The Change Makers are creating positive change in their communities
Play at Heart is a youth-managed community organisation that connects young people from different social and economic backgrounds and gives them guidance on how to take action in their communities.
The goal is to equip young people with the tools they need to become successful, make a difference in their communities, and make positive and informed choices about their lives.
Founded in 2009, Play at Heart was initially started in 2009 as a group where young people could talk about the issues they were facing and how to overcome them. It evolved from 45 youngsters meeting in a cramped garage in Katlehong to 400 youngsters committed to improving the lives of others.
“The Play at Heart Change Makers Project has not only helped young people create a positive difference in their communities, but has inspired them to stand up and take action to effect this change,” said project director Siphamandla Thulo.
“These 400 Change Makers are now part of our alumni group and offer support to one another. They stay connected, believing that their duty is to drive change in their communities.”
To date a total of 386 projects and campaigns have been started by these young people, said Thulo.
Some of the impressive projects started by attendees include Inspiring the NEXT Career Exchange by Phil Mokgotho, an annual campaign to motivate and inspire pupils to finish their studies and complete high school.
Another is Puppetry Creation against Gender-based Violence by Tlaleng Radebe, designed to inspire women and children not to allow themselves to be treated as “puppets”.
The organisation has seen 43 of their attendees start their own businesses, 121 join the corporate world, 59 take up full-time university study and 110 complete their high school and part-time studies.
“We want to see the organisation transforming the lives of participants to the extent where 95%, if not 100%, start their own businesses and create employment for other young people,” said Thulo.
“Our next big plan is to reach 1 000 change makers a year, to help reduce unemployment and poverty, and to extend beyond the borders of South Africa.”