Olwethu MboMbo Age 19

Olwethu MboMbo Age 19 Olwethu is from Makhaza in the community of Khayelitsha and has been involved in Africa Jam’s after school program there for several years now. She says that Africa Jam has been her life and opened her up to a whole new world. Before joining the program in the 10th grade she claims that she used to be very shy and her only after school activity would be watching TV by herself for hours. Olwethu says being introduced to Africa Jam has helped her grow and become the person she is today by introducing her to other youth she now considers family, helping her express herself more freely, and introducing her to a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Olwethu has also excelled educationally as well. Through her hard work and dedication she finished high school at the end of 2008 and has recently been awarded a scholarship to the University of Cape Town, arguably the best university in Africa. She is planning to get her Bachelor's Degree in Commerce. Besides her own efforts, she thanks Africa Jam as well for helping her educationally through the Khayelitsha Tutoring Program. After Olwethu's Economics teacher quit last year, the high school did not find a replacement, so she and her classmates were left without a teacher for 8 months with the expectation that they would pass their grade 12 final exams. Through her efforts and the help of Africa Jam tutors, Olwethu easily passed her exam, allowing her to get into university. She is thankful for the program and now wants to become one of the Africa Jam tutors for high school students in her community.

To learn more about how you can help Africa Jam reach more young people like Olwethu, visit how I can help.

Neo's Story

Volunteering is a great way to experience a different cultural and to make a measurable difference in the life of South African youth. Here are the current volunteer positions available:Akule (Neo) Mpunga is from a small section in Khayelitsha Township called “Makahza 44 Section.” Neo is part of a family of five, and like many youth in the townships, is being raised by his single mother. After Neo’s father was killed in car accident, Neo felt hopeless, scared and saw no reason for life.

When Africa Jam first met Neo, he was going down a path that would ultimately lead to destruction. Consumed by the anger he felt from his circumstances, he felt no reason to live. No reason to get up in the morning. He looked down on those who wanted to help him build a future.

Around the corner from where Neo lives, he heard joyous singing, young people laughing and coming to a broken down shack with smiles. Out of curiosity Neo visited the after school Khayelitsha drama group. That is where he met genuine leaders like Loyiso.

Today, Neo credits his Faith in Christ for bringing him to his new self. If it was not for Africa Jam and his drama group leader Loyiso, Neo says he would still be living in the dark hopelessly going through the motions of life.

In January 2008, Neo attended Africa Jam camp for the first time and the theme was “Step Up!” Camp was “the most amazing experience of my life", because I “Stepped Up” in my own life. Neo is receiving acclaim for his positive leadership and dedication to his studies from his teachers. Africa Jam selected Neo to represent Africa Jam in Minnesota in November 2008.

Africa Jam’s next generation of leadership is secure with young people like Neo dedicated to the program.

Malize's Story

Malize was raised in a strict Christian home, but like many teens, struggled with peer pressure and the discordant values in her community. Many of her friends began drinking and using drugs at age 9. Malize saw gang members take over her community and the deadly brand of violence and sexual exploitation they brought to the neighborhood.

Malize was experimenting with Rastafarianism and marijuana in a search for truth when she initially learned about Africa Jam. She had come to believe that Christianity was all about hypocrisy; she saw far too many people claiming to be 'Christians' living immoral lives. According to Malize, she attended her first Africa Jam after school event merely to "see what all the fuss was about."

Malize quickly learned that the "fuss" was about an authentic, healthy and faith-filled way to live. She became stronger and more self-confident as she became a part of the Africa Jam family. She made the decision to stop using drugs and distance herself from the friends that were encouraging bad behavior.

By participating in Africa Jam for more than seven years, Malize also uncovered an incredible musical talent. Previously too shy and self-conscious to sing in front of others. Malize has now traveled the world as a lead Africa Jam vocalist and performs as a musician in Cape Town.

Today, because of her involvement with Africa Jam, Malize is studying social work at The University of the Western Cape on a full bursary (scholarship). She is an active member and alumni in Africa Jam programs and is a leader in her community. Through her work and her community building, Malize looks forward to being a powerful voice for change in her community.

To learn more about how you can help Africa Jam reach more young people like Malize visit how I can help. .

Loyiso's Story

In 2001, Loyiso Damoyi attended the very first Africa Jam camp. The staff remember him for his endless energy, talent on the sports field, natural ability to lead and the permanent marker he used to sign his name in the boys bathroom.

When Loyiso came to camp, he lived at a shelter 20 minutes from his home. He had been involved in robbery, gang activity and brought danger close to himself and his family. To keep himself and his family alive, he decided to leave home and live at the shelter.

Loyiso came to camp on an invitation from an old friend. At Africa Jam camp, he committed his life to Christ and developed a plan for changing his life.

Today Loyiso is a strong leader in his community. He runs the after school creative arts group in Khayelitsha and serves part-time as an Africa Jam staff leader. He has created a safe place in his community for more than 90 teens to meet after school where they develop their God given talents and support one another. Through the creative arts, these young people, under Damoyi's leadership, have transformed their struggle and have given hope to their entire community. To learn more about how you can help Africa Jam reach more young people like Karin visit how I can help.