Infamous for its plethora of social issues, Kliptown is an impoverished informal settlement in Soweto, South Africa. With minimal resources, a united community, and fierce hope for a better future, the Kliptown Youth Program changed everything for this town. Believing that each and every kid deserved the rights and opportunities as anyone else in life, co-founders Thulani Madondo, Sipho Dladla, and Thando Bezana, came together in 2007 to create what would become an inspiration for many young changemakers around the world.
Since the beginning, Kliptown Youth Program (KYP) has aimed to lift their members and students out of poverty through quality education. Starting out as a center for the performing arts, KYP has since expanded into a new campus; where students are able to come after school for tutoring, sports, meals, access to technology, and support in getting into university. Furthermore, they continuously host international programs where their students travel abroad and perform with unwavering passion, such as the tour they did for CDNIS!
On October 17th, Kliptown Youth Program visited the Upper School for a fun-filled assembly for those from Grades 9 to 11. During this assembly, Kliptown students Pappy, Hope, Blessing, Cat, and Busi, performed folk songs including “Shoshalosa”, “Funga Alafia”, “Uxilethela Uxolo”, as well as a tribute to Nelson Mandela. Despite only being 16, these Kliptown students performed with unmatched enthusiasm and a clear passion for the performing arts. Alongside a presentation on the organization’s story, they also hosted a Q&A session to explore the impacts of community service, upholding values, and having hope to make the world a better place. The students were not only accompanied by KYP alumni Nene, but one of Kliptown’s founding members, Sipho. In addition to the engaging presentations and performances showcased during the assembly, KYP also hosted an African fusion workshop with G9 & 10 dance classes.
Our Director of Visual and Performing Arts, Ms. Anne Drouet, commented that she invited Kliptown knowing that they are “shining examples of young people who had empowered themselves and others through the arts, but then later growing into a sustainable organization who have now lifted hundreds of alumni and their families out of poverty.”
Kliptown’s visit to the Upper School was a definite treat for those motivated to create positive change in our communities. As living proof that we have the ability to make the world a better place, the Kliptown Youth Program is an inspiration for us all! With their vivacious spirit, harmonious voices, and passion for what they do, Kliptown has truly made this week special for students here at CDNIS!
