Usiko Stellenbosch received heaps of praise for its community-building efforts at the Community Heroes Awards hosted by Stellenbosch Municipality at the town hall last Friday (18 July).
Described as “a quiet giant in the Jamestown community of Ward 21”, Usiko Stellenbosch is an NPO that uses a “rites-of-passage” approach to provide guidance to at-risk youths who encounter psycho-social challenges emanating in their communities. Through mentoring, wilderness and group activities, young people are empowered to see the value of education and work towards a hopeful future.
“Over the past three years something remarkable has happened in this part of Stellenbosch,” a statement issued by the municipality said.
“A local ecosystem of kindness and collaboration has formed. It brings the riding club, flying club, golf club, Mediclinic Stellenbosch, Eagle Towers, chef Bertus Basson, Elwin September, Dale Simmonds, Chrisben February, Technopark businesses and many more together, all united for the greater good.
“This has made Ward 21, and Jamestown, the home of the buurmanne and buurvroue. Jamestown is a better place today because of this massive combining of efforts and kindness. In the midst of this ongoing labour of love towers Usiko, the NGO that manages much of the logistics, coordination and humanitarian work for the betterment of all residents.”
The organisation ensures 200 residents are fed warm meals every weekday, 130 children are cared for, supported and educated in after-care, 1 800 loaves of bread are distributed monthly, 130 personal hygiene packs are given to women monthly, 800 children go on life-changing self-discovery camps every year, 300 life-skills sessions and 45 enriching excursions are conducted, 120 adults are rehabilitated through court diversion programmes annually, and they actively drive events like the Jamestown Market and Strawberry Festival.
“Usiko is the glue that binds our Jamestown community together, quietly, powerfully and with endless compassion,” said Mynard Slabbert, deputy mayor and Ward 21 councillor, at the Community Heroes Awards. “Thank you for being the change we all wish to see.”
• For more information on Usiko Stellenbosch’s work or to become involved, visit www.usiko.org.za.
