The laptops will be used to start a much-needed computer room for 60 youths who are currently part of the program.
Project Lungisa, one of the Mamelani Projects, works specifically with former street kids who have grown up in the Homestead's Childrens Home in Khayelisha. Mamelani Projects works with the children for an 18-month period, leading up to when they must leave the home at age 18.
The focus of the program is to impart independent living skills to the youth so that they are able to cope once they leave the childrens home. This is achieved through life skills workshops, career guidance, experiential outdoor learning skills development, internships and ongoing support and mentorship. A core component of the program is to prepare the youth for work so they are able to sustain themselves once they are back in the community. An internship program offers them the opportunity to gain the necessary hard and soft skills to cope in the working world.
Since the inception of the program, many young people have gained meaningful employment. The project foresees an average of 15 youths joining the program annually, said Edwards and they desperately needed laptops that will enable them to write their own CVs, communicate, and gain information via the internet.
Mamelani Projects also engage in community-based health education and child development programes.
For more on Mamelani Projects, go to www.mamelani.org.za.
