By JESS FELDTMAN
Inkululeko
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COVID-19 has created an ever-evolving situation impacting lives around the world. Inkululeko has been highly affected by this pandemic; however, it has continued to find ways to carry out its mission.
They have prioritized the mental, emotional, and physical health of their colleagues above all else. Colleagues worldwide have been provided mental health resources to use and have been encouraged to seek out any other resources for support.
Colleagues have been encouraged to take mental health breaks when needed, too. Virtual staff meetings have increased in frequency to ensure everyone is on the same page and supports one another going forward.
Additionally, Inkululeko has utilized WhatsApp so that students can ask their American tutors’ questions. They are still receiving help even though travel has become limited as this virtual format connects students and tutors and allows for an open dialogue between the two. During such an unpredictable time, this has become necessary to move forward with Inkuleko’s mission.
Visit their website to find out more: https://www.inkululeko.org/
Awarenet & Joza Youth Hub
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Five people trained as robotics trainers have now started training a group of grade 8 and 9 learners at the Joza Youth Hub weekly. They receive a small salary from Awarenet to do this.
Awarenet hopes to expand the program next year by including more learners and grades if they receive the necessary funding.
For more information about the wonderful work Awarenet is doing, visit their website: http://www.awarenet.org/blog/
Discover what else has been happening at Joza Youth Hub by visiting their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jozayouth
CSD
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On Wednesday, 20 October, the CSD hosted their virtual 40th-year celebration. According to CSD Acting Director Nicci Hayes, the celebration was a great success as they reflected on the tremendous work CSD has done over the past 40 years.
CSD also took the opportunity to commemorate two of their facilitators, Tata Thuso Moss and Mama Ruth Nombewu, who sadly passed away last year. In their honour, a tree was planted outside the centre, and CSD announced that a scholarship would be awarded in each of the late facilitators’ names.
“We were really delighted with how our celebration went and are so grateful to everyone who made it a success as well as the National Arts Festival team and all the participants. It was a joyous celebration of 40 years,” Nicci Hayes said.
To see what else CSD got up to, visit:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Centre-for-Social-Development-166110270093604
Website: https://www.ru.ac.za/csd/
The Lebone Centre
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The Lebone Centre’s Ready, Steady, Read & Write programme has successfully continued running at George Dickerson and Good Shepherd Primary schools. Despite the disruption that COVID-19 brought, the majority of the foundation phase learners enrolled in the programme have displayed much improvement in their English literacy and comprehension skills.
To find out more about this programme and the other work the centre is doing, visit the Lebone Centre’s website: http://lebonecentre.org/programmes/
