Unleashing Potential: Empowering Southern Africa’s Youth through Education and Skills Development
The United Nations’ World Youth Skills Day (July 15, 2023) is more than a global celebration—it’s an urgent call for action. It emphasizes the crucial necessity of equipping our young people with skills that lead them beyond mere survival towards thriving. As we echo this call at More Community Foundation, we stand in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—particularly Goal 4: Quality Education. Education, to us, isn’t a privilege—it’s the right of every child, and the magic wand that holds the power to unlock the immense potential within each young heart and mind, paving the way for robust communities and prosperous nations.
An Unsettling Reality
The grim shadow of youth unemployment looms large over the stunning landscapes of Southern Africa. Currently, South Africa’s youth aged between 15-24 years old record staggering unemployment rates of 62.1%! These aren’t just numbers—they are our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbours—each number a vibrant young life trapped in the quicksand of joblessness and uncertainty.
Our Journey Thus Far
More Community Foundation has spent the last decade grappling with the issue of youth unemployment, striving to replace despair with hope, unfulfilled potential with thriving ambition. We’ve seen success, witnessed transformation, and been humbled by the indomitable spirit of Southern Africa’s young and disadvantaged.
- Our work lives on in over 1,000 children benefiting from the 10 early childhood development centres we’ve established and operated.
- We’ve reached over 2,000 students through our partnerships with local schools, empowering them through quality education.
- Over 1,000 young individuals have found their place in the sectors of ICT, Nature Conservation, and Hospitality, all thanks to our tailored training programs.
- Our recently launched Community Field Guide Training program has been a beacon of hope for 24 young people (another 33 enrolled in our next intake), leading them towards stable employment in the vibrant eco-tourism and conservation industry.
- The Huntington Digital Learning Campus has bridged the gap between traditional education and the digital world for learners of all ages in the Huntington Village, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Impact and Initiatives:
Our projects, ranging from early childhood development to digital learning, all bear a common thread—they are the keystones in our mission to unlock the potential within every young person we touch.
Jabez Preschool (sponsored by Lion Sands Game Reserve) provides early childhood development education to children in the Huntington Village in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Huntington Digital Learning Campus (in partnership with Goodwork Foundation and sponsored by Lion Sands Game Reserve) provides digital education to school-going learners from preschool through to matric in the Huntington Village in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Masuwe Primary School (sponsored by Stanley and Livingstone Boutique Hotel) provides primary education to children in the Woodlands Village in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Masuwe Secondary School (supported by Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel) plans to provide secondary education to children in the Woodlands Village in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Heuningvley Primary School (sponsored by Marataba Luxury Lodges and Marataba Community & Conservation Foundation) provides primary education to children in the Marataba Game Reserve in Limpopo, South Africa.
Injongo Educare Centre (supported by Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel and MORE Quarters Neighbourhood Hotel) provides early childhood development education to children in the Mfuleni Township in Cape Town, South Africa.
Henna Preschool (sponsored by Lion Sands Game Reserve) provides early childhood development education to children in the Huntington Village in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Wonderful Beginnings ECD (sponsored by Lion Sands Game Reserve) provides early childhood development education to children in the Huntington and Justicia villages in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Itsoseng Day Care (sponsored by Marataba Luxury Lodges and Marataba Community & Conservation Foundation) provides daycare to children in the Marataba Game Reserve in Limpopo, South Africa.
Community Field Guide Training (sponsored by Anglo American, Tshikululu Trust, Italile Foundation and Warthog Wallow Trust, and supported by MORE Field Guide College and the Timbavati Foundation) provides training to young people in field guiding, with the goal of creating employment opportunities in the tourism industry.
These projects are our steadfast response to the challenges faced by our youth, our tangible commitment to create a fundamental change in the narrative of Southern Africa’s young generation. But this is just the beginning.
Our Vision
Our vision is clear and uncompromising. We seek a future where every young person is given the chance to unlock their potential, regardless of where they come from. Education and skills development are our chosen tools in this grand mission, with the steadfast commitment to turn this vision into a tangible reality.
A Clarion Call
We invite you—changemakers, philanthropists, volunteers, and ordinary citizens moved by an extraordinary cause—to join us in our crusade to revolutionise youth development in Southern Africa. Donate, volunteer, spread the word—every little bit helps to forge a brighter, better future for our youth.
Visit our website today to learn more about our work and how you can contribute to this transformative journey.
Gratitude
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners, sponsors, and every single person who has contributed to our journey so far. Your generous support has empowered us to change countless lives, and for that, we celebrate you as our true #MCFChangemakers.
Together, we are creating a future where every child can look forward to a horizon not darkened by unemployment but illuminated by opportunity and hope.