Grassroots outreach trust needs helping hand
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It provides youth with constructive alternatives to violence and gangs Jongi Kamko Ex-Professional Boxer And Founder
A KHAYELITSHA outreach project, the Grassroots Youth Academy Trust, has embarked on crowdfunding to raise about R400 000 for the cement floor of its new gym and community hall, which is under construction.
The trust, founded by ex-professional boxer Jongi Kamko in 2005, provides youth from the under-resourced areas with a constructive alternative to involvement in violence and crime in Khayelitsha and Macassar.
The academy not only teaches young people skills and discipline through boxing and cycling, but also provides extra-curricular tuition for about 150 children and young adults in all subjects, several times a week.
Construction of the Grassroots gym and community hall started in July, and they plan to provide mentorship, education and sports training to children between the ages five and 19.
Grassroots member Matthew Blackman said: “Through the assistance of various friends, we have bought a property in Makhaza in Khayelitsha, and have begun the task of rebuilding classrooms and creating a gym and community hall.
“The last task is to lay the slab for the floor of the gym and hall, and it is for this that we are seeking funding.”
Blackman said they approached cement manufacturers to donate the cement needed but were unsuccessful, adding that the campaign was gaining traction slowly. Kamko said the academy was continuing to grow.
“When we started, I was basically pushed to coach youngsters, who saw me box on TV and they wanted to reach that level. We saw early on the need for more than just boxing, and our cycling and tutoring programmes drew so many young people off the streets,” Kamko said.
He welcomed any and all assistance from the public.
To donate to the Grassroots Youth Academy Trust visit: www.thundafund. com/project/grassrootsyouth or email mattblack75@gmail.com.