Empowering Winterveldt, South African Youth

BOKAMOSO LIFE CENTRE

GLOBAL GIVING QUARTERLY REPORT

AUGUST 2023

Core programs in art, dance,  youth development and life skills continue on course as the Centre heads into winter break, enjoying the largest enrollment of youth in the Centre’s history. What follows are some select highlights of programs and activities since the submission of the last quarterly report in April 2023.

PREPARATIONS FOR 2024 CULTURAL EXCHANGE:

The Bokamoso Life Center’s Board, staff and youth remain hopeful that the Center can resume its annual cultural exchange program in the United States, January-February 2024.  This eighteen-year old program was interrupted for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.   Efforts are underway at the Center to identify the youth and staff who will represent Bokamoso in 2024 and to begin training in music, dance, theatre and choreography.   During this five-week exchange program, the youth perform traditional South African songs and dance at various schools, churches and community organizations in or near  Greater Washington, D.C.    The Exchange Program was launched in 2008 by the then-Arts teacher at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Potomac, Maryland.  Bokamoso youth attend classes at St. Andrew’s, perform in the community and live with St. Andrew’s host families.   As part of this exchange, St. Andrew’s students travel to the Bokamoso Life Center during their spring break.  Hopes remain high that this successful and meaningful program will resume in 2024.  A representative from St. Andrew’s who teaches International Development will visit the Centre this month to discuss the resumption of this exchange program in 2024.

CHILDLINE ORGANIZATION:

Childline Organization invited Bokamoso beneficiaries (girls only ) and staff to attend an event in June on surviving trauma.  Childlline is a non-governmental organization established to help protect children from all forms of violence and to establish a culture that embraces and protects children’s rights in South Africa. The training provided an evidence-based framework for the management of trauma, laws on sexual offenses, and the application of legal processes related to sexual and other offenses. It also was designed to provide an understanding of psychoeducation, and demonstrate an understanding of both risk and protective factors.  The training also offered guidance to Center staff on how to effectively perform psychoeducation intervention for clients, parents and partners, as well as skills to help prepare youth victims prepare for court. This event was extraordinarily informative, powerful and meaningful.

NELSON MANDELA DAY:

Nelson Mandela Day is an International Day of celebration in honor of the late Nelson Mandela.  It is recognized each year on July 18, Nelson Mandela’s birthday.  This annual recognition in honor of Mr. Mandela was declared by the United Nations in 2009 in recognition of his values and service to humanity. On this day, the United Nations invites us all to make a difference in our communities.  This year, the Centre organized its staff, youth and their families to clean and beautify the Centre’s interior and grounds.

SOUTH AFRICA YOUTH DAY:

Preparations are under way at the Bokamoso Life Center to celebrate national youth day.  More on this will be reported in the next quarterly report in November 2023.

FUNDRAISING:

The grant received from The Old Mutual Superfund has been put to very good use. Ten Bokamoso youth, identified as having particular need, received food parcels in April and in May.  Resources from this grant were also used to cultivate a vegetable garden that is flourishing and that will also serve to help alleviate local poverty and food vulnerability in the community.  A portion of the grant funds have also been used to acquire needed crockery, cutlery and dishes for the Centre as stipulated in the proposal and in the grant approval.  The full report on the application of these funds is available upon request.

Efforts remain ongoing to raise additional funds from other sources, including the Marr-Munning Trust Organization, The South African Department of Social Development and the South African Department of Health. 

Members of the BLC Board of Directors also attended a briefing session led by the NLC at the Mabopane Skills Centre on fundraising strategy, timing and positioning.

endreport