Insights
Lessons from a Transformative Visit to the Mfuleni Centre
Stonehage Fleming is a long-term supporter of Afrika Tikkun in South Africa, who help deliver The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award to engage young people in disadvantaged communities, empowering them to learn and grow through non-formal education and learning. In late January, two Stonehage Fleming team members had a chance to visit one their centres in the outskirts of Cape Town.
When the Stonehage Fleming team stepped foot inside the Mfuleni Centre, an Afrika Tikkun facility serving disadvantaged children, they were struck by both the hope and potential. The centre, situated in the middle of the township, felt remarkably like any British nursey.
“It has a school-like atmosphere.” stated Head of Risk & Compliance, Katie Mundell. “It was warm, bright and very colourful with a lot of outdoor space.”
The Mfuleni centre aims to provide support through a “cradle to career” programme for children, going beyond education setting them up for future employment success.
The morning was spent with the younger children, ranging from toddlers to early teens, who were engaged in age-appropriate activities - playing, learning, and interacting with energy and enthusiasm. The visitors spent the majority of their time with the younger students, marvelling at the dedication of their educators with game-playing and confidence-building.
"We saw fantastic groups of children: we played Lego and served lunch to the three- and five-year olds; we also played hoopla with the ten-year olds; and watched the twelve-year olds compete in the games hall," remarked Partner and Deputy Portfolio Manager, Carolyn Bell “The resources were excellent with good outdoor and indoor space, engaged teachers, and strong computing provision."
This normalcy starkly contrasts with the difficult home lives many children face, marked by high South African youth unemployment, alcoholism, abuse, and poverty. As the team learned, the demand for the Mfuleni Centre’s services is staggeringly high. The centre has capacity to serve more than 800 children, per day, annually.
Beyond the educational programming, what truly struck the visitors was the centre’s extensive social work team. Dedicated to supporting the children and their families, these social workers and facilitators, recognised the complex home situations many of these children navigate.
"It really hit me the amount of support provided to these children. We met around ten social workers." said Katie Mundell “The impact of what they do goes beyond one individual child.”
The children at Afrika Tikkun achieve impressive Matric results, yet they face a shortage of job opportunities. Stonehage Fleming alongside Afrika Tikkun are exploring several further opportunities for collaboration orientated around job schemes after education.
“If you can provide a job to one person, it has a massive impact in their ecosystem.” Commented Katie. “A whole community can be transformed in one act.”
In April 2024, Stonehage Fleming and Afrika Tikkun launched an exciting Mentorship Programme for students participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Meeting monthly, they have already completed four dynamic sessions, covering topics such as Communication and Self-awareness, Teamwork, and Resilience.
"Stonehage Fleming has an active mentoring programme with Afrika Tikkun, solidifying a long partnership.” reflected Carolyn Bell. "We are now in a position where we can really explore additional ways to build youth employability with Afrika Tikkun."
Ultimately the visit to the Mfuleni Centre was transformative in igniting a renewed sense of purpose in supporting organisations like Afrika Tikkun who are working tirelessly to unlock the potential of youths.
"When you see the kids, how could you not want to help?” said Carolyn. “They’ve got the skills and the desire to go really far, but they need opportunity."
For more information visit: https://intaward.org/
Further reading: Stonehage Fleming supports the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award