While more than 900 runners and walkers have signed up, organisers expect over 1000 participants to take part in a Youth Day fundraising event taking place in Newlands.
About the event
Youth In Transformation (YIT) will host its annual Running For Transformation (R4T) event on Tuesday 16 June. It will take place at South African College High School (SACS) in Newlands. The event raises funds for education programmes. These programmes serve more than 250 young people across Cape Town.
Supporting two flagship programmes
Funds raised will support YIT’s two flagship programmes. The first is STEAM+, a high school tutoring initiative. The second is The Butterfly Project. This primary school programme supports learners in Mowbray, Retreat and Nyanga.
Kath Rainers, operations manager at YIT, said the programmes focus on academic support. They also create opportunities for young people facing significant social and economic challenges.
“The funds will go towards our two core projects. STEAM is our high school tutoring programme. The Butterfly Project is our primary school programme,” she said.
Breaking down barriers
Founded in 2016, YIT currently works with around 250 young people. Rainers said many of the children face barriers that affect their ability to succeed at school.
“Academically, children are in large classrooms. They have little teaching support. This means they quickly fall behind. Children also face social struggles like food insecurity, inadequate housing and gang violence. These factors also directly impact them.”
A success story
One of the programme’s success stories is Lunathi Gwili. She joined STEAM+ in Grade 9 with an academic average of 53%.
“After being in the programme for four years, I graduated last year with 86%,” said Gwili. “I am now studying Chemical Engineering at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).”
Honouring Youth Day
The event coincides with Youth Day. This day commemorates the role young people played in South Africa’s struggle for equal education. Rainers said the date aligns closely with YIT’s mission.
“We envision a world where every young person in Africa has access to fair, equitable and quality education. This should be regardless of their socio-economic status.”
She said Youth Day provides an opportunity to honour the young people of 1976. It also continues the fight for educational opportunities today.
“We celebrate the brave hearts who paved the way. We also actively stand as the modern-day answer to their prayers through our programmes.”
What to expect on the day
Participants can choose between a 5 km and 10 km route. Families can enjoy food stalls and children’s activities, including a jumping castle.
“Bringing more than 1 000 people together to run, cheer and celebrate creates an atmosphere of joy and solidarity for the children we serve.”
Sponsors and volunteers needed
YIT is calling on businesses and individuals to come on board as sponsors. The organisation is working to secure funding for its education programmes. Rainers said every contribution goes directly towards supporting young people.
“Every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference in the life of a young person,” she said.
YIT is also looking for volunteers to assist on the day. Volunteers will help with registration and marshalling the routes. They will also support activity stations for families.
She added that the event allows the wider community to contribute. It works towards a future where a child’s circumstances do not determine their opportunities. Those interested in sponsoring or volunteering can contact YIT on 073 257 3807.
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