Umzekelo Community Development Organisation (UCDO), from Ivory Park, is a non-profit organisation currently running a clothing drive from Ivory Park Lord Khanyile Youth Centre at Extension Two.
UCDO is collecting clothes for the needy from across different ages. Anyone willing to donate can make a drop-off at the centre.
UCDO’s founder and chairperson Fortune Shabangu said that the prison tours he made inspired him to establish an organisation that would educate children about social ills and crime.
The organisation is currently doing a clothing drive for the less fortunate youth and it has been well received.
“Umzekelo Community Development Organisation was established to be the voice and change of young people in all educational institutions. We work with schools to fight bullying, crime, teenage pregnancy, moral degeneration, drug abuse and school drop outs,” said Shabangu.
“We realised that all these things are increasing the volume of poverty in our black communities. Coming up with programmes that will enhance children and try to keep them off the streets is our main objective,” continues Shabangu.
“The reception so far has been overwhelming, with a high number of people on social media and different communities across the neighbouring sections showing interest and endless support,” said Shabangu.
PR and marketing head Kenny Sekhoela said the clothes are going to be donated individually to financially disadvantaged kids, with more of the clothes going to orphanages around Tembisa. “Some of the community members have helped us identify needy kids who would benefit from the drive.
“The organisation has, in the past, helped learners in schools with sanitary towels. The pads drive collected and donated sanitary pads to underprivileged girls who couldn’t afford to buy sanitary pads for themselves,” said Sekhoela.
To donate clothes, contact Kenny Sekhoela on 076 666 1561 or Fortune Shabangu on 081 210 9336. Or drop off the clothes at Ivory Park Lord Khanyile Youth Centre in Extension Two.
