Overview 2019

Introduction

songo.info is a social development program based in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch which uses sport & education to provide opportunities for children to play, grow and learn while instilling the necessary life skills needed for a brighter future.

Introduction

From humble beginnings, songo.info has grown from a dream of providing a safe space for children to play on bikes, and evolved into a Sports and Academic support programme that is focused on creating a long term impact on the children in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch.

Our key objective is that every child that comes through the songo.info program goes on to be a confident, well rounded individual who is gainfully employed and a contributing member within the community. We currently have 50 children ranging from 6 – 24yrs within the songo.info family.

2008 2018

Kayamandi

Community

Kayamandi is one of the oldest townships in the Western Cape, located just on the outskirts of Stellenbosch. It is predominately inhabited by Xhosa speaking South Africans who immigrated from the Eastern Cape to find employment in the Western Cape from 1940.

Kayamandi means “sweet home” in Xhosa and is home to over 50 000 residents, in a land space of just over 1 square kilometre. Sadly for most, Kayamandi is not as “sweet” as it’s name alludes too although a spirit of hope continues to exist in the community.

Children― 10% of population, approx. 3 500 children are under the age of 10― 50% of these are from singles mothers― There are 2 primary schools in Kayamandi with 4 000 children across both schools― Junior school and High school are also characterised by large classes― English literacy rates remain low

― The population is growing by 10% per annum, however the land space has only increased marginally

― Unemployment rate is estimated at 40%― Average income per household is estimated at R1000 with each household on ave 7 adults

and children― High prevalence of alcoholism, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS, illiteracy,

malnutrition, crime and a high incidence of single-parent households― Most of the employed work in factories, farms, restaurants and as domestic workers.― There are about 50 different church groups and almost an equal number of shebeens

(taverns).

Vision

Unlocking potential to make a difference

― Daily Building a brand with a reputation for:

― Developing well rounded kids

― Changing lives positively

― Passionate about success

― Professional

― An exemplar of team work and etiquette

― Having created a safe culture

– Creating an organisation based on our key values

– The best place to work where we harness, develop and reward potential

– Harnessing and developing skills for life through education and sport

Values

Respect― Be open, polite, well mannered and punctual at all times.

Respect each other, equipment and your environment

Honesty

Accountability

Commitment

― Be truthful, yourself and trustworthy

― Be responsible, do what you say you will. Be responsible for yourselves, each other, your equipment and your environment

― Be reliable, dedicated and consistent

Structure

Education pillar― Daily homework assistance

― After school lunch provided

― Educational games & activities

― Computer center providing:

― Reading Eggs – Foundation Phase online literacy & numeracy tools

― General usage for homework & studies

― Subject specific learning tools (rollout 2019)

― General computer literacy skills (rollout 2019)

― Career guidance and financial support for further studies after school

― Work internships

Life skills― The life skills programme helps our children become well-rounded

individuals with the ability to succeed in making a better life for themselves beyond school.

― The life skills that are focused on include; confidence, commitment, composure, courage, team work and goal setting.

Structure

Sport pillar

― Cycling focused offering BMX and mountain biking catering for recreation as well as competitive participation

― Dedicated coaches offering skills training and fitness training

― Full time mechanic ensuring that all bikes are fully maintained

― Participation in wide range of local and national leagues, races and events

Success stories

Sipho

― Joined the programme in 2008 age 17

― At risk of dropping out of school, he was encouraged to complete Matric whilst becoming an accomplished cyclist

― Graduated from ETA with a Sports Management diploma

― Currently working full time at songo.info as Sports Programme Manager

― Represented South Africa in disciplines of XCO & Marathon MTB as well as having represented South Africa at World Duathlon Champs.

― 2 x Exxaro Development Jersey winner at Absa Cape Epic

To learn more about

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBsXnuBzz9I

“Working up through the programme to become the programme manager a few years later, feels like a big achievement. I believe that I am able to contribute by knowing the background of the kids, knowing them personally and their needs and the community’s needs makes such a difference and also having a great team around. I feel that I have achieved a lot in such a short time in the programme and that gives me the motivation to create more opportunities and make sure that the programme gets better every year. I believe that if the program can change my life for the better then we can change even more lives in the community.”

Success stories

Azukile

― Joined the programme in 2009

― Completed Matric in 2014

― 2015 Enrolled in CPTU studying 2 yr. IT diploma – Advanced COMNET

― Holiday work internship arranged in addition to ongoing contribution to the songo.info programme assisting with set up and running of the computer center.

― 2016 Graduated from CPTU

― 2017 Currently interviewing for 1st job

― Competed on World Age group level, representing South Africa in disciplines Duathlon

― 2 x Exxaro Development Jersey winner at Absa Cape Epic

Organisation details

Legal structure― Registered South African Trust: IT 1515/2011

― Registered PBO: 930049722 with 18A status

― Bowman Gilfillan

Lawyers

Accountants

― Oak Group

Contact details

Amber RheederAdmin Manager

Cell: 072 335 3720

Email: admin@songo.info

Thank you for your consideration

Please visit www.songo.info for more information on the programme