Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
‘Brothers’ keep kids off the street
IN AN effort to encourage and uplift his community, young business owner Thorn April launched the Brothers for Life campaign to help build a drug-free generation by keeping young children off the streets of Khayelitsha.
Inspired by his mom, the 21-year-old entrepreneur started his own business by using funds from his savings to establish his food business, April Flavours.
“I enjoyed watching my mother cook so much that I drew inspiration from her to open April Flavours. It is never easy to start a business, especially without funds, but I managed with the help of my mom and my savings to keep the business flowing,” said April.
Growing up in a disadvantaged environment, April launched the Brothers for Life campaign to extend a helping hand in the social development of children in Khayelitsha.
“I felt that launching the campaign would be a great idea to help educate our younger peers and encourage them to be big dreamers,” said April.
He added that one of the most common reasons why so many children in the neighbourhood engaged in illegal activity was that many lacked a social support base. With the rising rate of poverty in Khayelitsha, he felt it would be a good idea to launch a feeding programme.
“I felt so happy while we were doing the feeding scheme. I was taken aback because there were more children than I expected. It really made me sad at the same time that we ran out of food as more kids kept coming. But for now, I’m just glad the feeding was successful.”
“Our vision is to see South Africa have a drug-free generation. We also participate in cleaning services for the community, going house to house to the less fortunate to help with everything we can, said April.
Other than the feeding scheme, April also organises free tutoring lessons for high school pupils in the community. Brothers for Life alternative director Luciano Siyamthanda assists in the administration of the tuition to help learners and keep children off the street.
“Since I am fresh out of high school, I thought it would be great to help the learners master their school work by introducing the tuition programme. It’s a great feeling dealing with young boys as I get an opportunity to mould them under this campaign,” said Siyamthanda.
On a quest to empower the township, April reached out to Order Kasi, a food delivery service that focuses on the township market. His plan is to get the youth to run food deliveries using bikes so they earn an income.
April also plans to extend the services by delivering medication for the elderly free of charge.