Organisation aims to improve lives of Thembisans
“We also need donations in the form of toiletries, food parcels and clothes so that we can be able to give back to the less fortunate.”
As I Raise (AIR) is a non-profit organisation, established on June 2, in Thembisa.
The initial plan for the organisation was to have a collective of male creatives to bring hope to the township.
The organisation plans to be a vital boost for township development.
AIR founder and executive director, Tshepang Cholo, said that the organisation was named As I Rise because it defines the journey those involved have taken to uplift others.
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He added that the goal of AIR was to build a capable platform for men to feel free to raise their voices about what bothers them.
“The goal is to minimalise GBV. We want to offer solutions,” said Cholo.
Cholo said through the organisation, AIR hopes to put Thembisa on a map, bring hope to the township and inspire other townships to take part in youth development and job creation under the banner of entrepreneurship education.
According to Cholo, AIR will benefit people in terms of youth and skills development.
Part and parcel of the organisation’s priorities is to reduce school dropouts and help disabled individuals.
He explained to The Thembisan that at the moment AIR has no sponsors.
“We are open for collaboration as well as partnerships with any other organisation.
“We want to have or host a Thembisa awards ceremony yearly to give recognition to individuals who are doing well in their spaces,” Cholo said.
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He said that people can help the AIR organisation financially which will enable AIR to host classes for skills development.
“We also need donations in the form of toiletries, food parcels and clothes so that we can be able to give back to the less fortunate.”
According to Cholo, AIR will benefit young people with youth employment.
He hopes the organisation will be more than they could anticipate.
“As long as God grants us strength we will wake up and serve people.”
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Cholo said that the current focus of the organisation is on three projects – the Thembisa Awards, a boychild programme and an entrepreneurship summit.
“Thembisa awards will give recognition to those who are doing well while the boychild programme will be a platform for men to be open.
“The entrepreneurship summit is a gathering of youth, specifically those who are participating in township economy to network and share ideas as well as to invite people who are well known and have successful business to guide them.”
For more information about the organisation contact Cholo on 062 453 9887 or email him at tshepangcholo51@gmail.com.
