Afrika Tikkun says that its inception 30 years ago was fuelled by a vision to uplift South Africa's most vulnerable, ensuring that the promise of democracy reaches every child and young adult, regardless of their socio-economic background — thus breaking the cycle of generational poverty.

"Underpinned by the belief that every child and youth have the right to thrive, Afrika Tikkun seeks to serve and we serve to impact. As mere facilitators, we nurture and develop SA's young people, enabling them to discover their truest potential and realise a better future," says Marc Lubner, executive deputy chairperson of Afrika Tikkun.

Operating in nine centres across South Africa, Afrika Tikkun says that it provides disadvantaged children with: 

  • education
  • nutrition
  • health
  • social services, and
  • skills development.

Its Cradle-to-Career 360° model is a comprehensive approach to child and youth development, offering a set of comprehensive programmes to counter poverty and inequality, actively working towards the reduction of youth unemployment in a sustainable manner, says Afrika Tikkun. 

Afrika Tikkun adds that its programmes consider the needs of young individuals across different stages of their lives, from preschool to high school, followed by a post-matric programme offering job skills training and driving job placements.

"Our programmes culminate in the development of talented and disciplined youths, instilled with good values from an early age. These individuals are brimming with potential and ready to meet the in-demand skills needed from South Africa's labour pool," says Dr Onyi Nwaneri, group CEO of Afrika Tikkun.

According to the organisation, over the last 30 years, it:

  • enriched the lives of over 325 000 young people
  • served 25 million nutritious meals
  • distributed over 77 000 food parcels
  • provided social support services to approximately 105 000 families, and
  •  conducted over 15 000 primary healthcare interventions.

Despite these achievements, there is still significant progress that needs to be made, South Africa's unemployment rate of 33% is the highest globally and our youth unemployment rates are even more alarming, says Afrika Tikkun. 

Partnering with the government's Youth Employment Service (YES) programme, Afrika Tikkun says that it aims to create substantial work opportunities for unemployed youth through its Head Start Programme.

"Investing in skills development and vocational training equips youths to navigate the demands of an evolving global economy. The YES initiative seeks not only to improve the lives of young people but also to assist in the expansion of enterprises in which they are employed. Placement into well-suited employment requires an investment over time that provides a seamless transition from infancy to career," says Nwaneri. 

According to Afrika Tikkun, it is an advocate for partnership-focussed initiatives and the power of collaboration in creating sustainable socio-economic solutions.

"Partnerships with the private sector, government, other NGOs and civil society are critical to advancing our country. Nelson Mandela, our Chief Patron in Memoriam, showed South African that sustainable change comes through collaboration. We exemplify the fact that collective efforts can achieve extraordinary outcomes," Lubner adds.

In recognition of its 30th anniversary, Afrika Tikkun says that it has launched a 'What Afrika Tikkun Means to Me' campaign, a tribute to countless real-life stories of hope, resilience and success.  

"Featuring a series of events, testimonials and multimedia content, the campaign highlights inspiring testimonials and success stories from talented young people who've been part of our journey, illustrating the significance and scale of our support programmes,” says Nwaneri.

Having joined the Afrika Tikkun programme 25 years ago, when he was merely five years old, one beneficiary, Abraham Langa, is a true testament to the power of Afrika Tikkun's Cradle-to-Career Model, says the NPO.

Langa shares his experience of how Afrika Tikkun helped him escape the jaws of poverty and propelled him to achieve his dream job as a UIF Labour Specialist. "It is because of Afrika Tikkun that I dared to dream and I am now well on my path to a successful life and a prosperous future," says Langa.  

Afrika Tikkun concludes that it remains steadfast in its commitment to creating an equal society through impact, empowerment and transformation, and calls on the people of South Africa to support its initiatives, committing to working together to build a nation where hope prevails and potential flourishes.

For more information, visit www.afrikatikkun.com. You can also follow Afrika Tikkun on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor