A heart-warming initiative led by young change-makers in Nelson Mandela Bay has resulted in a significant collection of clothing donations for a local women’s shelter.
The project, facilitated by Chuma Cuba of Masifunde Learner Development, aims at empowering young people to take positive action and make a difference in their communities.
As 2024 marks 20 years in existence, the network highlighted its objective to encourage young people to take responsible positive actions, to find constructive solutions, and to understand that they have the power to impact and influence their peers and their communities, and advocate for vulnerable groups.
What’s remarkable about Cuba’s involvement is that he was once a recipient of the programme himself, during his Grade 9 year at Paterson High School. The experience had a profound impact on his life, shaping him into a confident young man with direction.
“The Masifunde programme groomed me into a purpose-driven individual, giving me the tools to navigate life’s challenges and make a meaningful difference. I’m living proof that the programme works, and I’m honoured to now be giving back what was given to me,” he shared.
Umphile Palesa Suka, one of the change-makers, conceived the idea to collect items of unused clothing from pupils at Morningside High School and distribute them to those in need.
The initiative quickly gained momentum, with 47 high schools across Gqeberha, Kariega and Despatch being invited to participate.
To date, five full bags of clothing and other essential items have been collected.
The donations were presented to Yokhuselo Haven, a shelter for women and children affected by domestic violence, on August 19.
The shelter provides support and resources to those seeking refuge from abusive situations.
The Change-maker Network, a project of Masifunde Learner Development, seeks to inspire young people to become active change-makers in their communities. By encouraging resilience and creative problem-solving, the initiative helps learners understand their power to positively impact their peers and surroundings.
As the programme continues to grow, it is expanding its reach beyond Nelson Mandela Bay and the network has now gone national.
The Masifunde Change-maker Network was officially launched in 2021, in Nelson Mandela Bay. Since 2023 the programme has been replicated by 20 Civil Society Organisation (CSO) partners in the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, North-West, and Gauteng.
This year, Masifunde reached 200 schools, with 40 CSO partners in all provinces of South Africa.
Additionally, in an exciting development, Masifunde has also partnered with a German-based organisation, paving the way for global collaborations and knowledge sharing.
Four German CSOs have joined in the first international exchange, highlighted in a change-maker conference in Berlin.
Cuba said his own journey from programme participant to facilitator is proof of the initiative’s success.
“My story serves as a reminder that investing in youth development can have far-reaching, positive consequences,” he said.
Next year, MCN plans on running environmental awareness campaigns and community action projects in 250 schools nationwide, with the first national Change-maker conference to be held in Nelson Mandela Bay.
