Foundation helps children stay in school

The foundation, from Mageva village outside Giyani, says schools that have benefitted are amongst others, Shihlomu High Makhwivirini Secondary, Ndhambi High, Sasekani High, Khomanani Mbhalati High, and the Chief Divila Education Centre.

“Through our back-to-school campaign, we have identified schools that lack electronics such as computers and projectors and have taken it upon ourselves to help schools in need of these resources,” said Prudence Malatji, founder of N’wanuku Foundation. “We are also working on getting learning aids (gadgets) for top students on the secondary level as a way of motivating them to push and work hard.

“We believe that our sanitary towel campaign is in line with a real need. Our theme for this year is #KeepingAGirlChildInClass,” she said. Prudence believes that helping society is an opportunity to grow as an individual and to understand your part in the world around you.

“Giving is my ministry, it gives me peace to know that I have made a difference in someone’s life. I am grateful to the Almighty for trusting me with this ministry and for giving me a team that understands the vision. This would not be possible if it was not for the team that the N’wanuku Foundation has,” she said.

The organisation was established to support young people in rural areas in Limpopo. “We take pride in nurturing our community and youth for sustainability and we achieve this through leadership and social development projects which provide skills and mentorship as part of our programmes.

“We ensure learners are motivated by inviting prominent young people to motivate them by sharing their experiences. “We have partnered with Ntombhi Ya Mutsonga, a multi-award-winning praise poet known for her rendition at the State of the Nation Address when she ushered President Cyril Ramaphosa in. Learners look up to her and she is a great example.”

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Ntombi said she is honoured to be part of the drive. “It is a great move as it helps learners not to miss school. It is really sad to hear that a child has missed school because she did not have money to buy sanitary pads, so, with these kinds of movements, no girl should miss school,” she said.

Prudence also assists learners to nurture their talents and encourage them to embrace who they are. “It does not matter where you come from, if you are dedicated, consistent, and work hard, you can make it,’’ she said. “We have also partnered with Jabulani Maluleke, also known as Just JB The Entertainer, an actor who plays the role of Elias in Giyani Land of Blood,” she added.

N’wanuku Foundation believes that through designing, developing, and executing youth development interventions that seek to address challenges that young people face, they can help in building thriving and impactful young people. “We invest our efforts and resources in achieving our objectives,” she said. Their objectives are:

• Building healthier communities by investing in the positive development of children and youth. • Promoting the advancement of culture and education to achieve excellence within communities. • Investing in youth and women empowerment programmes, vocational and entrepreneurial training, skills acquisition, and career guidance.

• Developing sustainable and innovative solutions to tackle the issues of food insecurity. “At Nwanuku we are open for collaborations and for donations,” Prudence said. People can drop off sanitary towels, school uniforms, or electronics at their office at Stand 134, Mageva village, Dzumeri, Giyani. Call Prudence for more information on 076 352 2423.