Marathon youth upliftment NPO calls for funding to expand community impact

Ekurhuleni Young Ambitious, a non-profit organisation from Marathon informal settlement, seeks funding to sustain its community initiatives.

Registered last year, the organisation’s primary goal is to alleviate poverty and empower youth with valuable skills through targeted programmes.

The NPO focuses on both formal and non-formal education. Their non-formal programmes include arts and culture initiatives such as dance, drama, and modeling.

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According to Njabulo Bam, the organisation’s director, these programmes also provide support to underprivileged community members, including sourcing uniforms for those in need.

Ekurhuleni Young Ambitious provides academic support to learners, with Bam stating, “We assist learners with homework, assignments, and projects.”

The organisation is currently focusing on Marathon informal settlement, with aims to expand its reach beyond the area.

The organisation collects and distributes clothes to those in need, particularly those affected by shack fires in Marathon.

“Through our arts projects we wanted to instill self confidence in our girls. We also wanted to involve boys and encourage them to find a career in modeling.

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“We recently hosted our first Mr and Miss Young Ambitious pageant at Leeuwpoort Primary School in Driehoek.

“The event received support from parents, who were engaged and even requested us to have more similar events,” said Bam.

According to Bam, the organisation took the youth on an educational tour to the OR Tambo Cultural Precinct, to encourage them to dream beyond their environment.

Bam also highlighted the challenges faced by young people in the area, stating, “Because there is lack of employment, we’ve seen a high number of dropouts. Youth without IDs is a challenge in the informal settlement.”

Additionally, Bam mentioned other pressing issues in the area, including drugs, rape, stealing and crime in general.

The organisation aims to provide educational opportunities outside the traditional schooling environment. On June 16 (Youth Day), they had local artists showcasing their talent at the Marathon sports ground.

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“On that day, the men also made a commitment to safeguard children and women, and to stand against gender-based violence (GBV).

“On Mandela Day we had the African Transformation Movement coming through to donate and encourage us to continue doing our job. We also want to assist people to apply for jobs.

For more information email njabuloebam@gmail.com or call at 078 276 7252.