Amahobe Success Story

The “Amahobe Story” started in 2004 when Khulisa’s MIB (Youth Leadership) Programme was introduced in the Amajuba District.
Amahobe is situated in Amajuba Forest a remote area near Newcastle in KZN. This community are faced with serious challenges regarding very high levels of unemployment, no access to basic services (running water, electricity, public transport, etc) The children from this area only have access to a primary school which contributes to a situation whereby a very high number of children are dropping out from school after grade 7. The community also experience challenges regarding issues like, Hiv/Aids, Substance Abuse, & Teenage pregnancies.
During 2004 Khulisa recruited two unemployed youth from this community to participate in the Khulisa MIB (Youth Leadership) Programme. They then identified the need to establish a crèche for unsupported pre-school children from this community.
The crèche was opened in August 2004 with 15 children between the ages of 2 – 4 years. The crèche provides the children with two meals a day, which in many cases are the only food some of the children will have for the day. They are also provided with daily activities that support personal development. Since 2004 +- 215 children graduated from the crèche.
Khulisa also got involved with the school on request from the principle. The school accommodate annually +- 125 learners from Grade R – 7. The school has very limited resources available and the parents are not in a position to contribute financially to improve the situation due to their socio-economic situation. Khulisa assisted the school with different activities like establishing an Ubuntu Club (support group) for grade 7 leaner’s, a chess club, vegetable garden, outings for leaners to encourage career development, library books, stationary etc.
The one area of concern was still the health and safety situation of the kitchen facility from which the school was running a feeding scheme for the learners. During 2009, Khulisa approached the local Natal Portland Cement Community forum for assistance regarding this project. NPC was very supportive and due to their commitment a kitchen was completed during July 2011.    
We are very grateful for the support of local sponsors like Natal Portland Cement and others that are prepared to reach out to make a difference in communities like Amahobe.