- Cai Damane, 16, has been running an after-school programme for seven years, helping 25 learners in Belhar improve their schoolwork.
- His efforts earned him the Mayor’s Civic Pride Award for outstanding community service.
- Cai started the Happy Helper Edward Project at nine and plans to continue making a difference through further studies.
A 16-year-old Belhar learner has successfully run an after-school programme for Grade 1 to 6 for seven years, with 25 learners currently enrolled and getting good grades at school.
For this exceptional achievement Cai Damane (16), a Grade 10 learner at Excelsior Secondary School, is the latest winner of the Mayor’s Civic Pride Award.These awards – now in their second year – are an opportunity for schools to nominate learners involved in exceptional community service.
They aim to build a sense of pride among youth and ownership of positive change in their communities so Cape Town can be a better place to live in for all.Begins project at age 9The Happy Helper Edward Project was founded by then 9-year-old Cai to benefit his community in Chestnut Place, Belhar.
Cai and volunteers offer this holistic after-school programme from Monday to Friday for two hours each afternoon for Grade 1-6.
ALSO READ | Belhar police help deliver baby boy during emergency
It aims to improve academic performance, enhance social skills, cultivate leadership qualities and foster a love for reading. It also encourages community service and creates a safe and nurturing space for all participants to thrive in.
“When I received Cai’s nomination from his school community there was no hesitation in recognising his excellent community service with a Mayor’s Civic Pride award,” Geordin Hill-Lewis said. “It is hard to imagine that a 16-year-old could already be running a successful after-school programme for seven years.
Volunteers
Cai has marshalled volunteers to help him five days a week, and the result is that 25 learners from Chestnut Place in Belhar are currently enrolled and getting good grades in school thanks to Cai’s tutoring. Cai’s amazing dedication is having a profound impact on Chestnut Place and the broader community of Belhar, and we commend him for his service.
“Addressing the audience at the ceremony, Cai said he felt blessed because he never thought his hard work would be recognised after seven years. “In 2017 I saw the need in my community, where primary-school learners were struggling with their schoolwork.
READ | Ysterplaat Primary School Majorettes: overcoming challenges to shine at 2024 SAMCA Nationals
I started with my two siblings, and in 2018 and 2019 I continued with my neighbours. In 2020 I wanted to go bigger, but had to stop when the Covid-19 pandemic struck. We are now going full-steam ahead.” After school he is looking to studying at the University of the Western Cape.
“Further in the future I would like to start a private education unit that goes into the community and assists learners with their neducation and maybe skills development and sports.” Grandma’s prideSelma Louw (69), Damane’s grandma, who has worked in the community for more than 15 years, said she thinks her grandson saw what she was doing and it inspired him.
“From babyhood already he could see what I was doing for the community. When Cai received that award I couldn’t cry. Cai’s life is in nobody’s hands other than the Lord’s. He is where he is through the grace of the Lord”
