Amaota, Inanda, Durban — The Mayibuyi Youth Organisation delegation, in partnership with Yale University (USA) and the Durban University of Technology (DUT), recently visited Amandlethu High School in Amaota, Inanda, Durban, for a Youth Empowerment and Education Outreach programme.
Embracing the school’s inspiring slogan, “Rise with Power,” the Mayibuyi Youth Organisation committed itself to ensuring that local learners are empowered through international learning opportunities.
Opening International Doors for Amandlethu
Ms. Amaeka Affiong from U.S.-based Yale University opened international doors for Amandlethu learners to achieve their ambitions through education. Ms. Affiong engaged learners on:
- Global learning opportunities and international academic pathways.
- Scholarship pathways available to township and rural school students.
- How to access top universities in Africa and abroad, including Yale University.
She encouraged learners—especially young women and men from under-resourced communities—to believe that international education is within their reach if they remain disciplined and focused.
DUT and Mayibuyi Encourage Focus on Education
Representatives from DUT and the Mayibuyi Youth Organisation urged learners to take their studies seriously and put extra effort into their schoolwork to secure a brighter future.
The joint delegation emphasized the importance of hard work, discipline, staying away from crime and drugs, and using education as the most powerful tool to transform their lives and the Amaota community.
Resilience Despite Environmental and Social Challenges
Founder and Chairperson of Mayibuyi Youth Organisation, Mr. Siviwe Benya, expressed great encouragement at the dedication shown by educators and learners to keep learning a priority despite severe conditions affecting Amandlethu High School.
Key challenges impacting the school include:
- Infrastructure and environmental conditions in and around the school grounds.
- Violent crime and gang activity within the Amaota community that continues to terrorize local residents.
- Flood damage that previously devastated the school’s infrastructure.
- Widespread poverty and unemployment affecting families in the surrounding area.
Speaking after the outreach, Mr. Benya stated:
“It is exciting to witness that the school continues to ‘Rise with Power’ as it desires, despite all these challenges. The dedication of the teachers and the resilience of the learners at Amandlethu is inspiring. We at Mayibuyi Youth Organisation, together with Yale and DUT, are here to say: Your circumstances will not determine your future. Education will.”
Conclusion
The collaborative effort between Mayibuyi Youth Organisation, Yale University, and DUT highlights a shared commitment to uplifting under-resourced schools and ensuring no learner is left behind due to location or circumstance.