ubuntu (oo-BOON-too)
I AM BECAUSE WE ARE
OUR MISSION
The Ubuntu Youth Project exists to engage the next generation to fight poverty and a cycle of other escalating issues in Cottonlands, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Ubuntu Youth is an after-school program that seeks to invest in promising high school students by providing a strong educational and life-skills foundation that is often overlooked in rural public schools. Instead of perpetuating the top-down handout mentality that is often prevalent in the developing world, we strive to help students realize they can be part of the solution, instead of continually viewing themselves as a victim and part of the problem.
WHAT WE DO
We provide opportunity to motivated youth where opportunity is limited.
Mentoring
Mission: Relationship
We connect recent graduates in the community that understand local culture, students' backgrounds, and the issues students encounter to provide high school students with a consistent, positive role-model relationship.
Tutoring
Mission: Education
We connect students with the resources needed to be successful in high school and beyond through one-on-one and small group learning experiences led by local mentors and volunteers.
Entrepreneurship
Mission: Employment
We provide students and graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on entrepreneurial experience through practical business training, career exposure, and microloan access to create their own business.
Agriculture
Mission: Sustainability
We provide agricultural education and resources for students and graduates to replicate small-scale agricultural ventures, empowering them to produce their own food. The food grown in our student-managed garden is sold to the local community and to Four15, a Mexican restaurant in Durban.
Postgraduate
Mission: Leadership
We commit to walk alongside students beyond high school to provide a university scholarship, a microloan to start a business, or job search assistance to ensure every graduate has the opportunity to fulfill their career goals.
INTERN WITH US
Summer 2018 internship applications are coming soon!
DUBE, 12TH GRADE
"I am a leader. Even before I was elected class president at Ubuntu Youth, I arranged a clean-up day with my peers to make sure our youth center was looking great! I am also an artist. I love to draw, so I'm working on starting my own greeting card company."
SFISO, 12TH GRADE
"I am really good at fixing cars. When I grow up, I want to be a mechanic. In my free time, I go hang out with the mechanic and he teaches me how to fix cars. My friends say I'm a funny guy. So when I'm not tinkering with things, I'm working on my jokes."
NOMASONTO, 12TH GRADE
I am awesome because I am confident and I do my absolute best in everything I do. I am a hard worker, and I do not give up easily. I like to go to Ubuntu Youth because I get to think out of the box. I was also elected 2017 class president!"
LONDIWE, 12TH GRADE
"What makes me a good leader is that I am always fair and always on point. I work hard and always aim higher. Also, I like to learn by following other leaders."
VIDEOS
What if instead of being a voice for the voiceless, we let people speak for themselves?
Hear firsthand from our students and staff.
I am Ubuntu Youth.
WHO WE ARE
Siyanda
Education Director
University of South Africa student.
Biology nerd.
Only has one singing volume: LOUD.
The Sound of Music enthusiast.
Ayanda
Mentor/Tutor
Ubuntu Youth graduate.
Outside of the box thinker.
University of South Africa student.
Fashionista.
MAKE A DONATION
Join us in empowering students to be their own heroes.
Your donation is 100% tax-deductible.
YOU + SOCIAL MEDIA
= SOCIAL IMPACT
You're awesome. Let's be friends.
LET'S TALK
We'd love to hear from you.
© 2016