Nkateko Emily Mabasa

What does your company do?

At Phoenix Alexandra, we offer a range of activities to engage and empower young minds. From dancing and singing to drama/acting, spelling bee, modeling, reading club, chess club and poetry. We strive to provide a diverse and enriching experience for children between the ages of six and beyond. We are dedicated to naturing the talents and potential of our youth, and we believe in the power of positive reinforcement. We make it a point to praise kids after they accomplished a task, fostering a sense of achievement and self-confidence. Through cultural activities, entertainment, and life orientation programs, we aim to install valuable life skills and promote personal growth among our young minds. With our slogan being "Gomora has risen" We never give up.

What is your biggest success?

In 2023, our organization was honoured to receive a library trolley with over 500 books in all official languages of South Africa through the AVBOB Road to Literacy initiative. This has been a significant milestone for us as it has enabled us to further promote literacy and education within our community. Furthermore, I am proud to announce that Phoenix Alexandra’s work has been recognized with two prestigious awards. We were honoured with the Sunday World Unsung Hero Award and the Inside Education 100 Top Shining Stars Award, both in the category of Media, Arts, and Culture. These accolades are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team. Additionally, I am pleased to report that the pass rate of our young minds reached 100% in their respective grades. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the quality of education and support that we provide.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

As we continue on our mission to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the children in our care, we have encountered a significant obstacle that we are struggling to overcome. Our biggest hurdle at the moment is the lack of our own transportation and a permanent centre. Without these essential resources, we are limited in our ability to expand our reach and accommodate more children in need. We currently have 40 children in our system, but we know there are many more who could benefit from our services. Having our own transportation would enable us to provide reliable and safe transportation for the children to and from our centre, as well as for any outings or field trips. Additionally, having a permanent centre would allow us to create a more stable and inclusive environment that is accessible to all who wish to participate.