Durban North organisation empowers youth to be agents of change

TWO young people grew up knowing first-hand the day-to-day challenges of many township children. Something was bred in their hearts, not only to change the landscape for themselves but also for the next generation of young South Africans.

Both Wandile Ntsimba and Nonhlanhla Majola were raised and educated in the Amaoti/Mawotana area north of Phoenix.

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With Majola’s passion for working with children and Ntsimba’s voluntary involvement with a back-to-school programme, they became part of The Domino Foundation’s Life Skills youth workers team, providing a values-based education partnership to grade 4 to 7 learners.

“Many of my school friends had no one to guide them in making wise life choices and were drawn into lives marked by violence, truancy and low moral values. Almost inevitably, this impacted negatively on their morale, discipline and academic performance,” said Ntsimba.

“I want to help today’s learners make sound decisions to give them a brighter future.”

When preparing her lessons, Majola is challenged by the Life Skills curriculum used in Amaoti primary schools long before she gets to share with her young charges.

“It has shaped my life in making informed decisions, knowing my own value and caring for others and seeking their good.”

She is deeply convinced of the curriculum’s core message which is respect for self as well as for others as all have intrinsic value.

“I have seen myself growing from being strongly introverted to being someone bold enough to stand in front of any crowd and confidently voice my opinion,” she said.

Ntsimba is aware of not only providing safe spaces for learners to talk about their home, school and personal challenges but also of being a role model, particularly for boys without a strong father figure.

“Having been raised in a single-parent family where life was a struggle, I have been challenged by the Life Skills curriculum myself to lead by example,” he added.

Ntsimba is now studying for a Bachelor of Education degree to equip himself further to help young South Africans see the hope tomorrow holds and how they can make it their own.

Many of the obstacles Hector Pieterson, a schoolboy shot in the Soweto Uprising, and his generation faced 48 years ago still threaten the hopes for a brighter future for large swathes of South Africa’s Alpha Generation.

“The team nurtures learners to set sustainable standards and values as strong foundations for their futures. Youth Day shouldn’t be a once-a-year celebration and then forgotten until June 16 comes around again next year. The programme celebrates the young people we work with all through the four years by nurturing foundations for life,” said Majola.

Anyone interested in partnering with Domino in building a stronger new generation can contact education coordinator Nicky Walton at education@domino.org.za.