Daveyton gogo using sport to keep youth off the streets
During lockdown, the youngsters also receive a meal from Maria as some of their parents are not working.
Daveyton resident Maria Phiri (65) is celebrated by her family and community for taking care of anyone and everyone in need.
Maria has founded a soccer, netball and basketball team which consists of young people from Daveyton she has taken off the streets.
She said lending a helping hand and not wanting to see young people getting involved in crime or drug abuse is what led her to starting the teams. The children also come to her house to do their schoolwork after school and she has installed Wi-Fi to make things a bit easier for them.
Maria is assisted by her granddaughter, Caroline Phiri, who is the coach for the two teams.
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She said they also assist families who have lost their loved ones by getting each household to donate R5 towards helping to ease some of the financial cost for the families.
“I saw a need for this gesture because as people are afraid of helping each other and we are also afraid to ask for help,” she said.
Her daughter, Rebecca Phiri, said her mother always uplifts and encourages everyone in her community, seeking nothing in return.
“She takes care of everyone, always trying to help and not to say no,” said Rebecca. “As a family, we also assist a local old age home by hosting birthday parties for the elders, but due to Covid-19 we have put that on hold. However, once the lockdown restrictions have been eased we will continue.”
Maria urged anyone who would like to donate any soccer, netball or basketball equipment or educational material to kindly do so.
Contact Maria on 076 322 6193 or Rebecca on 084 415 5842.
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