Their future looks bright

Not all Grade 11 boys are able to come together and form a boys only club driven by community outreach programmes. Scholars of Ethangeni Combined School decided to take a less travelled road to become Future Leaders. The group was formed with the intention of bringing about change to underprivileged learners in the area.
Simpiwe Khumalo (18), Lindokuhle Sibiya (19), Khaboyise Khumalo (16), Njabulo Mtshali (Chairperson, 18) and Sphiwe Mdlalose (17), Lethukuthula Dlamini (17) have come together as a group and be the bridge that assists other learners who have no means of getting the assistance they need. Silindile Jiyane (26), is their mentor.

Silindile who works in a communications department in Endumeni Municipality uses her spare time to inspire this group of teenagers. Sphiwe Mdlalose told the Courier that he and his friends had noticed that there are many school learners who do not have proper school uniforms. “As teenagers ourselves we know that most learners in our area have little or no knowledge of how to go about getting bursaries from private and government sectors. Those who are able to uplift the community mainly focus on adults and forget needy pupils. That is why we decided to come together as schoolmates and help fill this gap,” said Sphiwe.

Coming from different backgrounds has helped the group members in achieving group dynamics and keeping the focus on learner-to-learner upliftment. “We are not well off ourselves but if we are able to help destitute learners even if it is by means of getting donations we will do so. Our club consists mainly of boys. We tried recruiting girls but they were not as committed,” said Sphiwe.
Future Leaders do not only help the needy, but they also help each other with school work and they also confide in each other whenever they need advice.

In July, the group was privileged to attend a Provincial Brotherhood programme in Durban. They were taught about how to interact with one another, how to treat women and learnt about hygiene and fitness. “I would love for boys as well as other learners to be able to go to career guidance expos, and for them to have a “take a boy child to work” experience as we need to remember to mentor boys just as girls have been.
Pupils need to know that the world doesn’t owe them anything, life is about giving and learning in the process,” said Silindile.

The group was able to help pupils at Livangeli Primary School during Mandela month. They donated school shoes and school uniforms and hope to help more pupils next year.
The group meets weekly and being part of this group has helped them stay focused and not succumb to peer pressure and drugs. The group sent a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported them thus far in realising their dreams in assisting other peers.
If anyone is interested in joining Future Leaders please like their Facebook page ‘Future Legends’ and send them a message or alternatively call Njabulo Mtshali on 062 8235 505.