An initiative aimed at keeping young and vulnerable children warm especially during winter season has led to a national recognition of a young South African based in the Fezile Dabi District Municipality in the Free State.
Vuyane Latha of Zamdela, Sasolburg, has been crowned as the winner in the Child Care Category of 100 Young Ambassadors, which is a platform for young South Africans to be ambassadors in their communities and make a difference in their field of work. The categories included Health, Civil Rights, Child Care, Education and Environment.
It is through hard work that Vuyane was last week received an award as a new South African Ambassador under child care category.
“It was really an amazing moment for me, I was just giving a helping hand to the vulnerable children out there and didn’t honestly expect anything like this, I am truly honored” said Vuyane.
The young lad’s initiative started with donations to various orphanages and needy children with toys, warm winter clothing and now during the Covid-19 pandemic with gloves, etc.
This idea and initiative led to the formation of a Non-profit Organisation called Kopano ke Matla Charity Organisation that focused mainly at knitting blankets and donating to various orphanages and vulnerable children across the province of Free State.
Vuyane said founding and starting such an organisation was something that came deep within him as an idea of helping young and vulnerable children. “I never thought of any recognition from anyone when starting the organisation, all I could think of was acting on my idea of helping needy children.”
The organisation started receiving donations of knitted squares of blankets that had to be knitted together and be combined to a full blanket.
“That’s when the organistion thought of approaching grandmothers who can give a helping hand in their spare time in achieving the organistion’s objectives. The idea paid of as the organisation has about ten grannies who are helping voluntarily with this knit-a-blanket project and we are thankful for their contribution”.
When the competition for the top 100 Young Ambassadors who are making change in their community was announced, he was placed in the child care category.
Within his category of seven organisation/individuals, Vuyane claimed top position.
“This achievement will also help the organisation to grow and expand nationally because the aim is to help as many children as we can,” he said.
Vuyane has encouraged young people to never sit on their idea no matter how small it is. “Don’t wait even a second on that idea that you have, never sleep on it. Act on it and do something about it,” added Vuyane.
The organisation is accepting any kind of assistance from wool, toys, to gloves and many more to reach even greater heights.
