CARE ENOUGH
to create healthy, resilient & correctly skilled youth
Section 18A approved & B-BBEE level 1 certified
Youth Empowerment Winter School 2025
This year, we hosted our Second Annual Youth Empowerment Winter School during the June school holidays. This included 100 academically strong Grade 11 learners from 10 schools from KwaMashu and Inanda township.
The high schools include John Dube, Nqabakazulu, Nhlakanipho, Mzuvele, JE Ndlovu, Amandlethu, Ohlange, Nhlanhlayethu, Ikusasa lentsha, and Inanda Newtown Comprehensive high school.
On the Career Expo day, 220 Grade 12 learners (Maths and Science) joined the exhibitions to also get information regarding career opportunities and bursaries.
The winter school was hosted in partnership with the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) and Council for the Built Environment (CBE).
The winter school focused on critical areas including mental health, gender-based violence awareness, substance abuse prevention, nutrition and health, career path and planning, and digital literacy. A strong emphasis was placed on instilling values of self-discipline, determination, and the power of mentorship.
“This Winter School was more than just a programme – it was a launchpad for these young people to realise their potential and envision a brighter future,” said Ms. Hlengiwe Ngwenya, CEO at Care Enough.
DAY 1- MENTAL HEALTH & GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
Here are some highlights of the first day of our Winter School where we were discussing all things Mental Health and GBV.
The focus of the day was on empowering the learners about the importance of mental health, how to preserve and restore it, as well as GBV and the support that is available for victims.
UKZN’s Director for University Relations, Ms. Xoliswa Zulu, gave a warm welcome the learners at the Campus and encouraged them to fully participate and take advantage of this opportunity that they have been given.
The outline of what is included in the Care Enough Empowerment Programme was given by the CEO, Ms. Hlengiwe Ngwenya and she gave words of encouragement and support for the learners.
Psychiatrist, Dr. Clare Hoffman spoke to the learners about mental health, self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
Ms. Siya Madlopha from Lifeline-Durban also talked to the learners about mental health and the free support that is available for GBV victims, and in cases of trauma and loss.
Ms. Jessica Ngobese from the KZN: Department of Justice empowered the learners with information around social media and the bullying that is rampant in that space. She explained what the law says in terms of one’s rights and consequences of cyber bullying.
The KwaMashu: Department of Social Development (DSD) Social worker explained the definition of rape, placing emphasis on the requirement for consent and the ability to give that consent during any sexual encounter. She also outlined the support that the department offers to rape and GBV victims.
Mr. Sphiwe Sokhulu, a hard-working and passionate motivational speaker who visits schools in eThekwini district to caution the learners against drugs, alcohol and crime addressed the learners. He makes that point that the learners should choose their friends and the company they keep wisely, because they do not want to end up in jail because of their friends and the company they keep. Jail is not a place where you want to end up in.
The learners were also addressed by the UKZN’s Senior lecturer in the School of Built Environment and Development Studies, Dr. Koyi Mchunu, who told the learners that they matter and reminded them to play their role in society. He encouraged them to take advantage of this amazing opportunities that have been created through the Empowerment Programme.
Dr. Koyi Mchunu (UKZN)
Senior Lecturer
Court Social Worker
KZN Department of Social Development (KwaMashu)
Mr. Sphiwe Sokulu
Motivational speaker
Ms. Xoliswa Zulu (UKZN)
Director: University Relations
DAY 2 - HEALTH AND NUTRITION DAY
The day focused on empowering the learners on elements that contribute to one’s well-being which includes healthy eating and knowing your health.
The Department of Health nurses brought the mobile clinic and did basic health screening (diabetes, cholesterol, weight and height) for all learners and offered voluntary HIV testing and counselling in their mobile clinic just outside of the venue. A number of learners were counselled and took the HIV test.
The learners were addressed by a Registered Dietician, Mr. Maqhawe Xaba, who educated them about the importance of healthy eating, how to eat healthy and the relationship between diet and academic performance.
