SARAO visits the Usiko Rites of Passage Community Development Grant project in Brandvlei to witness youth development in action
The SARAO Stakeholder Relations team, under the leadership of Nomfundo Makhubo, Stakeholder Relations Manager in the Northern Cape, visited the Usiko Rites of Passage Community Development Grant project in Brandvlei on Tuesday, 24 March 2025.
The visit focused on the non-profit organisation’s work addressing psycho-social issues affecting youth in the community, under SARAO’s Community Development Grant programme.
This initiative aims to guide at-risk youth who face psycho-social challenges, risk of school expulsion, or are engaging in risky behaviour. The core methodology utilises mentoring, education, and skills development, and the transformative power of Wilderness Therapy to build strong family and community ties.
The programme has been successfully implemented in Brandvlei since 2022, seeking to address the high rates of truancy, school dropout, and mass unemployment in the small, remote town. Historically, Usiko reports that its interventions have led to an 85% reduction in the truancy rate, and approximately 80% of graduates complete their matriculation.
Makhubo spoke about the importance of such community-focused work: “Programmes like Usiko’s Rites of Passage programme are a vital part of SARAO’s commitment to community development and investing in our youth. By providing critical guidance and strong foundational life skills to youth, these partnerships help the youth in remote rural communities like Brandvlei find hope, build resilience, and ultimately stand a great chance to fulfil their potential.”
Attendance at the visit included the Principal of Brandvlei High School, who emphasised the marked improvement in children’s behaviour since the programme was started. Other attendees included Arnold Okkers, Executive Director of Usiko, Wilma De Souza, Fundraising Manager at Usiko, Tania Weideman, Project Manager at Usiko, together with other members of the Usiko facilitation team; and Lwazi Mankahla from the Makwande Empowerment Trust.
The SARAO Stakeholder Relations team visited the Usiko Rites of Passage Community Development Grant project in Brandvlei. The visit focused on the non-profit organisation’s work addressing psycho-social issues affecting youth in the community, under SARAO’s Community Development Grant programme.
