Small Acts, Big Impact: Reflecting on Youth Day with There Is Life Here

Every year on June 16th, South Africa commemorates Youth Day, a national holiday honouring the Soweto Uprising of 1976. This pivotal moment in history saw brave young students taking a stand against an unequal education system. On June 16th, peaceful protests turned violent as police opened fire on unarmed students.  Twelve-year-old Hector Pieterson was among those shot and a photograph of carrying the wounded child, who later died, became a symbol of resistance against oppression.

Youth Day serves as a day to remember the sacrifices made and the courage of the youth, which ignited a movement that turned their biggest challenge into an opportunity for a brighter future.

Youth Day is, however, not just a day of remembrance; it’s a call to action.  It reminds South Africans of the power young people hold to create change and how action, however small, can have immense impact.

The legacy of inequality, however, continues to cast a shadow nearly fifty years after this pivotal moment in South African history in communities like Kayamandi, a township on the outskirts of Stellenbosch. Here and in many similar rural areas across South Africa, many children face challenges that echo the frustrations of the Soweto Uprising youth: limited access to quality education, a battle with poverty and hunger, and a lack of resources to reach their full potential.

Yet, there are many rays of hope, with There Is Life Here – a non-profit and social enterprise – being one example of how a small act of kindness can turn into hope for a brighter future.

A Day in the Life: The Reality of Growing Up in Kayamandi

A typical day in Kayamandi paints a picture of some of the challenges faced by the next generation of youth growing up in rural South Africa today.  With single mothers and working parents struggling to make ends meet, unsupervised children are becoming increasingly common in townships across South Africa.

The lack of time and resources often leaves these youngsters vulnerable to exploitation by gangs. The allure of belonging and a sense of purpose provided by these gangs, however twisted, can easily lure them into a life of crime and drug abuse.

The innocence of children remains. A group of children in ragged clothes takes a poster for the upcoming national election and turn it into a makeshift sled.  Their laughter and screams of joy fill the dusty air as they pull each other down the empty road on their improvised toy.

This carefree play is in contrast to the reality faced by many youngsters here.  Across the street, a group of over fifty children wait patiently, their ages ranging from toddlers to teenagers. Each child holds an empty food container, a silent plea for a nourishing meal from the warm and loving hearts of the women who run a local non-profit that feeds these children daily.

There is Life Here: Love Through a Plate of Food

Amidst the hardship, a beacon of hope shines brightly. “There is Life Here” is committed to feeding the growing number of children in an aim to combat their struggles with poverty, peer pressure, and even abuse. There is Life Here’s core message, according to founder Emily Nomajoni Makwena, is that “there is more to life than what they are going through”.

Emily and a number of other community members have taken it upon themselves to make a difference in the life of their local community.  They support their non-profit through crocheting pot plant covers from old plastic carrier bags, which they in turn sell. The profit from this social enterprise helps feed hundreds of children, together with donations from community members and other donors.

Every day, women from the community prepare and serve a nutritious meal – pap (a South African maize staple), vegetables and gravy, and half an apple – to anyone in need of a hearty meal.

Even when the pots are empty and a handful of children still have empty food bowls, these children don’t give up hope.  They have full trust in these inspiring ladies who always make a plan.  The women go inside and reappear after a while with more food to make sure no-one leaves with an empty stomach.

It’s not just about food; it’s about offering hope. This simple act creates a lifeline, a second chance at a future free from gang violence, for these children and the next generation. It is a powerful example of how even the smallest act of practical kindness can make a significant difference.

Honouring the Spirit of Youth Day

Kayamandi’s youth is a reminder of the work that remains to be done and the importance of being the change you want to see in the world.  While Youth Day celebrates the power of young people who fought for change, the challenges faced by the youth today highlight the need for continued action. CoffeeMM is privileged and honoured to support There Is Life Here by donating the proceeds of our clothes swap event held in April 2024 to the ladies who keep feeding the children with an open heart and an open kitchen.

What can you do to make a difference?

Inspired by Youth Day’s message of action and There Is Life Here, here are some ways you can get involved and make a difference in the lives of young people:

• Support organizations like “There is Life Here“, “Community Keepers“, and “Pebbles Project” directly. Many NGOs work tirelessly to empower youth in under-served communities. Research local organizations and donate your time, resources, or financial support.
• Buy locally, buy mindfully. Each time you spend money, take a moment to think about where your money is going.  Local markets are good alternatives to large chains and supermarkets.  These markets support entrepreneurs, families, and ultimately create a ripple of positive change in the world. Other organisations like the CoCreate Hub in Stellenbosch stocks products from local vendors and non-profits where the money goes directly to these vendors.
• Tell people about projects you care about. Support and share the CoffeeMM journey on social media, or like, follow, and share projects, people, and organizations that empower the youth towards a brighter future.

The legacy of the Soweto Uprising lives on in the spirit of South Africa’s youth. Let us honour their courage and pave the way for a brighter future by investing in their well-being and empowering them to reach their full potential. Similar to There is Life Here, you have the opportunity to support the youth of today to become the change makers of tomorrow. Together, we can build a more just and equitable future for all.