Learners at Mana High School are gaining vital life skills and growing in confidence through the Icebolakhe Foundation, a youth development organisation focused on education, health awareness and leadership.

Building confidence and responsible choices

Members of the Icebolakhe youth group say the programme has helped them better understand the dangers of risky behaviour and the importance of making responsible choices, particularly in relationships.

“We have learnt about HIV and how to protect ourselves by making good decisions as boys and girls,” said one learner. “Icebolakhe has made us more mature and confident to speak about issues affecting our community, including HIV, discrimination and abuse.”

The foundation also encourages learners to play an active role in community safety by reporting crime and abuse. Regular counselling sessions are held, alongside education on health and human rights. Support is further strengthened through leisure activities, games and leadership development programmes.

Learners say these initiatives have given them the confidence to assist in efforts to build and support a local trauma centre.

During the year, Icebolakhe worked with learners from Dannhauser Secondary School, Phathakahle High School, Mana High School and Durnacol Combined School to obtain identity documents, in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs.

Chairperson of the Icebolakhe Foundation, Sbusiso Eric Jele, urged learners to make the most of the opportunities available to them. “Education opens doors, and young people must use every opportunity at school to build a better future for themselves and their communities,” he said.

The foundation also praised the support of Mana High School’s leadership, thanking principal Mr Mgabhi, Miss Goma and parents for their continued encouragement.

Looking ahead, Icebolakhe plans to introduce an Inspire Boys and Girls programme next year and hopes to secure funding to provide committee members with a small monthly stipend.

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