KFC creates hope on World Hunger Day
HILLBROW – Tebogo Mabye was destined for struggle, but is working towards success and is aided by KFC's Add Hope fund.
Born in Hillbrow to a single mother and surrounded by street gangs and crime, young Tebogo Mabye seemed destined for struggle.
When young Mabye and his brother discovered the MES Dinaledi Centre for social relief, they became part of the now 120 000 children that Add Hope, funded by KFC, feeds everyday through feeding schemes across South Africa. MES provided the boys with a meal and a safe place after school, which kept them coming back. “When you give a child a meal, you tap into their heart,” said Mabye. “You show that child that you care about them and you earn the right to influence that child. You won’t be able to influence a child who is hungry. Through donating funds for meals, Add Hope gave MES a ticket to get into my world, so that they could understand, love and influence me.”
MES also but invested in Mabye’s future. When he struggled to pass grade 12, the organisation provided him with a tutor which led to him achieve a university exemption, a distinction in IsiZulu and he excelled in dance and martial arts lessons.
“It’s still a really tough life on these streets for many children,” said Mabye. “I see that many of the kids are in gangs, the kids are doing petty crimes, many are fathers, some take drugs – they are mixed up in bad things and bad decisions. Many have dropped out of school or those that are finished school lie around with no work. I could have been one of them, but MES has helped my brother and I to change our lives.”
Mabye now works for the MES team in Hillbrow as a co-ordinator of the youth enrichment programme and is rolling out a mentorship programme called Big Brother. “I want to be a role model to be that father figure to these kids who have absent fathers. I want to encourage them to go to school and help them to reach their potential,” he explained.
Mabye is living evidence of the ripple effect that taking care of a young child can have and as World Hunger Day approaches on 28 May, you can help a child by Adding Hope at KFC.
Read: KFC extends T20 sponsorship
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