By Sbongile Sokela
The Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation prides itself on collaborating for impact. One of its core values is to align with allies who share the same vision. Bacha Ba Dichaba embodies exactly that, a spirit of community, education support, and development within the very same communities served, the communities of Ekurhuleni.
At the Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation, education and youth development are at the heart of the mission. The foundation believes every child deserves the tools, opportunities, and support to thrive, regardless of their background. Their approach is holistic, combining practical resources with mentorship, skills development, and community partnerships to create lasting impact.
The recent donation of 21 school bags to learners through the collaboration with Bacha Ba Dichaba is more than just a gesture. It is part of a broader commitment to remove barriers to learning. A school bag may seem small, but for a child it means dignity, readiness, and a sense of belonging.
This initiative complements other programmes such as:
* School shoes donations to restore dignity and confidence for learners.
* Digital skills development for both in-school and out-of-school youth, equipping them for the future of work.
* Mentorship and leadership training to help young people unlock their potential and become changemakers in their communities.
By addressing immediate needs while also building long-term capacity, the foundation is laying the groundwork for tomorrow’s leaders in Ekurhuleni and beyond.
The motto, “I cannot help everyone, but everyone can help somebody,” is a constant reminder that change is built through collective action. Partnering with Bacha Ba Dichaba reflects this belief. They share the same commitment to uplifting the community, particularly in education and youth development.
By working together, the two organisations can pool resources, skills, and networks to reach more learners, address more needs, and inspire greater community involvement. The recent donation of 21 school bags is a clear example, a simple yet powerful way of ensuring learners are motivated to succeed in school.
Looking ahead, their joint efforts will include spelling bee competitions to strengthen reading and writing skills, and new school shoes donations to ensure learners walk to school with dignity and confidence. Plans are also in place to introduce digital skills literacy across schools in Ekurhuleni and beyond, preparing youth for a changing digital world.
“Through such collaborations, we’re not just meeting immediate needs, we’re building a culture of support where the community rallies behind its young people, creating pathways for education, empowerment and lasting change,” said the foundation.
The CEO added, “I cannot help everyone, but everyone can help somebody” a reminder that collective efforts can make a significant difference in the lives of others. Mr. Moloi and his team from Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation are truly embodying this spirit.
The Academy Awards ceremony at George Mbilase Primary School is another important initiative. Held earlier this year in the second school term, it recognised the hard work, dedication, and academic excellence of learners. Teachers and community members came together to acknowledge these achievements and to motivate students to strive for greater success.
The spelling bee competitions have also had an impact. Learners from different grades competed in vocabulary, spelling, and public speaking. These events boosted confidence, improved literacy, and encouraged healthy competition. For many learners, the spelling bee sparked a deeper love for reading and learning.
The partnership between Bacha Ba Dichaba Explorers and George Mbilase Primary School continues to create opportunities for learners. Educational programmes, extracurricular activities, and mentorship help students grow beyond the classroom. The wider community also benefits as a new generation of confident, capable young leaders is nurtured.
The National Youth Service (NYS) has played a vital role in supporting academic growth. Through NYS, the organisations have organised tutoring sessions, literacy programmes, and academic competitions. NYS has also encouraged volunteerism, inspiring young people to give back to their communities.
Looking to the future, Bacha Ba Dichaba Explorers plan to expand by introducing more school-based clubs and career guidance workshops. They also want to partner with organisations to bring in books, technology, and training opportunities. Plans are in place to host inter-school competitions and community outreach events to inspire even more young people.
Despite challenges such as limited resources, the organisations have managed to overcome them through partnerships, volunteers, and creative solutions. Another challenge has been keeping learners consistently engaged, but by making activities fun and relevant, participation has improved.
