In South Africa, where educational resources are unequally distributed, children from disadvantaged backgrounds often face barriers to reaching their potential. United Through Sport is working to change this by raising funds to provide talented youth with scholarships to top high schools in Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth. Our goal is to equip these children with the foundation they need to break the cycle of poverty and pursue their dreams. With a funding target of £12,263, we aim to provide at least 15 children from vulnerable backgrounds the opportunity to thrive in a supportive, high-quality educational environment.
The Challenge: Unequal Educational Opportunities
In the townships of Port Elizabeth, educational resources are limited, and local schools often lack the support necessary to provide a high-quality education. Children from these areas face tremendous challenges, with only 3% eventually attending university. The lack of access to quality education perpetuates cycles of poverty, restricting young people’s career prospects and leaving many without the skills to navigate a competitive job market.
Solution: A Pathway to Excellence and Opportunity
United Through Sport provides educational support, life skills, and extracurricular activities through our Junior and Senior Schools of Excellence Programmes. Talented children from township areas are selected and supported, helping them focus on their education, develop life skills, and stay engaged in positive activities after school. With your support, we aim to offer these youth the opportunity of a lifetime: scholarships to attend top high schools in Nelson Mandela Bay. By giving them access to high-quality education, we empower them to dream bigger and work towards a future with greater opportunities.
Long-Term Impact: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
Through our comprehensive educational programs, United Through Sport is not just preparing youth for academic success but also equipping them with the tools they need for a brighter future. Many who graduate from our program go on to attend university, often becoming the first in their families to do so. As they secure meaningful employment, they uplift their families and contribute positively to their communities, breaking the cycle of poverty.
Over the past five years, we have supported 252 young people aged 17-35 in finding employment for the first time—an especially significant achievement considering the youth unemployment rate in Nelson Mandela Bay currently sits at 64%.
A Comprehensive Pathway to Employment
Our support extends beyond education, as we prepare youth for the workforce through three key employability programs:
- Higher Learning: Assisting with access to tertiary education and vocational training.
- Ready to Work: Offering practical work experience with a monthly stipend for one year.
- Equipping Entrepreneurs: Providing mentoring, training, and capital support for youth starting their own businesses.
Through these pathways, United Through Sport has achieved an 89% employment success rate, bridging the skills gap by equipping youth with the qualifications and experience employers seek. “There is a huge skills gap in South Africa and yet a lot of demand from employers for opportunities for youth with the right experience or skills,” says Nick Mould, Director of United Through Sport, South Africa. “By focusing on providing the necessary experience, skills, and qualifications and then helping youth navigate the world of work, we are able to make the connection between employers and new employees that is so often missing.”
A Lifelong Commitment to Growth and Success
Our holistic approach provides continuous support from childhood to adulthood, ensuring a lasting impact at every stage. “Over the years, we’ve realised it’s not enough to only provide short-term interventions; we need to walk with our participants, providing support where needed at every stage of their development. That is the only way we can make a truly deep impact and help children transform their lives through sport,” says Qondakele Sompondo, CEO of United Through Sport South Africa.
Through your support, we can offer these children the tools and encouragement to overcome their circumstances and build a future filled with opportunity. By contributing to this initiative, you are not only investing in their education but also in the long-term upliftment of entire communities. Thank you for being a part of this journey and helping us empower the next generation through education, life skills, and the transformative power of sport.