Support South African Women Fighting Child Poverty

A huge thank you to each of you for supporting our Giving Tuesday campaign earlier this month, and for your support all year long!

As we get ready to enjoy the festive season with our families, we want to share an exciting update from Cape Town: CHOSA has recently begun funding a new project!

Although CHOSA only met them recently, Phakamani Youth Group has been transforming the lives of young people in Philippi for years. The organization, run by young people from within the community, uses arts and cultural programs to address pressing issues such as drug abuse, gang violence, teenage pregnancy, and HIV/AIDS. Their innovative programs give youth a platform to express themselves and contribute positively to their community.

At the heart of Phakamani’s mission is the use of dance and drama as tools for social change. The youth put on live performances that not only foster creativity, but inspire everyone watching toward personal growth and community well-being. Through the process, participants grow in confidence, communication skills, and collaboration.

Phakamani values a well-rounded approach to youth development, so they also run sports programming to promote physical fitness and emotional well-being. They also meet the practical needs of their participants to ensure that there are no barriers to their education. By providing essentials like sanitary pads, school transport, stationery, and food, Phakamani ensures that young people can focus on their studies and artistic pursuits without worry.

We are delighted to have a CHOSA staff member who calls Philippi home, and thus can have an even greater impact as she provides capacity-building support. This new partnership is a powerful example of CHOSA’s framework of community change that is truly grassroots: by the people, for the people.

The generous support of our donors helps us to expand our reach through new partnerships like this one. Thank you for helping organizations like Phakamani address their community’s systemic challenges and create a brighter future for South African youth.

Wishing each of you a peaceful close to 2024!

Links:

• CHOSA website
• CHOSA Instagram
• CHOSA Facebook

To our incredible supporters,

We hope you and your families are doing well, and we thank you for your ongoing support of CHOSA.

As you know, CHOSA is committed to empowering children in South Africa in under-resourced communities through a collaborative and ground-up approach. Today, we want to share some updates from our partner, Sikhululikile Reading Development, to highlight the wonderful work they are doing thanks to your generous donations. 

Since its inception in 2012, Sikhululekile Reading Development and Life Skills (SRDL) has been a steadfast advocate for underprivileged youth in Philippi Township, Cape Town. Committed to fostering literacy and providing holistic education, SRDL operates under the motto "Read to Conquer," emphasizing the transformative power of reading and learning. Their diverse programs include after-school tutoring, reading clubs, excursions, and life skills workshops to offer a comprehensive learning experience.

Notably, the Amabali Story Champs initiative has empowered children to become authors, with over 15 stories authored by children showcased on their digital library platform. These efforts have led to significant improvements in academic performance and boosted self-confidence among students. SRDL’s sustainability plan, incorporating book sales and partnerships with schools and libraries, ensures the long-term success of their initiatives.

In addition to this programming, SRDL is launching SK Academy, an innovative online learning platform designed to overcome limited access to educational resources. Initially targeting Grade 12 learners, SK Academy will offer pre-recorded instructional sessions in Mathematics and Physical Science, critical areas that often pose challenges for matriculants. The platform will provide expert instruction from highly qualified teachers in three local languages and will be accessible for free from libraries, schools, and other Wi-Fi hotspots, making it a cost-effective alternative to in-person lessons.

In the marginalized community of Phillipi, where matriculation (passing grade 12 exams) is a significant obstacle, this dedicated educational support can be transformative. By providing structured online tutoring programs, SK Academy offers students a crucial opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and unlock new prospects through improved exam scores. With resources available for download and accessible through various digital means, students will receive the academic support necessary to excel in their final exams, enhancing their understanding, confidence, and resilience.

Through this initiative, Sikhululikile addresses larger systemic injustices like literacy, unemployment, and skills development. Your continued support of CHOSA ensures that life-changing initiatives like SK Academy can continue to advance educational equity across South Africa.

Thank you for making this transformative work possible.