The Inanda Department of Social Development’s Mr. Bhengu, spoke to the learners about the support that is available for very poor households to improve household food security and address hunger.
Ms. Zinhle Ngcobo from Inkunzi Isematholeni gave a powerful and informative talk about substance abuse, the dangers of substance abuse, and the support that is available for the drag addict and the affected family members.
Ms. Sindisiwe, from EThekwini Municipality’s Agroecology department set up a beautiful demonstration of planted vegetables and explained to the learners how they can plant their own small vegetable gardens at home to improve household food security.
Ms. Sthabile Mdabe from Zoe Life educated the learners about HIV and TB, particularly, how to prevent infection, how to treat and manage it, and the support that is available for those that have been infected.
The KZN Department of Health’s Ms. Monica Dlamini also empowered the learners about the consequences of teenage pregnancy, but what to do should one fall pregnant. The emphasis, however, was on the prevention of pregnancy through abstinence.
Mr. Oziel Mdletshe from Higher Health outlined Higher Health’s mental health initiatives and services that support young people at tertiary institutions.
The Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Mr. Buti Manamela, addressed the learners and encouraged them to believe in themselves, play their role in society and understand they are the future of this country, as such, they have to equip themselves to effectively play their role now and in future. He used the JENGA Game to make the point that the moves that one makes in life have an impact on self and others around you. In essence, every decision and action has a consequence. Choose wisely.
Planting your own vegetable garden demonstration by the Agroecology Department of eThekwini Municipality
Ms. Sindisiwe Khanyi
eThekwini Municipality: Agroecology
Registered Dietitician
Mr. Maqhawe Xaba
More learners having their their health screening done
Ms. Monica Dlamini
KZN Department of Health
Mr. Oziel Mdletshe
Higher Health
Ms. Zinhle Ngcobo
Inkunzi Isematholeni Foundation
Mr. Bhengu
KZN Department of Social Development: Inanda
A HST donated vehicle for increased access to health care
Health screening for the learners
Ms. Sthabile Mdabe
Zoe Life
Zoe Life official
DAY 3 - TECHNOLOGY & DIGITALIZATION
The day focused on empowering the learners about technology and careers in technology. Exposure to computers at the UKZN computer labs.
Ms. Nosipho Dladla of the Film and Publication Board, gave a very informative and powerful talk about cyber security and cyber bullying. Followed by an expert is the technology space, Mr. Siphiwe Khoza, who informed the learners about job opportunities in technology and key jobs that will be required in future.
The CEO of an IT Company (Imvokoqa Solutions), Mr. Sandile Zondi, also spoke to the learners about the various careers that the learners can pursue in IT and running your own IT company.
Mr. Siyasanga Zita, from Munsoft Pty Ltd, made an enlightening presentation, educating the learners about coding and software. The learners were very engaged and excited to learn about coding.
In the afternoon, all the learners were granted access to the UKZN’s computer lab and given an opportunity to work on the computers. They were taught basics and how to use the internet. This session was facilitated by UKZN’s Msizi Dimba. For most of the learners, it was their first time sitting in front of a computer, let alone do something on it. They loved the session so much, they wanted to delay going home. They were excited to hear that we are planning to offer them a 2-day Basic computer training later this year.
Mr. Siphiwe Khoza
IT expert
Ms. Nosipho Dladla
Film & Publication Board
our learners being empowered in the Senate Chamber
Mr. Siyasanga Zita
Munsoft (Pty) Ltd
DAY 4 - CAREER EXPO
Day 4 was our Career Expo day where numerous companies, SETAs & professionals were invited to exhibit and share information with the learners regarding career opportunities and bursaries on offer for the learners now and upon completion on their studies.
The day focused on empowering the learners about various careers, bursaries that are available for them. Representation matters, as such numerous professionals who look like them and comes from where they come from were invited to share their journey to where they are and motivate the learners.
