During 2024, the impactful community work in the under-resourced communities of Dunoon and Joe Slovo, was possible through an effective collaboration between ROGZ Academy and Boost Africa Foundation teams. At the coalface were the 3 mentors – Nozipiwo (Piwo) Ningi, the Rogz Academy Mentor, Sinovuyo (Vuyo) Xhashimba, the Boost Africa Foundation Mentor and Anele Kwaza, the YearBeyond Mentor-in-Training. Together, they helped implement the YearBeyond (Yebo) programme, and mentored our Youth Team of 42 YeBoneers through their 10 month journey.
REFLECTIONS ON 2024 AND ASPIRATIONS FOR 2025
As we closed for the December break last year, our three amazing Mentors sent in their reflections on 2024, celebrating the wins, but realistic about the challenges that they had to overcome. They also look forward to their contributions in 2025!
Nozipiwo Ningi (Piwo) – ROGZ Academy Mentor 2024
“Highlights of the year were seeing YeBoneers coming out of their comfort zone and excelling with things they were struggling with at the beginning of the year. The confidence they’ve gained, becoming better versions of themselves. The YeBoneer Graduation in November was another highlight for me – it was a beautiful celebration of all their hard work!
Challenges from the year were relationships between teachers and some YeBoneers, making sure that conflicts are being resolved and strengthening their bond so they could find common ground to working together. Another challenge was enforcing boundaries with YeBoneers. It was challenging at times when they would disrespect or overstep boundaries and I had to make sure that they completed what was required.
Advice for other youth – always grab each and every opportunity that is presented with both hands! Create opportunities for yourselves and network as much as you can.
My future plans – as an activist and an artist, my future plans are to continue to combine those two as a tool to bring awareness and educate. I have been involved with youth development since 2011. I want to continue finding different ways I can grow and create a safe space for our youth to learn and equip themselves so that they can also pay it forward to the next generation. Working with ROGZ Academy is giving me this opportunity.”
Sinovuyo (Vuyo) Xhashimba – Boost Africa Foundation Mentor 2024
“My highlight was watching a YeBoneer’s potential unlocked, watching them transform from being raw and immature to being a young professional that is emotionally intelligent.
Challenges from the year were keeping the YeBoneers motivated.
Advice for other youth is to believe in yourself and never lose hope. Follow your dreams and be true to yourself.
My future plans are to spend another year as a mentor in 2025 for Dunoon/Joe Slovo cluster. I would also like to do volunteer work over weekends. My ultimate plan is to become a coach.”
Anele Kwaza – YearBeyond Mentor-in-Training 2024
“My highlights included the Conference and Opportunity Expo because many of the YeBoneers got to see how big the programme is with the different streams and questions of uncertainty for the future were answered. Also, seeing the possible opportunities one can get from networking at the Expo. The Social Innovation Leadership Challenge was very close to home, trying to navigate possible solutions for a better tomorrow and then seeing YeBoneers work as a team and no one leaving until the end! And of course Graduation – from the speeches to the candle lighting, it was a significant reminder of their journey, obstacles overcame and brightening the way into a new chapter.
Some of my challenges were navigating being a student at the Academy and juggling assignments and duties, but it was a great learning curve! There were also personal challenges, but through all of it, I had the support from my Managers, so very grateful.
My advice for the Youth is to take a deep breath. Try to respond rather than act. Don’t make assumptions or take things personally. Always try your best. Question your beliefs and life’s choices.
My future plans include being involved in community development. I’d like to pursue my studies further or take up a new qualification one day. I am so grateful to be onboarding as a Mentor for Early Childhood Development through ROGZ Academy in 2025.”
THANK YOU MENTORS!
ROGZ Academy and Boost Africa Foundation are very grateful for the hard work from Piwo, Vuyo and Anele, 3 resilient and strong Mentors. We welcome them all back to work with us during 2025!!
