Empowering Winterveldt, South African Youth

EMPOWERING WINTERVELDT, SOUTH AFRICAN YOUTH

BOKAMOSO LIFE CENTRE  REPORT

MARCH 2026

Overview

The Bokamoso Centre began the New Year on a positive note. It continues the funding and program partnerships with the Bokamoso Youth Foundation in the US, the Department of Social Development and the Department of Health in South Africa. Sixty young people from the Winterveldt Community enrolled at the Centre for the 2026 term. They will participate in the YDP, Computer training and Life Skills. They will have an opportunity to apply for funds for tertiary education and training upon completion of the program.

Youth Development Program:

The YDP is a 10-month daily program. Sixty youth have enrolled for the 2026 term and will participate in daily educational and social/emotional development modules. The YDP beneficiaries will also participate in Life Skills and End-User computing and are working to complete the Level 3 Accredited Certificate through the DSD grant.

The YDP students joined with the Computer Skills students at a mock debate on the topic of “South Africa’s education and local government systems are failing to adequately prepare young people for employment and inclusive participation in society.” The debate was organized by the Department of Socila Development.

Department of Social Development Programs:

Bokamoso Life Centre secured multi-year funding from the Department of Social Development. Social Development programs are short term programs that are open to the community and to the YPD beneficiaries.

Computer Skills Training: Currently, the YDP beneficiaries are participating in Computer Skills Training. The Program will be open to the Community after their 8-week session.

Life Skills training: as above

Department of Health Programs:

The HTS (HIV Testing and Support) program is through the Department of Health and will be running through to March 2026.  The Centre provides services to the community to access HIV/AIDS testing and support, testing for diabetes, blood pressure and health talks.

Scholarships 2025

The Scholarship program is robust. We are supporting beneficiaries from previous years who are studying Diploma and Degree programs. Students are eligible to apply for funds for tuition, books and materials and transportation. Currently we are supporting 33 students from previous graduating classes, and 16 students from the 2025 graduating class. They are participating in a variety of programs including Security, Business Administration, Mechanical Engineering and Hospitality.

Stakeholders’ involvement

We still partner with the stakeholders of previous years and will continue with beneficiaries’ workshops, information sharing and staff training. 

UNISA: Our partnership with University of South Africa (UNISA) Theatre and Literature is ongoing and provides support to beneficiaries interested in pursuing arts or drama as a career. The new YDP students are currently participating in drama and script writing activities.

We are also continuing our relationships with the following organizations and expect to have significant collaboration with the new 2026 beneficiaries: Tidimalong Aftercare Centre, Umvelinqangi Organization and I Am We Are.

Other stakeholders still in partnership with Bokamoso:

Aurum Organization (Dept of Heath)

AKA-Sosha Mens’ Forum

Wits RHI (Reproductive Health and HIV Institute)

People Against Abuse ( for Social referrals)

Shakes Academy (Accredited Computer Service Provider)

Centre Development

The Bokamoso Life Centre Board completed a training with Finance Hat to update the members regarding non-profit regulations and requirements.

Conclusion: Bokamoso will continue serve the disadvantaged community of Winterveldt, to ensure that their lives change for the better.

Respectfully submitted,

Hilda Ramokone-Manager Bokamoso Life Centre

Connie Sullivan-President Bokamoso Youth Foundation