St Dominics Newcastle’s Youth Desk gives to the less fortunate
The school, joined by various other businesses, donated blankets, clothes, and food to the less fortunate who are the most vulnerable during winter.
The line stretched as far as the eye could see as people lined up for the St Dominics Newcastle winter drive at the school on Thursday (May 22).
The winter drive is the brainchild of learner Makayla Govender, founder and chairperson of the youth desk at St Dominics Newcastle. She was joined by Silver Spoons, a soup kitchen that caters to the homeless, Colours of Hope non-profit organisation, AMA, and Tracker.
St Domincs Newcastle learners were joined by their counterparts from Newcastle High School, Ferrum High School and Drakensberg Primary in sorting, distributing essential items and dishing up for the hundreds of people that showed up.
The grounds were a bustle of activity as all there rolled up their sleeves to sort out garments for different ages and genders, pass out blankets, make tea, and serve a delicious lunch.
Makayla told the Newcastle Advertiser that the winter drive is a strong statement of solidarity and compassion.
“We successfully reached over 898 people, ensuring they received essential items like food, blankets, and warm clothing ahead of the coldest months,” she said.
The Youth Desk at St Dominics Newcastle was officially founded in January 2025, and it is directed by a group of 21 young change makers dedicated to creating a future based on action, compassion, and empowerment.
“Our slogan says it all: ‘We don’t wait for seats at the table; we build them. The Youth Desk is not just a school initiative; it is a movement,” Makayla explained.
So far, the group has started two main initiatives: a sanitary drive at school and the winter drive. In the future, the group hopes to connect and interact with other schools, groups, and young leaders from across South Africa.
‘Together, we can build Youth Desks nationwide and ignite a movement where youth take the lead. This is just the beginning. We’re not waiting for change — we’re making it.” she concluded.
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