WITH most of its projects aimed at the youth, the Durban Youth Council says this year they plan to reach out to schools in the townships. The DYC is a non-profit and self funded organisation and comprises of an abundance of enthusiastic scholars who begin their term of office in their Grade 11 year, beginning in January and ending in December. Each year brings new councillors and presents unique challenges for the council to work harder, persevere and donate more money than their predecessors, leaving a lasting legacy in Durban. Ruth Thumbi, who is the mayor for the council says the organisation is over 45 years old and it has a present membership of 30 schools and is constantly growing, but sadly there are no township schools affiliated with the organisation.
“We are committed to promoting awareness of South Africa’s diverse arts and cultures and support access to the arts and as a non-profit and a-political organisation that aims at uplifting the lifestyle of Durban and in particular its youth. We have a number of projects lined up for this year, which include providing nourishment to those less fortunate through the collection and distribution of food items. We also implement sustainable programmes and feeding schemes in less privileged and no fee schools. We educate and create awareness around disabilities and empower those challenged with mental and physical disabilities,” Thumbi said.
The council consists of six standing committees and the Administrative Board is responsible for motivating the council and ensuring that projects are successfully and efficiently executed. An appointed director manages each committee. Each of the six committees has specific goals that they need to achieve every year, as laid out in the DYC Annual Calendar. Each committee is presented with and required to fulfill the requirements of their Committee File and must work in accordance with the goals and aims as outlined in the Committee Portfolio. Each committee is required to complete a minimum of one project per school term. The organisation is also engaged in activities which contribute to a cleaner and greener environment.
Thumbi said they are appealing to big businesses to be more welcoming, when they are approached for funding as they sometimes feel they are not taken seriously. If you would like to assist, get involved or donate, contact the organisation by emailing Ruth.Thumbi@dyc.co.za
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