A Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) has been making significant strides in addressing local safety concerns whilst simultaneously providing support to local youth.
The Ubuntu Community Project, recently registered as a non-profit organisation after seven years of community service, has been working in the Northern Areas and Timothy Valley to tackle pressing issues ranging from road safety to youth rehabilitation and clinic transportation for the elderly.
“We have been active for seven years, and we are finally registered as an NPO,” said Shelton Scheepers, executive director of the Ubuntu Community Project. “We provide support to community members who are vulnerable.”
The organisation’s approach involves engaging local children in filling potholes throughout various areas, addressing both road safety concerns and providing structured activities for local youth.
Scheepers explains that road safety has become a critical issue in the community.
“Our aim is to fill potholes because it is a big concern when it comes to the safety of residents and emergency vehicles,” he shared. “Many accidents occur because of unnecessary potholes, so without receiving any funding, we fill a pothole with gravel.”
The initiative serves a dual purpose, as the organisation works to combat substance abuse and provide positive alternatives for local youth.
The programme primarily involves boys aged nine to 17, with only two girls currently participating.
“By being active in the community, we are stopping kids from using drugs and loitering,” Scheepers explained. “Children are so vulnerable, and we are sadly losing our children by the day.”
Beyond pothole repairs, the Ubuntu Community Project provides community support services.
The organisation assists the elderly and disabled with transport to clinics whilst running awareness programmes to address elderly abuse, child abuse and drug abuse.
The NPO’s philosophy centres on instilling long-term positive behaviours in young participants.
“If children are used to cleaning up their area, it won’t be a problem when they are adults,” Scheepers shared.
According to Scheepers, many of the children involved in the programme come from households facing economic hardship, with unemployed parents struggling to provide basic necessities.
The organisation is actively seeking corporate partnerships to strengthen its operations and expand work development opportunities for youth, including car washing services.
“The important thing is to save children’s lives to keep them from vandalism, drugs and negative activities,” Scheepers shared.
“Children in the community are struggling because often they don’t have food or clothes. So, we are searching for companies to strengthen the organisation, to help the youth with work development.”
