Afrika Tikkun on Morning Cruise

We spoke to Shirley Tshwale, Marketing Co-ordinator from Afrika Tikkun, an organisation who has the primary objective is to provide holistic development in disadvantaged communities. They help youth from the “Cradle to Career” from the ages of 2-35. Their aim is to empower young people by granting them the opportunity to receive profitable education, good health care and support for their families.

Having been established in 1994 by the late Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris and Philanthropist/Businessman Dr Bertie Lubner. They have 5 centres namely based in Johannesberg, namely: Alexandre, Diepsloot, Orange Farm and Brown Park and one in Mfuleni in Cape Town. Shirley tells us about the many programmes on offer that ensure an all rounded person as the outcome. Among these are Early Childhood Development (ages 2-6), Child and Youth Development (ages 7-18), and Career Development for those older, which assists children in developing themselves in to active citizens.

Additionally, they have programmes such as Family Support Services, Primary Health Care, The Empowerment Programme, and Nutrition and Food Security Programme. She describes the biggest problem being unemployment among the biggest problems faced by youth and the country. But highlights that the organisation doesn’t “tell children what to do but help them find what they WANT to do”.

She add how grateful she is by reflecting in the inspirational stories of the kids in their recently published magazine: MY Afrika Magazine. She also expressed excitement about a new programme that involves Former World Champion of Boxing Thulani “Suga Boy” Malinga to launch a programme that integrates boxing and sport into development.

Their website is www.AfrikaTikkun.org.  or Contact them on 087 150 2066 

Presenter/Producers: Mkhuseli Khusi Veto and Tauhierah Salie

Written by Tauhierah Salie