Kliptown Youth Are Using Education to Development and Shape Their Future

Even though South Africa has developed into a modern nation, the government still neglects a lot of areas and Kliptown is one of them.

In order to assist the people of Kliptown, a forgotten township next to Soweto, in escaping poverty through education, the Kliptown Youth Program (KYP) was founded by young people from the area in May 2007 to assist young people in having access to opportunities through education.

“From the time we began with little more than our talents, energy and a place to invite children to work with us, we have grown to an internationally recognised organisation that has developed not only our members but also our staff into people with valuable skills with which they can change their own lives,” stated Thulani Madondo, the organisation’s founder.

Madondo said that the lack of these essentials and extreme poverty present significant difficulties for the children and youth of Kliptown.

He explained and said in order for them to get educated, the children and young people have to walk to schools outside of Kliptown as there were schools built to accomodate them.

He added and said the parents of these children are unable to pay for books, food, uniforms, and shoes.

“It should come as no surprise that many young people start using drugs and committing crimes at a young age.  In a town plagued by a high number of adolescent pregnancies, a 25% HIV/AIDS prevalence, and a 70% jobless rate,” he explained.

The organisation helps young people to overcome obstacles, reach their full potential, and develop into capable, vibrant adults who can contribute to society.

“Together we can empower the youth, foster the cycle of giving back, and help lift Kliptown out of poverty.”

The organisation is also proud of its tertiary education program that seeks to provide funds to successful students who wouldn’t be able to attend without financial support.

According to Madondo, the students are enrolled in programs focused on a number of different disciplines including Information Technology, Banking, Electrical Engineering and Marketing, in programs ranging from 1-2 year certificate programs to 3-4 year degree programs.

“KYP has been able to support students by assisting them with bursary (financial aid) applications, and by direct financial support through Study Trust, which mentors our university students.”

Editor’s note: The Kliptown Youth Program (KYP) was established in May 2007 by local youth to help youth access educational opportunities and help the residents of Kliptown, a forgotten township adjacent to Soweto, lift themselves out of poverty.

Description: The organisation helps young people to overcome obstacles, reach their full potential, and develop into capable, vibrant adults who can contribute to society.

Editor: Thato Mahlangu

Project manager: Do4SA