Tucked away in one of KwaZulu-Natal’s battlefields is a youth development organisation, known as Okuhle Youth Organisation (OYO).

This Non-Profit Organisation was established in 2014 by Sicelo Sibiya, is situated in Emnambithi (Ladysmith), and offers welfare to the young people in the surrounding areas of the uThukela District.

The goal for OYO is to uplift the lifestyle of the youth in Ladysmith by rendering a variety of activities and programmes. These include: Awareness Campaigns, Community Projects, Arts and Culture, Sports & Recreation, Outreach Programme, Skills Development, Life Skills Programmes, Winter School Programme, Grade 12 Mentorship Programme and Youth Events.

“The heart and soul of OYO goes to serving the community in the form of assistance in maintaining areas where it is greatly needed” Sibiya said.

To further simplify the activities and programmes mentioned, the dynamic OYO team raises awareness on issues such as teenage pregnancy & HIV/AIDS; assists with community projects in various sectors i.e vegetable gardens; hosts an annual Fun & Educational Day programme and runs a Values and Money workshop – to mention but a few.

Sibiya also told us that a major challenge for them is not having office space and equipment to chair meetings and carry out administrative duties, respectively.

“We get our funds through fund raising events which are mostly done by our organization and we also receive donations from the community, businesses, family and friends,” he added.

Since the inception of this youth-led NPO, their greatest highlight is getting recognition from the Local and District Municipality. That recognition led to OYO receiving an award in the “Best Youth Organization” category at the 2017 KZN Young Achievers Awards.

OYO welcomes volunteers and benefactors. Contact Sicelo Sibiya on +27 74 345 7935 or send an e-mail to okuhleyouthorganisation@gmail.com and follow them on Facebook: Okuhle Youth Organisation – OYO.

Sibiya is urging people to donate to a Pad Drive Campaign that aims to deliver 1000 sanitary pads to 30 selected schools in Mnambithi. This campaign (which has been running from the 28th of July 2017 and draws to an end on the 6th of October 2017) strives to keep female learners in school during their menstrual flow.

Contact Sicelo.sibiya25@gmail.com for more information.