Soweto Youth Initiative

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soweto youth initiative

Soweto Youth Initiative is a registered community-based organization. It was started in 1999 by Julius Odero as a scout movement club by the name of “Soweto Club”. It later changed to the name we know today, as the organization grew beyond the scout movement. Its main aim is to nurture and empower the community and its youth, as well as people with a disability, so that they all can become responsible citizens through social, physical and spiritual development. We believe that by investing in education, skills development, and mentorship, we can break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future for the community.

our staff

We have a dedicated team of local volunteers that make everything happen on the ground. They are the heart of all the work that is carried out by the organization in the slum. They cooperate with the mutual goal of helping the struggling community of Soweto.

George

My name is George Okoth Owiso. I am the co-founder and coordinator of Soweto Youth Initiative. I work as a full time volunteer in the organization. I'm a higher diploma holder in community development and project management. We formed the organization to try and help the children, people with disability and women, to encourage and support them. My motivation is to create joy in the hearts of these children and give them a life of purpose through mentorship and guidance. We hope to help the young mothers to be self-reliant and able to take care of their children's needs. We also want to make sure that every child has food in their stomach and are able to go to school. We want to give everyone a safe place to go, have fun, and grow in to responsible adults with a clear goal in life.

Bonface

My name is Bonface Kangonga Wanjiku. I'm the program manager and a full time volunteer in SYI. I was born and raised in the slums of Nairobi. My mother was not able to provide for me and my brother, so we often slept hungry and went to school with an empty stomach. This lead us to run away to my grandma's place to live. Even though we had a better life with our grand-parents, they also struggled, because they had to take care of a lot of us grandchildren. Some times I could go to school with no shoes and torn clothes. After school, I had to go out and look for some small jobs, so I could be able to contribute to some food at home. When I was a child I was welcomed and mentored at the SYI. As an adult I wanted to come back and help and support the young kids from my slum. My goal is to make sure that the children here get a better life so they can enjoy their childhood.

Joshua

My name is Joshua Wambua. I'm in charge of communication and the one taking pictures for our social media. I grew up in Soweto as a young boy with my siblings. I was raised by my mother who tried to make a living out of doing small businesses like selling charcoal, second hand clothes and vegetables alternatively. Life was really challenging. We couldn't afford school fees, went hungry, and even opted to go to the streets. I am currently working as a casual worker in a local school and living with my younger brother. I was motivated to get back to SYI and motivate the young ones and encourage them that life will be better someday. They only need to work hard. I want to leave this place better than I found it. I want the children and youths to lead better lives. I want to see change. It must start with me.

lawrence

I was born and raised in the Soweto slum, a place that shaped my perspective on life and ignited a passion within me. In 2004, I became part of the Soweto Youth Initiative as a young child, and it opened my eyes to the power of education and equal opportunities. The impact was so profound that in 2012, I took on the role of a staff volunteer, dedicating myself to the cause. Leading the Somo initiative, our education empowerment program, I am driven by the belief that every child deserves a chance to grow and succeed. Through our efforts, we strive to create a nurturing environment that fosters the development of children's talents and skills. I am motivated to build a brighter future where education becomes a catalyst for positive change in the lives of these remarkable young individuals.

connie

I am Consolata Wangui, also known as Connie. I have been dedicated to the Soweto Youth Initiative since 2003, starting as a scout and now leading the Sanitary Towels Program and Young Women Empowerment Program. As a young mother of two, my passion lies in empowering women and supporting the less fortunate in our community. I am actively involved in community development initiatives, aiming to make a positive impact and create opportunities for growth. Through my work, I strive to address the needs of young women, promote menstrual hygiene, and foster a sense of empowerment and self-worth. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community.

charles

My name is Charles Mwangi (a.k.a Rio). I'm the treasure and the head of Children Program. I'm the second born in a family of 3 children, born and raised in Soweto. I completed my high school studies in 2009, and later in 2012 did a DJing course. In 2013 I started playing music in clubs till date. My childhood was not that easy because it was only my dad who was the breadwinner, relying on casual jobs to provide for our family. Therefore, things were difficult at home as I was growing up. What motivates me is to help the kids achieve what I didn’t achieve when I was a kid. I always feel great every time I see kids smiling in our organization. My dream is to see Soweto Youth Initiative reach its full potential by empowering the youths, young mothers, and all the kids .

