by Simbulele Jezile | Jun 11, 2024 | Campaign, Resource Hub
Youth Day in South Africa, celebrated on June 16th, is a significant occasion that honours the courage and sacrifice of the youth who fought against apartheid in 1976. It’s also a time for today’s youth to consider their role in advancing democracy. The 2024 theme, “Actively Advancing Socio Economic Gains of Our Democracy” highlights the essential role of young people in building a brighter future.
At BackaBuddy, we believe in empowering youth through volunteering, community engagement, and innovative tools like online crowdfunding. Here’s a list of activities that promote personal growth, community development, and equip young people with the skills to drive social change.
Supporting a Peer’s Cause or Launching a Crowdfunding Campaign:
Youth Day is a great time to support a peer’s cause or start your own initiative. With BackaBuddy, you can leverage the power of online crowdfunding to create a significant impact.
How to Support a Peer’s Cause:
- Find a Campaign: Browse BackaBuddy’s Campaigns to find a cause you’re passionate about. You can support various projects ranging from education and healthcare to community development.
- Donate: Contribute financially to a campaign that resonates with you. Even small donations can make a big difference.
- Share: Use social media to share the campaign with your network, encouraging more people to support the cause.
How to Start Your Own Crowdfunding Campaign:
- Identify a Cause: Determine a community need or a personal project you’re passionate about.
- Create a Campaign: Start a campaign by providing details about the cause, the goals, and how the funds will be used.
- Promote Your Campaign: Share your campaign through social media, email, and community networks to reach potential donors.
- Engage Your Supporters: Keep your supporters updated on your campaign’s progress and express gratitude for their contributions.
Volunteering and Community Engagement Opportunities Across South Africa:
Find volunteer opportunities that align with your interests. Check the websites listed below for more information.
1. Eastern Cape: Project NMB
Project NMB (Nelson Mandela Bay) is dedicated to community upliftment through various initiatives, including environmental clean-ups, youth empowerment programs, and social development projects. Volunteers can engage in diverse activities that promote sustainable community growth and wellbeing.
- Website: Project NMB
- Location: Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape
2. Free State: Kidz Care Trust
Kidz Care Trust offers shelter, education, and support to street children in Bloemfontein. Volunteers can assist with tutoring, mentoring, and organising recreational activities, helping these children build a brighter future.
3. Gauteng: IkamvaYouth
IkamvaYouth provides after-school tutoring and mentoring to high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Volunteers can help with academic support, career guidance, and organising educational activities.
- Website: IkamvaYouth
- Location: Johannesburg, Pretoria, and various other locations
4. KwaZulu-Natal: The Domino Foundation
The Domino Foundation is dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities through a variety of programs, including feeding schemes, education, and enterprise development. Volunteers can assist in food distribution, educational support, and participating in community upliftment initiatives.
5. Limpopo: Oasis Haven of Love Foundation
Oasis Haven of Love Foundation focuses on providing care and support to vulnerable children and families in Limpopo. Volunteers can engage in activities such as mentoring, tutoring, and community outreach, helping to create a positive impact in the lives of those in need.
6. Mpumalanga: Hands at Work
Hands at Work supports vulnerable children and families through community care centers. Volunteers can assist in providing education, healthcare, and food security to those in need.
- Website: Hands at Work
- Location: Various communities across Mpumalanga
7. Northern Cape: NOAH Community Projects
NOAH (Neighbourhood Old Age Homes) supports the elderly in impoverished communities. Volunteers can engage in intergenerational activities, offering companionship and support to elderly residents while learning from their experiences.
- Website: NOAH
- Location: Kimberley and surrounding areas
8. North West: Youth for Change Initiative
Youth for Change Initiative focuses on empowering young people in the North West province through leadership development, skills training, and community projects. Volunteers can participate in youth-led initiatives that address local challenges and promote positive change.
9. Western Cape: Habitat for Humanity South Africa
Habitat for Humanity builds and renovates homes for families in need. Volunteers can participate in construction projects, helping to provide safe and affordable housing while learning valuable building skills.
Why Volunteering and Community Engagement Matter:
- Personal Growth: Volunteering exposes youth to diverse experiences, fostering empathy and broadening perspectives.
- Skill Development: Engaging in community activities helps develop practical skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork.
