Global Camps Africa’s impact extends far beyond the eight days of residential camp or even the year-round Youth Clubs. Sandile, a current Camp Sizanani program participant, experienced the power of that network effect in a transformative way this year.

It all started with a camp counselor (vochelli) named Bokang Mokoena, who served as a Youth Club Team Leader years ago. Even then, it was clear that Bokang had a passion for connecting with young people...especially those who were struggling to meet their potential. Recognized for his special skills by a US camp director visiting Camp Sizanani, he was hired as summer camp staff at Frost Valley YMCA in the United States, where he shared his talent and further developed his own tools for working effectively with youth. He went on to leverage these experiences and founded Phakamani Young Minds Academy, a youth-led community organization in Johannesburg that provides academic assistance, support, and mentorship to learners throughout their schooling careers. His goal was to help foster the skills and mindset that South Africa needs in its future leaders.

Fast-forward to 2021 and Sandile, who has attended Camp Sizanani and Youth Clubs since 2018. Global Camps Africa’s team identified her as a young woman with extraordinary gifts, but who was struggling to meet her potential because of some challenges in her home life. Sandile lives with her father, two sisters, and her sister’s child in a poor township outside Johannesburg and, although she was receiving support from Global Camps Africa, the stress of living in sustained poverty in an unsafe environment was affecting her academic performance.

The story could have ended there. But it didn’t, because of the connection between Global Camps Africa and its network of camp counselors. We reached out to Bokang for help, and he immediately offered Sandile a scholarship to get the extra academic support she needs through his community organization. Now, Sandile is on track to go to university and change the environment she is living in.

After participating in the Phakamani Young Minds Academy for the past several months, Sandile says,

“It has helped a lot. My schoolwork has improved and I’m expecting great results this term. Phakamani Young Minds Academy trains us to take ourselves seriously...In the next five years, I hope to go to university!”