. This is a great achievement for our ECD and our practitioners. It shows the dedication that Afrika Tikkun has towards the development of our young minds from cradle to career.
[envira-gallery id=”3590″]