About US
Our Mission
To empower children, youth, and vulnerable communities through education, health awareness, and sustainable development, creating opportunities for a brighter future.
Our Vision
A transformed society where every child and young person has access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, enabling them to thrive and contribute positively to their communities.
Our Core Values
✅ Empowerment – Equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to create a better future.
✅ Integrity – Upholding transparency, honesty, and accountability in all our initiatives.
✅ Equity – Ensuring equal opportunities for all, regardless of background or circumstance.
✅ Collaboration – Partnering with communities, organizations, and individuals to drive meaningful change.
✅ Sustainability – Implementing long-term solutions that create lasting impact.
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
I am the co-founder and coordinator of Soweto Youth Initiative. I am a full-time volunteer with a Higher Diploma in Community Development and Project Management. We founded SYI to support children, people with disabilities, and women, empowering them through mentorship and guidance. My motivation is to bring joy to children, help young mothers become self-reliant, and ensure every child has food and access to education. Our goal is to create a safe space where young people can grow into responsible adults with a clear purpose in life.
Bonface
I am the Program Manager and full-time volunteer at SYI. Growing up in the slums of Nairobi, I experienced hardship firsthand, often going hungry. SYI provided me with mentorship and support, shaping my journey. Now, as a skilled program manager, I bring expertise in project planning, community development, leadership, budgeting, and team coordination. My mission is to empower vulnerable children, ensuring they have access to food, education, and a joyful childhood.
Joshua
I oversee communication and photography for our social media platforms. I am passionate about empowering the younger generation and inspiring them to believe in the possibility of a brighter future through determination and resilience. Having grown up in Soweto slum, I understand the challenges faced by many in this community. This has motivated me to contribute actively to creating opportunities for children and youth, fostering an environment where they can thrive and envision a better life.
lawrence
As Program Officer for Partnership and Fundraising, I play a crucial role in securing the financial and collaborative resources necessary to empower children and nurture their talents. This involves developing fundraising strategies, building relationships with donors and partners, and ensuring our programs are effectively designed and implemented. My mission is to create opportunities for a brighter future, igniting positive change by connecting resources with impactful programs that transform lives.
consolata
I oversee the Sanitary Towels project for girls, which encompasses several key components: sourcing and distributing sanitary products, educating girls about menstrual hygiene, and raising awareness within the community to reduce stigma. I am passionate about promoting menstrual hygiene and supporting the less fortunate, and I work closely with schools, community leaders, and volunteers to ensure the project's success. Through community development, I strive to create opportunities and foster self-worth for the girls.
charles
My role as Finance Manager at Soweto Youth Initiative is crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our programs. I am responsible for developing and implementing financial strategies that secure the resources needed to support our work with children, youth, and young mothers. This includes grant writing, donor relations, and careful budget management. My dream is to see SYI grow, making a lasting impact on youths, young mothers, and children, envisioning an empowered generation with the skills and confidence to build a brighter future.
mercy
My mission is to provide mentorship and a safe space for youth, empowering them to overcome challenges like gender-based violence (GBV), period stigmatization, and early teenage pregnancies. I distribute sanitary towels and focus on education, awareness, and support to foster gender equality and help individuals thrive. As the head of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), I aim to create lasting change and contribute to a brighter future.
Jane
As the head of the Nishike Mkono empowerment program, I am committed to transforming the lives of young mothers in our community. Having grown up in Soweto slum, I understand their struggles and am passionate about giving them hope. Through mentorship, resources, and a nurturing environment, we empower them to reach their full potential. Together, we build resilience, confidence, and a brighter future for these mothers and their children.
Francis
Growing up in tough circumstances, I found hope and belonging at the Soweto Youth Initiative (SYI). Now, as Head of the Interact With Me Program, I strive to provide the same love and safety to today’s youth. I advocate for adolescents, creating a sanctuary where they can flourish through support, guidance, and opportunities. By fostering resilience and self-confidence, I ensure they feel valued and heard.
Mary
As the Procurement Officer at Soweto Youth Initiative, I play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our programs by sourcing and acquiring essential resources efficiently and cost-effectively. I am responsible for managing vendor relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring that all procurement activities align with our mission to serve children in need. By securing quality supplies, educational materials, and other necessities, I help create a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. My commitment to transparency, efficiency, and ethical sourcing ensures that every resource contributes meaningfully to the success of our programs
margaret
As HR at Soweto Youth Initiative, I am dedicated to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for both our staff and the children we serve. My role involves recruiting and managing volunteers, fostering teamwork, and ensuring a positive workplace culture that aligns with our mission. I am passionate about child welfare and community development, striving to provide every child with the care, protection, and opportunities they deserve. By strengthening our organization’s structure, I help enhance efficiency, accountability, and overall impact in transforming lives.
Jade
I am helping in the 'Nishike Mkono' program, empowering young women and youth in our community by equipping them with skills for self-reliance. Having experienced the hardships of our community firsthand, I am driven to give back and create opportunities I never had. Through this program, we aim to build a brighter future and make a lasting, positive impact together. We work closely with local businesses to provide internships and mentorship, fostering a strong network of support for our participants. Our vision is to see a thriving community where every young person has the chance to reach their full potential."