The Covid-19 lockdowns exposed the harsh realities of inequality and daily struggle in communities. Overnight, millions had to stop working, leaving them without an income or support, so a group from the fitness and yoga communities came together to form the @Our_npo NPO in 2022.

Anne-Lene Olivier, the MC of @Our_npo, said they started by hosting yoga charity events and donating all the proceeds to organisations and causes in desperate need, such as orphanages and women’s shelters

ALSO READ: Soweto NPO brings warmth and kindness to elderly residents

“Education and female equality have always been close to our hearts. With 30% of South African schoolgirls missing up to a week of schooling monthly, we spent over two years designing and testing our pads to ensure no girl misses school because of the lack of sanitary equipment,” said Olivier.

The NPO’s other work in the community includes embarking on a mentorship programme to combat challenges faced, particularly those that women face. The Young Girls and Women’s Self-Empowerment Program is designed to address these challenges.

Speaking to the Urban News, Olivier said the programme holistically equips young women with the skills, knowledge and confidence to overcome socio-economic barriers and reach their full potential.

ALSO READ: Gauteng Social Development grants NPOs more time to apply for funding

The NPO collaborated with the Nyeleti Lighthouse Foundation (NLF), which had a role in selecting 60 girls and young women to participate in the programme that started on December 10, 2025. The NLF’s involvement with the community will be instrumental in tracking the project’s success.

The strength of the programme lies in the power of collaboration, and despite being an unfunded organisation, the NPO has achieved remarkable success and is creating lasting change in the community.