Public gets insight into work done by Girls and Boys Town South Africa

Cape Town Mayor, Geordin-Hill Lewis delivering his speech at the event in Macassar.

Girls and Boys Town South Africa (GBTSA) opened its doors to their guests, community leaders, and dedicated supporters at their Western Cape Campus in Macassar for a Tea and Tour Event on Tuesday November 14.

The purpose of the event says, GBTSA in a press statement was to showcase and spotlight the theme of “Exhibiting Good Governance” and experience “A Typical Day in the Life of a Child at Girls and Boys Town.”

The event witnessed a prestigious turnout and included attendance of the City of Cape Town Executive Mayor, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and the Chairman of GBTSA’s Board of Trustees David Daniels among other distinguished guests.

Notably, Sipho Njengezi a GBTSA alumnus now serving as a rugby coach at SACS Schools in Cape Town, shared his transformative journey and the impact of GBTSA on shaping his life and empowering other youth.

One of the unique features highlighted during the event was GBTSA’s partnership with the University of Johannesburg for a comprehensive longitudinal study. This research delves into the resilience and outcomes of youth seven years post their tenure at GBTSA.

Quick results from the latest report, available on GBTSA’s website, indicate an extraordinary impact:

•92% of youth were drug and alcohol-free

•50% of youth were self-sufficient and paying for their own accommodation

•78% had a liveable income

•As many as 83% reported having at least some savings

•A remarkable 100% maintained a “crime-free” record

“These findings underscore the efficacy of our programmes and the lasting positive impact they have on the lives of GBTSA’s alumni,” they stated in the release.

Mr Hill-Lewis, delivered an impassioned speech underscoring the commitment to supporting NGOs like GBTSA and commended the organisation for its unwavering dedication to assisting vulnerable youth. GBTSA is a beneficiary of “The Mayoral Discretionary Fund.”

His words echoed the collaborative efforts between the City and GBTSA to create a safer and nurturing environment for the community's youth.

Sipho’s moving account highlighted the profound role GBTSA played in his life's trajectory, emphasising how the organisation's support and guidance moulded him into the individual he is today. His commitment to coaching rugby and empowering other youth resonated with the event's focus on mentorship and empowerment.

The Chairman of GBTSA’s Board of Trustees concluded the programme by sharing the organisation’s unique history. His closing remarks expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Mr Hill-Lewis, generous donors, fundraising efforts, Youth Development Centre (YDC) staff and supportive suppliers who contributed resources pro bono.

“This event was a testament to our commitment to exhibit good governance and provide a glimpse into the invaluable work we do at Girls and Boys Town South Africa,” said Ms Kowsie Govinden, Regional Fundraising Manager (Western & Eastern Cape) Of GBTSA.

“We’re immensely grateful for the support of the City Mayor, our donors, dedicated staff and the community, enabling us to continue our mission of nurturing and empowering vulnerable youth,” she added.

For more information on the work done by Girls and Boys Town visit https://girlsandboystown.org.za/.

To learn more about the Girls and Boys Town Western Cape Campus contact Kowsie Govinden at kgovinden@gbtown.org.za or call 021 531 5431.

Sharing his life story and the profound impact his time spent at Girls and Boys Town South Africa has had on his life, is Sipho Njengezi, a GBTSA alumnus.