South African Youth development

Teebs’ Winter Camp 2016



Where I am from it takes a village to raise a child, quite literally. The South African nation obtains free-spirited people. We sing and dance through sunshine or rain, but most of all we laugh. Laughter helps to heal our open wounds so that life goes on.

When I grew up in Ga-Mamabolo my mind was limited, there were things that I never associated my self with. Driving a car was only for boys and rich girls in town, and flying was only in television. Although the planes were real, the people in the village would never have the opportunity to fly. I knew all about finding great places to get dry wood and I could tell you exactly where to find better fruits. Daylight was great but when the night falls I was locked for my safety. But America showed me that I can still walk free at night without being scared, I can dream big and if you are a workaholic your success will be unstoppable. I am living this story of freedom and it is just the beginning.

South Africa is a beautiful country with so many young people full of life and talents. However, every Friday, when our children leave school for the weekend, they are becoming victims of violence, sexual assault, and rape. The reason for those outcomes is because they have no shelter or guidance. They mirror what their neighbors practice by hurting others and stealing just to survive. This way of life is robbing our children of their youth and joy that they receive from schooling. They are abusing drugs such as Nyaope and becoming alcoholics at a young age. From these influences, they are very aggressive and are not afraid to stab or kill anyone.

For many in my village graduating high school meant the end of their education. The reality is; unemployment is very high, HIV and AIDS is killing so many people everyday, the economy is not doing well and people are not free in their own homes because of crime. In sum, there is no order.

Before, I left South Africa to America this was normal. I thought there was no hope—before the strangers came. Since my journey to America, I have been surrounded by others hoping for my success. It is through them that I have hope and a new look on life. Most importantly, my performing arts experience in college helped reignite my faith in following my dreams. I want to bring this idea of freedom and expressionism to South Africa’s youth.

Teebs’ Winter Camp’s mission is to help influence children not to take that path towards violence. I will achieve this by teaching our youth the social and economic problems we are facing today. Lastly, I we will practice different methods to express our history, our struggles, and our stories through singing, dancing, acting, designing, etc. While simultaneously bringing back our cultural values through traditional dances and poetries. My vision is to create strong leaders for South Africa’s future.

I want to share my experience in America, and my well-rounded education in the performing arts with our youth in South Africa. I will help them develop a solid, well-rounded education in the performing arts and remind our youth of South Africa’s cultural traditions.

I hope you will find value in my service to our community and sponsor our program with a donation that will go towards traveling expenses, accommodation on over night trips, props for shows, uniforms, miscellaneous tools etc. Your donations are greatly appreciated and your kindness will be expressed to our youth. I look forward to fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with you.


Warm Regards,

Mathiba