By Palesa Mohlamme
Having to be raised by a single parent did not stop Buhle Gama, the founder of Siyabanakekela Youth Club in Orlando West, to keep children out of the streets by providing life skills development, reading skills, and indigenous games just to name a few.
Relating to the struggles faced by black children in the area, Gama saw it fit for an initiation like this in Soweto. The youth club operates from a community hall In Orlando west.
The youth club is currently assisting 15 children from surrounding areas and they have another existing branch in Molapo, Soweto led by Sello Mabaso, also offering the same activities.
Siyabanakekela Youth Club operates from donations provided by an NGO who also focus on early child development.
“Unfortunately, it’s not easy running this kind of an initiative without funding and support, but we get moral support from parents and we recently received books from a Book Club who also focus on literature”, said Buhle.
The youth club has been struggling with stationary materials, food and materials for arts and crafts; however, through their adversities they are able to equip children with necessary skills and development.
According to Statistics South Africa, learners from primary level are unable to read, spell and comprehend, therefore Siyabanakekela Youth Club seeks to challenge and close the gap affecting the younger generation.
Gama added, “I started this to improve the reading and writing to develop the wellbeing of the child. I also want to give back to the community and make a change in a child’s life”. The Youth club open their doors every Saturday at the Uncle Toms hall, “we need the community to support our initiative and we also hope the local government will recognize and support us considering there a lot to be done”, said Buhle.
