Youth centre calls for urgent support
While the centre continues to guide and uplift young people, ongoing damage to its facilities is making daily operations difficult.
A local youth centre in Muldersdrift that has supported children for nearly a decade is calling on the community to assist with resources and urgent facility repairs.
The Place of Wisdom, established in August 2017, currently serves 121 children, with about 53 attending daily programmes.
The centre offers after-school support, including homework assistance, as well as programmes addressing social challenges such as substance abuse, HIV and Aids, bullying and behaviour change. A social auxiliary worker facilitates these sessions. Learners also participate in netball, soccer and wellness activities focused on personal development.
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Khathutshelo Mamphweli (Khathu), a member of the organisation, said additional support is needed to strengthen attendance and expand what the centre can offer. “The donations will help motivate kids to come more often,” she said.
She added that plans to introduce a feeding scheme have been delayed due to a lack of basic equipment.
“We want to start a soup kitchen to help feed the children when they come here, but we can’t start because we need kitchenware like pots and knives,” she said.
The centre also requires stationery, playground swings, a laptop, a printer, and tables and chairs for its early childhood development (ECD) learners.
In addition, the facility faces infrastructure challenges, including sanitation issues and building damage.
“The toilet still needs to be fixed, and the classroom doors are too tight; we can’t open them easily. There is also one of the classrooms where a window is broken,” Khathu added.
Further needs include a shaded area between classrooms, repairs to learning spaces, and improvements to the ECD classroom.
Despite these challenges, the centre continues to provide a safe and supportive environment, while appealing to the broader community for assistance to improve conditions and expand its services.
Residents and organisations willing to assist can contact Khathu at Khathumamphweli@gmail.com or on 076 143 8904.
