Off the streets and into the future

KNYSNA NEWS - Masakhane, meaning "let's build each other'', is a development programme in Concordia that has managed to create a conducive atmosphere where learning meets fun and where laughter has been the mandate of the day since its inception at the beginning of this year.

The programme, which is in the process of being registered, involves helping 34 children with their homework every day, exploring the rhythms and steps of umxhentso (African dance) and other performing arts, and creating African artefacts.

All these efforts are aimed at keeping the children of the area off the streets by honing and nurturing their skills.

Living his dream
Founder Cingani Dlabongo, who is only 22 years old and hails from Tsomo in the Eastern Cape, said it has always been his dream to contribute towards keeping children off the streets and when he had to drop out of his LLB studies due to financial circumstances, he instantly knew where to throw all his energy into – developing and shaping the youth and equipping them with the necessary skills to better face the world at large. He said his biggest challenge is working with children with different personalities, getting to know them and catering to all of them. "I draw strength in seeing them coming back day in and day out, so despite the challenges we face daily, seeing them come back assures me that there is something that we are doing right," said Dlabongo.

Improved academics
According to Dlabongo, 90% of the learners' academics have improved since the beginning of the year. He added, "It is not because the 10% didn't put in the work but because they are still adjusting to how we are doing things." He said what makes all of this worth while for him is the faith these children have in him and that he is eternally grateful for the opportunity to be doing this.

Dlabongo has partnered with four people in the area who share his vision: Chulekazi Ndabazandile, Wendy Sam, Yonela Thembu and Zamuxolo Mtuse. Thembu said what drew her into the initiative is the knowledge she has about people coming from different backgrounds and her experience with Red Cross had equipped her on how to work with people. "Our policy is very simple: offer them information so that when they have to make decisions they make better informed decisions and are able to decide what is right and what is wrong."

'I haven't looked back'
One of the children, Achumile Kholulane (12), said she was recruited by her friends at the beginning of the year. "They were just raving about the place and I just had to see for myself and haven't looked back. If I was to invite someone else I'd encourage them to come through and make instant friends who welcome you with so much warmth."

Another, Zukhanye Lama (12), who aspires to be a lawyer after completing school, said before joining the development programme he used to dodge doing his homework and that since joining, doing it has become somewhat of a "fun" exercise and that in the "space" as it is known, he has learnt a lot about respecting himself and others. Indiphile Memasni (18) from Concordia High School in Grade 9 said, "This is the only space I have ever felt that being different is okay and acceptable. I'm very good with my hands and can design and make anything under the sun and I'm not academic at all. In this space my talent is celebrated, encouraged and appreciated and the support is out of this world."

'It's nice here'
One of the youngest to attend the programme is four-year-old Liyabona Mtuse, whose answers were sharp and to the point.

"I joined because it's nice here and I enjoy performing arts and I am self-taught," she said with all the confidence in the world pointing at her chest with a beaming smile.

Their sessions always end up with something called "reflections" where the group stands in a circle and reflect on the day. It is a session designed to allow the children to either share their highlights of the day or talk about what they didn't like, to ensure they don't harbour feelings of resentment and leave the space in peace. Their reflections session is filled with so much laughter that is contagious in the most beautiful way.

Find out more
To find out more about the development programme, please follow them on Facebook/Masakhane Development Programme.

The happy faces at Masakhane Development Programme. Photos: Nwabisa Pondoyi