Empowering communities with information
DESPITE their poor backgrounds, members of the Crazy Charma Girls are determined to change their circumstances.
Residing in the eCinci area in KwaMthethwa Reserve, the group say their community is troubled by poverty, illnesses such as HIV infections and a lack of educational structures and opportunities.
They say their poor backgrounds prevent them from studying further, but they are determined to be the change agents in their community.
Since they started the group in February last year, they have created several positive community initiatives.
With some guidance from their skills coaches, they have managed to not only encourage and develop each other, but also support the community on issues related to health and education.
Community health projects
Among others, they have tackled challenges such as teenage pregnancy and a rise in sexually transmitted diseases.
‘The community has many orphans owing to HIV and most of the people don’t have proper education,’
Apart from health issues they further promote self-respect, open communication with peers and identify educational opportunities.
‘Since we started our educational drives, many young people now understand issues related to HIV,’ said life skills coach Nonhlanhla Nkosi (20).
‘The school dropout figures have decreased as we help the youth return to school, and we assist those who completed their matric to apply at tertiary institutions.’
The group also has a vegetable garden project and teaches the community about healthy eating habits.
According to the Crazy Charma Girls, they hope to build a multi-purpose centre for the youth.
Their aim is to provide access to the internet and assist young people with CVs and application letters.
They say empowering their community with information is what drives them and they hope to produce more tertiary graduates in the area.
These bright young women not only want to open employment opportunities with their bead project, but want to create a platform for local artists, too
They also want to groom young poets, dancers and musicians.