- Building Connections: Volunteering provides opportunities to meet new people, build networks, and strengthen community ties.
- Creating Impact: Young people can make a significant difference in their communities by addressing local needs through volunteer work.
At BackaBuddy, we are committed to supporting youth and community development. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, support a peer’s cause, or start your own crowdfunding campaign, we’re here to help you make a difference. Join us this Youth Day in celebrating the power of youth engagement and building a brighter, more inclusive South Africa.
by Simbulele Jezile | May 20, 2024 | Campaign, Resource Hub
National Rescue Dog Day, celebrated annually on May 20th, is a special day dedicated to raising awareness about the countless dogs in shelters awaiting their forever homes. This day is not only about raising awareness but also about inspiring action—giving hope and a loving home to our furry friends who need it most.
In SA, the number of rescue dogs is alarmingly high. Shelters and rescue organisations are overwhelmed with the sheer volume of abandoned, neglected, and stray dogs. According to recent statistics, thousands of dogs are surrendered to shelters every year, and only a fraction of them find new homes.
This National Rescue Dog Day, BackaBuddy has put together a list of ways you can get involved and help give hope to a furry friend.
How You Can Help:
- Adopt: Open your heart and home to a rescue dog. Adoption not only saves a life but also enriches your own with the love and companionship of a grateful friend
- Foster: Offer temporary care for dogs until they find their permanent families. Fostering provides a safe and loving environment for dogs to thrive while they wait for their forever homes.
- Volunteer: Lend your time and skills to local shelters and rescue organisations. Whether it’s walking dogs, assisting with adoption events, or helping with administrative tasks, every bit helps.
- Donate: Support the essential work of animal rescue groups through financial contributions. Donations help provide food, medical care, and shelter for dogs in need.
Places in Need: Where to Adopt in South Africa
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Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL)
Website: www.aacl.org.za
Contact: 011 435 0672
Donate to AACL on BackaBuddy
Mission: Since 1956, the AACL has been a home for abused and neglected animals. They provide shelter, rehabilitation, and adoption services, ensuring each dog finds a loving home.
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SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
Website: www.nspca.co.za
Contact: 011 907 3590
Donate to SPCA on BackaBuddy
The SPCA operates nationwide, committed to preventing animal cruelty and promoting responsible pet ownership. Their shelters offer refuge and rehoming for countless dogs in need.
Website: www.woodrockanimalrescue.co.za
Contact: 082 925 3133
Donate to Woodrock Animal Rescue on BackaBuddy
Mission: One of South Africa’s largest independent animal rescues, Woodrock provides sanctuary and loving homes for dogs in need, advocating for animal rights and welfare.
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Husky Rescue South Africa
Website: www.huskyrescue.co.za
Contact: 083 640 8827
Mission: Specializing in Siberian Huskies and Nordic breeds, this organisation provides a network of support for these unique dogs, ensuring they find suitable, loving homes.
Website: www.tears.org.za
Contact: 021 785 4482
Mission: Based in Cape Town, TEARS rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes abandoned and abused animals. Their community outreach programs aim to create lasting change for animal welfare.
By adopting a rescue dog, you not only give a deserving animal a second chance at life but also help reduce the strain on shelters. Each adoption opens up space for another dog in need. This National Rescue Dog Day, consider making a difference by adopting, fostering, or supporting these incredible organisations.
Give hope to a furry friend and experience the unconditional love and gratitude that only a rescue dog can offer.
by Simbulele Jezile | May 9, 2024 | Campaign, Resource Hub
In South Africa, mental health remains a significant concern, and May’s Mental Health Month is dedicated to raising awareness, spreading knowledge, and providing crucial resources and assistance to those in need.
BackaBuddy has put together this blog post to offer support to those in need by providing a comprehensive list of organizations and helplines that can offer assistance and guidance during challenging times.
Raising Awareness:
Mental Health Month serves as an opportunity to engage the community in conversations about mental health, eradicating the stigma attached to it. Encourage open dialogue by sharing personal stories, experiences, or struggles with mental health through social media, blog posts, or local events. By discussing mental health openly, we can help break down barriers and create a more supportive environment.
