Iyana eAfrika Organization
What does your company do?
At Iyana we promote mental and emotional wellbeing of children in under-resourced communities. We address the emotional wounds carried by children growing up in environments marked by trauma, violence, poverty, and neglect. Our work focuses on early emotional intervention, equipping children with emotional intelligence, coping mechanisms, and life skills they need to grow into whole and empowered adults. We also help children reconnect with nature as a source of grounding, healing, and identity. We host every second Saturday of the month, these workshops create a safe space for children to explore their emotions, develop self-awareness, build resilience, and learn practical life skills such as communication, empathy, goal-setting and many more. We organize outdoor learning trips that combine environmental education, conservation activities and nature-based healing.
These experiences help children see themselves as both stewards and part of the natural world, promoting mental restoration and taking care of nature.
What is your biggest success?
My biggest success has been founding the Iyana e Africa Organization and creating lasting impact despite limited resources.
A key milestone was meeting Prince William in November 2024 during his Cape Town visit, which gave our work international recognition and validated our mission. Securing a private international donor allowed us to expand our nature adventure programs and consistently support the children we serve. Our partnership with SANParks has been crucial, enabling us to take children into protected natural spaces for healing and environmental education. One of my greatest achievements has been turning my own home into a safe space where children feel heard, valued, and supported. Importantly, we have been able to thrive and make a difference even without formal grants or sponsorships. Witnessing children transform like a young boy who overcame substance use and now mentors others, remains deeply rewarding.
What has been your biggest hurdle?
Lack of sustainable funding: Most grassroots NGOs lack reliable long-term funding, limiting staff hiring, safe venues, and program consistency. We operate month-to-month, relying on personal sacrifices and small donations. Lack of infrastructure/facilities, using informal spaces like a living room restricts safe accommodation and structured programming. One-person dependency (leadership overload), our founder manages everything, from program delivery to fundraising, leading to burnout and slowing progress. We do not even have a laptop for administrative duties and rely solely on our founder’s cellphone. Lack of public visibility, limited exposure reduces our ability to attract sponsors, donors, and volunteers because our work does not reach them. Volunteer sustainability, Without stipends or transport support, it is difficult to retain volunteers, limiting our capacity to serve more children and get more people on board. Inability to fully support children’s needs, we lack resources for transport, meals, and stationery, affecting children’s full participation and dignity, and limiting workshop impact. Our main resource is our founder.
