At Live Easy, we believe in the power of giving back to the communities where we operate. Our recent initiative involved donation handovers at local charities in Pretoria and Soweto, where we had the opportunity to meet some incredible people making a real difference in the lives of those in need. One of the most impactful visits was to a youth centre coordinated by Nzantza, whose passion for supporting children through education and essential resources left a lasting impression.
An Interview with Nzantza, Youth Centre Coordinator
During our visit, we sat down with Nzantza to learn more about the impact of donations on their work. Nzantza, who grew up in Cape Town, plays a vital role in running the youth centre alongside the founder, the principal, Patronella, and Penelope, the administrator.
Nzantza expressed immense gratitude for the support from companies like Live Easy, emphasizing how critical donations are to their mission.
How Donations Make a Difference
When asked how donations help further the centre’s mission, Nzantza shared, “It helps a lot because the kids here face different challenges. Some don’t have clothes, and some don’t have enough food to eat. Any kind of donation, no matter how small, goes a long way for us.”
The Impact of Specific Donations
Nzantza explained that certain types of donations have an especially high impact on their programme. “Food is one of the most important donations. It allows us to provide meals for the children and the community. Education is also a major focus, so donations of stationery, school uniforms, and shoes make a huge difference. These items help kids, especially those finishing Matric, to pursue higher education opportunities at colleges or universities,” Nzantza added.
The Centre’s Reach and Programmes
The youth centre supports children as young as one year old, starting with kindergarten, until they complete school at 18. Nzantza mentioned that even after completing school, many young adults return to the centre to give back by volunteering. “We offer various activities, such as a computer lab, art projects, a library, and a church, providing many ways for the youth to stay involved,” Nzantza said.
A Token of Appreciation from The Leadership Foundation
Live Easy also extended support to the Leadership Foundation, which expressed deep gratitude for our donation of clothes on the 23rd of August 2024. The Foundation’s letter highlighted how contributions like these allow them to offer holistic services to vulnerable communities, providing not only crisis intervention and transitional accommodation but also working toward long-term economic empowerment.
In their letter, the Foundation emphasized its mission: “to see whole, restored, and empowered persons who fulfill their rightful places and can be reintegrated into society.” With the assistance of donations from organisations like Live Easy, the Leadership Foundation is able to engage with vulnerable communities and work toward lasting change and urban transformation.
Their message ended with a heartfelt thank you, recognizing our efforts in helping them achieve their mission. This partnership strengthens our shared goal of building better communities through compassion and action.
Continuing the Mission
Through the generous support of businesses like Live Easy and the dedication of individuals like Nzantza and her team, the youth centre continues to be a beacon of hope for many children and young adults. Their work ensures that vulnerable children have the resources and support they need to thrive, both academically and personally.
At Live Easy, we are proud to contribute to such important causes and will continue to find ways to support and uplift our communities.