The unstoppable duo behind Young Voice Academy (YOVA), Raphelang Simente and Cathrine Chibweza, are still hard at work and shooting for the stars. The two are familiar faces in Dobsonville and are actively involved in enriching the community with several programmes and initiatives through YOVA.
One such event is the Afrika Ke Rona Sports Fun Day, which they hosted on Saturday, 1 October, at Orlando Communal Hall.
Children from 13 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, totalling more than 200 kids, from Dobsonville, Snake Park, Zondi and Pennyville had a blast on the day. The games and sports ranged from races like relays, ball, scooter and sack races.
“It was an awesome day and the kids didn’t want to go home,” said Chibweza. “All you could see on the day was children smiling, excitement and even playing with vuvuzelas as they cheered on their friends.”
The event is held annually with the objective of facilitating, coordinating and encouraging community development.
Simente, the founder of YOVA, highlighted that the primary purpose of the event was to encourage the children by engaging in a variety of sports activities. “The benefits of sports are to help children develop physical skills, get exercise, learn teamwork skills, and improve self-esteem,” he adds.
In the quest to live up to its motto of inspiring and encouraging young development, Young Voice Academy decided to make the program an all-winner event, which means that there were no losers and each child received a certificate for participation.
YOVA’s aim is to educate and build a healthy environmental society focusing on love, unity, and transformation, and one of their objectives is skills training and development. Young Voice Academy also offers training in sports, academics, history, drama, and exposure to experiences such as museums and theater.
Keep an eye out for YOVA in and around Dobsonville as they intend on leaving a footprint and lasting impression with each initiative they host.
Written by Getrude Mamabolo and Brümilda Swartbooi
4/10/2022