Making A Difference To children born into Poverty

People living in the Soweto slums have worked tirelessly to establish a community based organisation for themselves - the Tumaini African Foundation, that provides mentorship, moral support, spiritual care, leadership development and hope. Having built Tumaini up from nothing but demolished homes, they now empower young people in the community to learn, to stay on positive paths and to reimagine the community. But despite their enormous efforts there is still work to be done, and crucially, funds to be raised.

I first came into contact with those working with Tumaini having been introduced by a friend, who through his own charity had been supporting the organisation. I was immediately drawn to their project, feeling a connection with the community and the country, and was inspired by what they had already achieved - their feeding programme that provides 600 meals every weekend ; their library space which encourages learning and supports local schools and those wishing to attend by contributing to their school fees to name a few. It was instantly clear to me that I wanted to support their project and help them build on their years of hard work. The community leaders have long expressed a desire to improve their sports facilities - as access to sport and movement is so beneficial to young people’s mental and physical health, and my work being so rooted in sport and exercise myself, I fully understand how crucial it is to improve their facilities and provide a space for young people to exercise. Feeling so driven by my own experience witnessing the good works at Tumaini is what has led me to this fundraiser.

The Tumaini African Foundation are looking to create a gym space for young people within the community and require funding to turn what is currently no more than a roof, into a functional space to exercise and so, need to raise funds for gym flooring, walls and a ceiling, as well as basic gym equipment such as free weights, spin bikes and other apparatus.

My experience with the Tumaini community was fundamentally moving, driving me to action, and I hope I can encourage others to contribute.