Service leaders of City Year South Africa, a non-profit organisation that engages young people in a year of full-time service, teamed up with Mould Empower Serve (MES), a home and centre which provides shelter and empowerment for the young and vulnerable.
The partnering institutions did their bit to clean up the streets and assist where needed in Johannesburg’s high-rise suburb of Hillbrow for another round of community involvement as part of Mandela Month.
The partnership between City Year and MES aims to support marginalised and destitute communities in and around Johannesburg with skills development and youth enrichment programmes.
MES Johannesburg’s aim is to offer services to residents that will enable people to find and take up opportunities and to become sustainable citizens.
City Year brings to bear the strengths of its programmes that make a tangible contribution to developing people and their sense of self-worth.
After the clean-up walk, staff of both organisations washed and sterilised tables, chairs and toys for children at the centre, who were also entertained with games and fun activities.
“We believe in youth volunteerism, stronger community partnerships and youth involvement in community services. Nelson Mandela was passionate about children and the importance of providing the best environment for the disadvantaged ones,” said Daylene van Buuren, executive director of City Year.
Another one of the organisation’s Mandela Month activities took place at WD Oliphant Primary School in Krugersdorp where City Year service leaders painted part of the school and murals to beautify Grade R classrooms.
“As City Year we will continue to partner with incredible organisations such as MES Johannesburg to make South Africa a better place for all. To us, 67 minutes of community service is what we do all day every day,” concluded Van Buuren.
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