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mercy

I am Mercy Muraga, the team leader of the "Interact with Me" program. Our mission is to provide mentorship and create a safe space for both boys and girls, empowering them to overcome challenges they face as teenagers. Our program focuses on various crucial aspects, including combating gender-based violence (GBV), eliminating period stigmatization, and reducing early teenage pregnancies. We firmly believe in the power of education, awareness, and support to bring about positive change. As part of our efforts, we distribute sanitary towels to young girls and women in the community, ensuring they can manage their menstrual health with dignity. By addressing these pressing issues, we strive to empower individuals, foster gender equality, and create a society where every person can thrive and reach their full potential. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of our youth and contribute to a brighter future.

Jane

I am Jane Wamaitha, also known as Wamsa. As the head of the Nishike Mkono program and the secretary of our organization, I am deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of young mothers in our community. Having grown up in Soweto slum myself, I understand the challenges and obstacles these young women face. My passion lies in giving them hope and dreams for a better life. Interacting with the kids brings me immense joy and fulfillment. I believe that every young mother deserves support, encouragement, and the opportunity to succeed. Through our program, we provide a nurturing environment, mentorship, and resources to empower these mothers to reach their full potential. Together, we can create a brighter future for both the young mothers and their children, fostering a sense of resilience, confidence, and endless possibilities.

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Francis

My name is Francis, and I was born and raised in Soweto Slum. Growing up in such challenging circumstances was not easy, but I was fortunate to find a safe haven in the Soweto Youth Initiative (SYI). SYI provided me with love, joy, and hope, transforming my life and giving me a sense of belonging. Now, my mission is to give back and offer the same feeling of safety and love to the new generation of children in our community. I firmly believe that everyone deserves a place where they can feel secure and cherished. Through SYI, we strive to create that sanctuary, providing support, guidance, and opportunities for these children to flourish. Together, we can empower the youth, break the cycle of poverty, and build a brighter future for our community filled with hope and love.

jane

Mary

My name is Mary Mahaia, and I am a dedicated volunteer at the Soweto Youth Initiative, specifically working under the Children's Program. I joined this incredible organization in 2017 with a strong motivation to create a better world for all the children in our community. It is my firm belief that every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment, access to quality education, and opportunities to thrive. Through my role, I strive to provide support, care, and guidance to these young minds, empowering them to unlock their full potential. Witnessing the positive impact we make in their lives brings me immense joy and fulfillment. Together with the Soweto Youth Initiative, I am committed to building a brighter future for our children, where they can grow, learn, and become the leaders of tomorrow.

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margaret

My name is Margaret, and I was born and raised in the Soweto slum. As a dedicated volunteer and member of the Soweto Youth Initiative, my passion lies in making a positive impact on the lives of the children in our community. I work tirelessly to ensure their happiness and contentment, believing that every child deserves a chance to thrive. Additionally, I am committed to my studies on campus, serving as a motivation for the young generation to believe in their potential and strive for success in their future lives. My aspiration is to actively contribute to all aspects of community development, leading to a transformed and diversified society. By working together, we can create a brighter future, empowering the children and fostering a sense of hope and opportunity for all.

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Jade

My name is Jane Damba, and I was born and raised in the Soweto slum. In 2015, after completing my secondary school education, I joined the Soweto Youth Initiative as a staff volunteer. I am privileged to be in charge of the "Nishike Mkono" program, which focuses on empowering young women and youths in our community. Our aim is to equip them with essential skills that will enable them to become self-reliant. Growing up, I personally experienced the hardships of our community, and it motivated me to give back and improve the lives of others. Through this program, I aspire to provide the opportunities that were denied to me as a child and help create a better future for our community. Together, we can make a positive difference.

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