Their stories are personal, authentic and heartwarming. Four members of the 42 Youth team run by ROGZ Academy and Boost Africa Foundation, share a glimpse into the challenges they face, and how they and the little learners they work with in the AfterSchool Programme (ASP), are changing the trajectory of their lives. Together, youth and learners are chasing rainbows of hope together.
The YearBeyond (Yebo) programme which is implemented by ROGZ Academy and Boost Africa Foundation, includes the AfterSchool Programme (ASP) every afternoon at Marconi Beam Primary, Sophakama Primary, SilverLeaf Primary and Dunoon Primary which are the four under-resourced schools we assist. Here, each of the 42 Youth sit with a group of 10 learners who are struggling with learning English and Maths. From beginning as Teacher Assistants, these young people are finding a deep sense of accomplishment as they watch certain struggling learners, begin to shine.
Let’s hear from these aspiring young people:
YeBoneer ATHENKOSI TSOMO with Learner ASANDA MABHEKA
This enterprising 19 year old volunteers of his time, started the Junior Club, found coaches and encourages young boys as far as Khayelitsha, to play rugby and keep off the streets. He is considering studying next year at CPUT, or UWC, in Sports Management, although funding this is a problem he still needs to solve.
“I matriculated at Sinenjongo High School in Joe Slovo. At school, I did Drama, Debate and I was the Rugby Captain – my hero is Malcolm Marx – I love Sport! Some days, after finishing teaching, I run 5.5km from Dunoon to train at the Milnerton Rugby Club at Theo Marais Park where I am the U19 Rugby Captain, and the Junior Manager of the Club for the U17s, U16s and U15s teams.”
“When I first started helping at SilverLeaf Primary, I noticed that one of the little Grade 4’s, Asanda, was very shy but showed potential to learn more. So I started saying: “Hi Asanda” every day, and convinced her to join the ASP where she has slowly started volunteering and participating in our sessions. She has shown great progress and her Report has improved. She is now Group 2 Leader!”
YeBoneer UNATHI ZUMA with Learner CHUMANI LE ROUX
Unathi thinks being on the YeBo programme is the best thing she has ever done! She loves giving back, and is looking for a Social Work job for next year.
“I matriculated at Ilingelethu High School in Malmesbury and I now live in Dunoon. After matriculating, I completed a BA Social Work at UWC in 2022, and I have worked part-time at Old Mutual as a Debt Consultant as well. I read about the YeBo programme on the internet and so I applied.”
“When I first met Chumani who is in Grade 3 at SilverLeaf Primary, she was so timid and alone, but I slowly encouraged her to start participating. She was originally in the middle group but has grown in confidence and has progressed to the top group. She is a different person now, she answers first in class and wants to stand next to me in the Energiser. Next year, Chumani won’t need to be on the ASP programme because she has improved so much in her English and Maths! I am so proud of her.”
YeBoneer YOLANDA TOFILE with Learner ASEKHO MLANDELWA
Yolanda believes being on the YeBo programme has helped her communicate better. She has grown in confidence and her understanding of people has improved. She would like to work at a Police Station and be a Traffic Warden.
“I matriculated at Inkwenkwezi High School in Dunoon. After matriculating I have begun studying at UNISA in Police Science, whilst I am in the YeBo programme. It is a bit of a balancing act but the teacher at Dunoon Primary is supporting me! I heard about the amazing YeBo programme through a friend who had been on it.”
“Learner Asekho is in Grade 3 at Dunoon Primary School and she is repeating the year which is hard for her, and she is an only child. She was very quiet at first, but now she is volunteering and is confident to read English. When she had to write a story of My Beautiful Home, she asked to go first to read it outloud! I am so proud of her growth.”
YeBoneer ANITHA MDUNYELWA with Learners LUNIKO MDITSHWA and LIFA GABA
Anitha lives with her brothers and sisters and their children so life is noisy and busy. Coming to assist the learners at the school makes her day, so that often when she arrives sad, the children make her happy. She is hoping to get funding to study Teaching next year at UWC or the University of Fort Hare.
“I matriculated at Sinenjongo High School in Joe Slovo. I loved acting, teaching and hospitality. I heard about the YeBo programme through a friend who really enjoyed it. I want to teach one day so this is perfect.”
“Luniko and Lifa are both boys in Grade 3 at Marconi Beam Primary in Joe Slovo. They were scared and shy and didn’t want to talk. Some days it was demoralizing to face the challenges but ROGZ Academy Mentor Piwo, has guided me a lot. Luniko’s parents have said they’ve seen a big difference in their son. Both boys have moved from the bottom group to the top group. They now offer to read and like to help the teacher in the classroom.”
THANK YOU
Thank you to all the 42 members of our Youth Team, for rising above their challenges, and for choosing to be active citizens and helping to make a difference. ROGZ Academy and Boost Africa Foundation will continue to mentor and empower you all whilst you chase your rainbows!
