Tragedy motivates youth project

The tragic murder of a mentor last year has not dampened a teenager’s love and interest to help disadvantaged children.

Ratanang Hofman, a 21-year-old who formed Ratanang Youth Development Project on 13 Avenue, is a student at Graceworld Senior School for children with learning challenges. The murder of Dr Ingrid Koch, a psychologist at the school and his mentor at the project, was traumatic to Hofman. Koch had guided him in implementing and seeking support for the project. Hofman said though distraught, he is determined to carry on Koch’s selfless dedication to helping disadvantaged children with the assistance of her family and a determined project committee.

The commitee came together recently to plan how to get the project to the next level starting with planting a vegetable garden for the children’s food security and for consumption at home.

They resolved to seek an appropriate venue with adequate security, space and services to conduct children’s activities including gum boot dancing, acting, drama and and a learning programme including reading and writing. The toilets and water facilities were also upgraded to comply with standards of childcare facilities.

He said the project beneficiaries disclosed their personal challenges to him and this requires counselling support in a private setting which new facilities would provide.

The project co-ordinator Basetsana Ramotswa said they were determined to get alternative facilities to relieve the family hosting the project on 13 Avenue. “Good facilities will encourage other professionals to contribute other quality services and skills including career guidance, mentoring and material support in a structured way. This will help the children grow and develop into professionals and reduce reliance on the welfare system which is common for people in disadvantaged backgrounds.”

Ernst Koch said his family was determined to see the project succeed in the interest of sustaining their late mother’s commitment to bettering lives of others and also to help Ratanang and the project committee’s selfless endeavour. “An alternative, spacious and easily-accessible venue will be a starting point to encourage sponsorships,” he said.

The project has been promised material provisions from Women Empower Yourself Foundation. Phumzile Motsumi said the foundation would also provide psychotherapy and other diverse skills. “We are committed to seeing the project providing more holistic services and being successful.”

Details: Basetsana Ramotswa 072 614 4383.