Youth Month

Mamelodi Initiative

#AfterSchoolYouthLeaders – Abiel Biza: Mamelodi Initiative

Abiel Biza, an aspiring Neuro-Surgeon, is a medical student at the University of Pretoria and the Programme Coordinator at the Mamelodi Initiative. He joined the organisation in 2015 as a volunteer, led by his passion for community and youth development. Abiel continues to excel in his academics whilst paying it forward through his work in the organisation.

Established in 2007, The Mamelodi Initiative is a collaborative effort initiated by young people who are devoted to bring change to the community of Mamelodi and its youth. The Mamelodi Initiative provides resources to enable community engagement and improve access to education. Thousands of youths have benefited from Mamelodi Initiative’s programme offerings, ranging from computer literacy to sports and holiday camps.

We spoke to Abiel to learn about why he continues to volunteer in the After School sector.

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Sophumelela Youth Development Programme

#AfterSchoolYouthLeaders – Sophumelela Ketelo: Sophumelela Youth Development Programme

Sophumelela Ketelo is the Chairperson and Founder of Sophumelela Youth Development Programme (SYDP). The organisation was established in 2017 and is led by a group of young leaders. SYDP recently became a grantee of The Learning Trust in 2021.

Based in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, SYDP aims to:

  • Uplift learners from three underperforming high schools in Makhanda through after school support programmes.
  • Foster the spirit of paying it forward in University students, by creating opportunities to engage high school learners through mentorship and tutoring.
  • Eradicate socio-economic issues faced by high school learners through working with various stakeholders to provide life skills education.

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