To overthink things is to rob yourself of opportunities that come your way. Rather grab it with both hands and pursue it passionately.
This is the message of Nostop (never overthink situations transfer opportunities passionately), a registered NPO in Kraaifontein that encourages and supports the dreams of children and youth in areas ravaged by poverty, substance abuse and gangsterism.
“If you think too long about whether you should do something or not, you start doubting yourself and fear sets in,” says founder and director of Nostop Charlene Miles.
Miles started the NPO in the wake of the pandemic during 2020.
“I started collecting funds to supply needy people with food hampers when I was confronted with a big need for skills development and support for the children and youth in our local communities,” says Miles.
The NPO, that now operates from the offices of the Tabernacle Church, serves the areas of Scottsville, Scottsdene, Eikendal, Wallacedene and also provides a safe space and feeding programme for children in Belhar.
“These areas are rife with issues such as substance abuse, domestic violence and gangsterism. There are a lot of single parents in our community and a very high rate of unemployment, which leaves children traumatised,” she says.
“We focus on youth development programmes and support, as well as the prevention of gender-based violence. As we do our research we identified many gaps on the community and focus on giving the youth hope for the future.
The NPO offers a free after-school programme, weekly art and guitar lessons.
In addition the youth are offered free basic computer lessons and vision board workshops.
“To support the children we also provide workshops on life purpose, anxiety, feelings of loss and anger management.”
Its about life purpose feelings, anxiety, loss and trauma, and anger management.
With a background in human resources, Miles assists the youth with how to draw up a CV, job hunt and prepare for interviews.
“We encourage the youth to grab any opportunities with passion without fear and doubt. Sometimes you think about it for too long,” says Miles.
The NPO is currently engaged in research to identify other challenges school going children are facing.
“It is important for NPOs to assist government in helping children to finish school. Too many children in our areas to not complete their schooling because of a lack of support in our areas,” says Miles.
“We want to grab these children before they drop out of school, take them out of the circle of abuse and provide them with vision and opportunity.”
Miles says it is heart-warming to already see the results from their music school.
“These kids could not read a single music note before starting lessons and can now read music and play guitar with their first performance coming up this month,” she says.
- To get involved contact Nostop at information@nostopnpo.co.za or see their website at www.nostopnpo.co.za.