Self-Care and Well-being:
Taking care of our mental health is essential for our overall well-being. Encourage self-care practices by suggesting activities that promote mental wellness. Share ideas such as mindfulness exercises, meditation apps, physical activities, creative outlets, and healthy coping mechanisms. Encourage individuals to prioritize self-care and seek professional help when needed.
Support for those in need:
Mental health affects people from all walks of life, and it’s crucial to offer support to loved ones who may be struggling.
Here are some ways to lend a helping hand:
- Be a good listener: Actively listen to someone who needs to talk. Provide a safe and non-judgmental space for them to express their thoughts and feelings.
- Educate yourself: Learn about mental health conditions and symptoms to better understand what others may be experiencing. This knowledge can help you offer more informed support.
- Check-in with loved ones: Reach out to family, friends, and colleagues regularly. A simple text or phone call can make a significant difference in someone’s day and show that you care.
List of Helplines and Organizations:
In times of crisis, it is essential to have access to professional support. Here is a list of organizations and helplines available to South Africans seeking mental health assistance:
- South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): Helpline: 0800 21 22 23 | SMS: 31393 | Website: www.sadag.org
- Lifeline South Africa: Helpline: 0861 322 322 | Website: www.lifeline.co.za
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: Helpline: 0800 567 567
- South African Federation for Mental Health: Website: www.safmh.org.za
- Akeso Psychiatric Clinics: Website: www.akeso.co.za
- Psych Central South Africa: Website: www.psychcentral.co.za
- The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP): Website: www.sasop.co.za
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and the organizations and helplines listed above are here to support you on your journey toward better mental health. Let’s work together to ensure that mental health receives the attention, care, and support it deserves.
by Simbulele Jezile | Jan 23, 2024 | Campaign, Resource Hub
As the academic year kicks off, many individuals are eagerly seeking opportunities to further their education and invest in their future.
However, the financial strain on education remains a formidable obstacle for many students. In South Africa, numerous avenues for financial aid and scholarships are opening doors for eager learners, turning obstacles into steppingstones.
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BackaBuddy: Raising Funds for Education
Link to BackaBuddy
BackaBuddy is a game-changing crowdfunding platform for individuals both nationally and abroad seeking to finance their education. Be it a degree, certification, or any educational endeavour, this platform facilitates fundraising campaigns, connecting students with potential donors. Countless campaign creators worldwide have accessed education through BackaBuddy, breaking down financial barriers.
Sign up to register for your studies, here.
Here are some additional resources to finance your education:
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National Student Financial Aid Scheme
Link to NSFAS
NSFAS, a government initiative, commits to providing financial aid to eligible South African students. The comprehensive program offers loans and bursaries covering tuition fees, accommodation, and study materials. Eligibility, based on financial need and academic performance, makes NSFAS an accessible option for students nationwide.
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Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Program (ISFAP)
Link to ISFAP
ISFAP, a private sector-funded initiative, focuses on supporting specific fields of study crucial for South Africa’s skills development. By providing targeted financial aid, ISFAP empowers students to pursue educational goals and contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth.
Link to Thuthuka Bursary Fund
Managed by SAICA, the Thuthuka Bursary Fund supports students of colour pursuing chartered accountancy. Covering tuition, accommodation, and a living allowance, it ensures aspiring accountants can focus on studies without financial constraints.
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Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
Link to Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
Championing entrepreneurial leadership, the foundation offers scholarships and fellowships to individuals with high potential. Covering tuition, accommodation, and providing a stipend, it nurtures the next generation of leaders.
Link to Fundi
Fundi, another valuable resource, provides financial solutions for students in South Africa. Explore their offerings to discover tailored options that can support your educational aspirations.
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Funza Lushaka Bursary Program
Link to Funza Lushaka Bursary
For aspiring educators, the Funza Lushaka Bursary Program, sponsored by the Department of Basic Education, covers tuition, accommodation, and provides a small allowance. In return, graduates commit to teaching in public schools – a win-win for education and the future.
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Private Scholarships and Foundations
Don’t forget to explore private scholarships and foundations. Many organisations and companies offer financial help based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria.
As the academic year unfolds, these avenues for financial aid, scholarships, and crowdfunding, along with educational loans and specialised bursary programs, stand as beacons of hope. Share this guide with those who seek knowledge, and together, let’s contribute to a brighter and more promising future for education in South Africa.