UKZN’s Pro Vice-Chancellor: Student Services, Prof. Msizi Mkhize, delivered a powerful and informative talk about the importance of being correctly skilled. He emphasized the importance of doing Maths and Science at school and to not be afraid of these subjects. He also gave the learners tips on how to approach and manage tough subjects such as Maths.
The following professionals addressed the learners, shared their journey of getting to where they are now, outlined some of the challenges they experienced and how they overcame them, and motivated the learners.
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Ms. Zama Ngcobo – Attorney & Founder: WMN Attorneys
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Ms. Nkazimulo Nkabini – Fashion designer (Nkay Designs) & Founder: NKD Group
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Mr. Manqoba Zungu – Founder & CEO: Get Ready Initiative
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Lunga Wanda - Commercial Pilot
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Ms. Nomathemba Khumalo - Aeronautical Engineer
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Khanimamba Maluleke - Engineer
The Grade 11 learners visited all exhibition stands of various organizations who shared valuable information regarding available careers, bursaries and employment opportunities post qualification. 220 Grade 12 Maths and Science students also joined the exhibitions.
DAY 5 -TERTIARY EDUCATION
Day 5 (our last day for this winter school) was filled with emotions. Emotions of joy and excitement with a tinge of sadness.
The day focused on empowering the learners with knowledge about which institutions offers which qualifications, what are the requirements to be accepted to study at that particular institutions, and what are the deadlines.
CBE’s Chief Transformation Officer: Ms. Thembakazi Moya gave a heart-felt speech to encourage the learners and shared her personal journey in becoming a black female engineer, up to where she is now, to show that it might not be easy but one should never give up. She made the point that its possible and they (learners) too can make something of themselves.
DUT, UNIZULU, Coastal College, Elangeni College and UKZN, along with its colleges engaged the learners and set up exhibition stands and share more detailed information with the learners.
The KZN Department of Basic Education’s Chief Director in the Office of the MEC, Dr. Emmanuel Ngogi Mahaye, addressed the learners, encouraging them to continue working hard, to remain focused and reach for the stars. He commended the empowerment programme and encouraged the learners to not let such support initiatives go to waste.
The Central Applications Office (CAO) gave a presentation explaining how the CAO applications work and how the learners can apply and by when.
The learners were also informed about the educational financial support that is available through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Program (ISFAP). The requirements for qualifications and the applications processes were also explained to the learners.
The CBE CEO: Dr. Msizi Myeza also addressed the learners, placing emphasis on why it is important to have programmes such as the Care Enough Empowerment Programme. He also informed the learners that they need to take advantage of such support programme to better themselves, their families and the communities that they come from. He placed the responsibility of the learners’ futures on the learners. It’s all up to the learners.
At the end of the session on Day 5, six learners addressed all attendees and gave feedback on how the winter school went and how it effected them. Overall, the learners found the winter school very informative and life-changing. It opened their eyes to a myriad of careers and funding options that they did not know that they had. They were very encouraged and inspired by the professionals and other speakers to chase their dreams.
They felt very honoured, seen and valued by the Deputy Minister’s visit and address. The personal letter written by the Deputy Minister to one of the learners he had engaged during his visit was highly appreciated by all the learners. The learners also loved the access to the computer labs and being taught how to use a computer. They said they look forward to the basic computer training that Care Enough has planned for them later this year.
For team building and entertainment, the winter school was closed with a singing competition between Inanda and Mashu. Not only are these learners intelligent, they can also sing.
Dr. Emmanuel Ngogi Mahaye
Chief Director: Office of the MEC for Education
Group photo with the learners
UKZN & CBE Executives
Dr. Msizi Myeza
CEO: Council for the Built Environment
Mr. Msizi Dimba
UKZN
Central Applications Office official
IFSAP official
Ms. Thembakzai Moya
CBE: Chief Transformation Officer
Coastal college official
Durban University of Technology official
Ms. Nompilo Dlamini
University of Zululand