Tapping into the potential of at-risk youth
Manenberg, on the Cape Flats, is infamous for its high rates of gangsterism and other criminal activity. In 2023, IRSA began contributing to programming at the local Duinefontein Community Centre – a drop-in centre that serves as a hub for community-based responses to community challenges.
Importantly, this model fosters a sense of community ownership and responsibility for their own projects, and supports residents of Manenberg in their decisions on how best to support at-risk youth and other vulnerable members of their community.
Drawing from the pool of youth who participate in programming at the Centre, IRSA facilitated the participation of five youth in a training course at the IT Business Campus. Upon getting to know the participants, learning more about the significant socio-economic challenges that they are confronted with, and observing their commitment and potential, the CEO of IT Business Campus enrolled all of them into a one-year government-funded learnership in which they will receive a stipend of R4,500 a month, plus commission. Thanks to the success of this initial engagement, future IRSA IT trainees from Manenberg will also be supported with access to the same learnerships.
Cultivating a love of community service
Islamic Relief South Africa’s (IRSA) end-of-year holiday programme introduces more than 100 young people in the Western Cape to the value of service and aims to cultivate within them responsibility and love for their communities.
High school learners required to complete community service hours as part of their curriculum were invited to learn about and participate in IRSA’s local development projects over three days.
On the first day, participants learned about IRSA’s values, current and intended impact, and what it means to be change-makers in society. They sorted clothing donations and played games to help foster a sense of connection with their peers. On the second day, participants led a sandwich drive which not only fed 50 people at the O.W.L. Haven Shelter in Lansdowne, but also exposed the volunteers to the extent of poverty on their doorstep, and the difference that simple acts of kindness can make.
On the last day of the programme, participants visited an IRSA agricultural project that upskills 50 women to create sustainable livelihoods. They also helped to prepare the soil for planting crops which they are unlikely to see harvested, but that will have lasting impact on the people that it feeds.
Immersive volunteerism for youth from abroad
Islamic Relief South Africa hosted 140 youth who had been carefully selected by our partner office in Canada to participate in the Inspire South Africa 2024 experience. Participants had the unique opportunity to learn about and experience South African culture firsthand, while engaging in meaningful community work, including rehabilitating homes, planning social events, and distributing essential aid in under-resourced communities across South Africa. Participants were also required to raise funds for development programming in South Africa, and become global ambassadors for the important work that IRSA is doing to strengthen local communities.
