Educate and Empower Children in South Africa

Lukhanyo is a very talented 12 years old boy, who enjoys Drawing, Math, Science and English. He is working hard to become a renowned artist and electrical engineer. However, coming from a disadvantaged background, Lukhanyo had to struggle to access the education and resources he needed to pursue his dreams.  Lukhanyo and his siblings joined the Afrika Tikkun Child Youth and Development (CYD) Program in Mfuleni, Cape Town and since then, the life of this family has changed for the better.

 Afrika Tikkun’s CYD Program seeks to enhance the capabilities of young people, between 7 and 18 years of age, to participate in the socio-economic development of South Africa as well as to build social capital and the capabilities of young people to become active citizens. By adopting innovative and collaborative teaching techniques, we prepare young people with education and life skills to help them reach their full potential. The Program has been structured to empower young people to form agency and address the social challenges they face in their communities. Moreover, this Program is augmented by support services that include: Primary Health Care, Nutritional and Food Security Services, Psychological/Psycho-Social Services, Sports Development Program, Program Against Gender-Based Violence and Family Support Services. This is because we believe that a comprehensive approach towards development is the most effective way to sustainably break the cycle of poverty for the current and future generations. 

Since joining the CYD Program, Lukhanyo has enhanced his drawing skills and has become a top achiever at his school.  This year he was chosen to become a Peer Educator at Arika Tikkun as he displayed excellent leadership skills and was eager to help other young people with their studies. Lukhanyo has also recently joined the Running Sports Hub, which allows him to focus on his health and fitness. Moreover, his family is receiving Family Support Services through Afrika Tikkun, to help them cope with the challenges of unemployment and low household income. The family will continue to receive monthly food parcels until their financial situation changes.

On behalf of the Afrika Tikkun family, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to you for your ongoing support and for your belief in our model.Our partnership has created opportunities for young people like Lukhanyo to receive quality education and social services that will enable them to become tomorrow’s productive citizens and future leaders.