News

MIET AFRICA, supported by the Sanlam Foundation, implemented a maths support programme in 15 primary and eight secondary schools from 2017 to 2022 in KwaZulu-Natal. A set of 12 videos covering key topics on number concept development (number sense) at Grade 4 level was developed as one of the outputs of the support programme. The videos can be used by teachers during lessons, by learners (individual and in groups) at home or in school to cover learning gaps, and by caregivers (parents) in supporting their children at home. The videos are available in English and isiZulu.

View the videos now on MIET AFRICA’s YouTube Channel

Poor number concept development in primary school learners eventually leads to poor performance in maths in the higher grades. In the 2019 “Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study” (TIMSS) Grade 4/5 study, South Africa was one of the five lowest performing countries,

At the age of 18, Graham Tinotenda Mushavi from Zimbabwe has become a published author. His book, Behind masculinity—The reality, was inspired by his experience in the Boys’ Mentorship Club that FutureLife-Now! started at his school. Graham’s bold act has motivated other young people in his community to start writing; they are dreaming of publishing and launching their own books. Read about Graham’s story, and more in the first edition of the year of FutureLife-Now! news.

As the two-year pilot comes to an end, MIET AFRICA wishes to thank the Zenex Foundation for its support, and thanks the learners, educators and partners who have supported the I Read, I Lead Project since January 2022.

Fostering a love of reading and books in young people is crucial for their intellectual and emotional development. This is especially true for learners at selected project schools in KwaZulu-Natal, who for the last two years, have been part of a pilot project to improve reading with understanding, and instil a love of the written word, and books.

As this two-year project comes to an end, two very exciting events recently took place to acknowledge the learners who have exceeded expectations, and to say thank you to the educators who have been supportive of the project, since it began In January 2022.

A partnership project initiated and supported by the Zenex Foundation,

Exciting news for the FutureLife-Now! community and all those with a stake in gender equality in the education sector! At their annual meeting held recently in the Democratic Republic of Congo, SADC Ministers of Education adopted the SADC Boys’ and Young Men’s Vulnerability Framework as an addendum to the Care and Support for Teaching and Learning Policy Framework (CSTL PF). Read about this, and more in the latest edition of FutureLife-Now! News.

We are pleased to announce that our short film, ‘Our Changing Climate – Episode 1’ won the Best Conservational/Wildlife Documentary Short at the prestigious 10th Annual Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela KZN Film & Television Awards! The two-episode TV series ‘Our Changing Climate – Our time to act’ focuses on positive actions taken by youths as climate change activists to adapt to and mitigate climate change. It paints a positive vision of a future world in which these actions will have contributed to averting climate change. The TV series complements a 12-episode radio series broadcast in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Produced by Tekwini Productions as a contribution to the SADC FutureLife-Now! Programme, the TV series presents a partnership with UNITAR and the UN CC: Learn programme.

To watch the the second episode of ur Changing Climate, click here

As FutureLife-Now! continues to expand its reach and impact, it remains dedicated to empowering Zambia’s youth and ensuring a healthier and brighter future for all.

The FutureLife-Now! Programme in Zambia recently participated in the 2023 International Trade Fair (ITF). This high-profile event provided an excellent opportunity to promote the Programme and showcase its commitment to the well-being and empowerment of Zambia’s youth. Through networking, new partnerships were established, with the aim of raising awareness about crucial health and wellness issues and the empowerment of the next generation of youth.

This annual event, which draws many dignitaries, was held from 26 June to 2 July 2023, under the theme, “Stimulating Economic Development Through Partnerships, Trade and Investment”.

FutureLife-Now! has a strong partnership with the Zambian Ministry of Health. “During the event, we proudly shared our collaboration with the Ministry of Health to strengthen healthcare for adolescents.

Ubuntu Youth Leaders’ Programme kicks off in Zimbabwe, comprehensive sexuality education workshop in Zambia helps to demystify myths and misconceptions in Zambia, further updates on strengthened linkages with health facilities in Malawi and much more in the 12th edition of FutureLife-Now! newsletter, out now. Also available in French and Portuguese. Make sure you subscribe to receive these quarterly newsletters directly to your inbox! Click here to read more.

An encounter with a teenager last year who had started her period but did not have sanitary pads sparked an idea in Thobeka Gumede, a KwaZulu-Natal mother of a teenage girl. “I felt helpless when this young girl explained that her parents could not afford sanitary pads and that she could not go to school. I knew I had to do something.”

Reflecting on her own upbringing, Thobeka had always aspired to become someone who could positively impact her community, no matter how small the contribution. “When I was at school, I said to myself, when I grow up, I also want to donate to a school in need. Now that I am grown up, I did it,” she chuckled, reminiscing about her childhood aspirations.

Driven by her personal experiences and a desire to make a difference, Thobeka decided to donate a sufficient quantity of sanitary pads to a local primary school.