Newly formed youth development organisation, Skills of Hope, wants to assist young people in Soweto to get closer to reaching their dreams.
The non-profit organisation (NPO) was formed in March 2018 with the aim of assisting young people in grades 10 to 12 with career development. “
The organisation assists young people from impoverished backgrounds to kick-start and plan their careers as well as use their skills to earn a living,” explained Hope of Skills Executive Director, Hope Pikwa.
Pikwa explained that she started the organisation after realising that many young people in her Protea Glen community have skills and talents that they don’t necessarily know how to monetise.
- Join The AVON #iThembaWalkathon2018 – [also read]
“I wanted to bring information to the youth that could not afford to access it via the internet because data costs a lot and not everybody can afford to buy it,” she elaborated.
Skills of Hope also offers senior phase high school learners help with applying for bursaries. Most recently, the NPO held a fundraising event in an effort to teach the beneficiaries an important lesson about being able to help yourself according to Pikwa.
“I want Skills of Hope to be a community thing. I want us to help each other with what we have. We shouldn’t wait for us to have money to help each other,” said Pikwa.
The NPO currently has one programme running, it is, however, looking to launch its after-school programme soon. The Each One Teach One programme is a skills development programme whereby seasoned professionals get to share practical skills to grade 11 and 12 learners.
Pikwa noted that she started the organisation as a means to give young people opportunities because she was afforded the same opportunities when she was younger. She advises anyone who wants to start an NPO to be passionate about the people they are helping and most importantly, to be patient.
“You need to be extremely patient, you need love and passion to do this. You need to push the people you want to help, you also need to be willing to put in your own funds,” she elaborated.
Skills of Hope will be hosting a clothes drive during the months of October and November to donate clothes for the community of Protea South.
Any volunteers or anyone who wants to join the organisation can contact her on 081 553 7683 or on Skills of Hope Kasi Crew on all social media platforms.
Follow Us Here:
Catch the latest news by visiting our other platforms:
