Mbali Mokoena is fundraising for Kids Haven Teen Hub

by Kids Haven

Benoni, Gauteng Education

I believe Kids Haven Teen Hub is a great cause. I am doing this because...
Mbali Mokoena

#doDifferent

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Different Donations

R 600

Funded to date

R 4,000

Goal

This project is raising funds to help sustain The Kids Haven Teen Hub. This hub provides a safe, stimulating environment where up to 100 teenagers can connect, learn, and grow. They also offer free access to digital learning resources and a well-stocked library to support academic improvement. Beyond academics, teens can forge new friendships and participate in a variety of sports, cultural, and leisure activities.

By investing in the Kids Haven Teen Hub, you're helping us keep vulnerable teenagers safe, engaged, and on a positive path, away from loneliness and risky choices.

Inner-city schools often lack extracurricular activities, leaving teenagers with limited options after the school day ends. With parents working long hours, many teens find themselves alone, waiting for transport or returning to empty homes. The Kids Haven Teen Hub provides a vital solution, offering a safe and engaging space for up to 100 teenagers. Here, they can connect, learn, and boost their academics with free access to digital learning and a library. Beyond academics, the Hub fosters new friendships and provides opportunities for sport, cultural, and leisure activities, helping teens avoid loneliness and reducing their risk of engaging in substance abuse and other harmful behaviours.

Here is a story from one of their kids:

Makhi is 16 and lives in a high-rise block of flats in Benoni town with his mom and siblings. After school used to be the worst part of his day — just going straight home, stuck inside, nothing to do. His mom didn’t want him hanging around town. She was right — it’s dangerous out there. There are quite a lot of Nyaope boys and sometimes things just felt out of control. One time, Makhi got caught up in a protest and couldn’t get back to his flat for hours. He was scared.

But last year things changed. Makhi started going to Kids Haven’s Teen Hub, a place to meet in the afternoons after school and on the weekend. Now, in the afternoon — and even on Saturdays — he heads there. It’s safe, it’s friendly, and it’s actually fun.

Makhi signed up for help with Maths and English, and for the first time, school makes sense. The tutor went back to basics and explained things slowly. Makhi’s marks are better, and he can feel it — he’s keeping up now. It's making school feel more manageable.

But what Makhi really looks forward to is Drama class with Tsietsi. "He’s brilliant," Makhi always says. In that room, Makhi feels different — confident, loud, alive. He can use his voice and his body like he means something. He’s not the most confident outside of drama, not yet, but he’s getting there. Last year the drama group went to the Joburg Theatre to perform. The play was called One of our Clowns is missing. It was amazing to be on that huge stage.

Fridays are for computer class — another favourite. Makhi’s learning real skills and even started researching careers and universities. There’s no computer at home, so this feels really important. He can use the computers on other days whenever he needs to.

And now there’s darts. Makhi had no idea it was a real sport with world champions. Turns out it teaches focus and discipline. He’s actually pretty good at it. There are also visitors who join the Teen Hub, especially on Saturdays. They always have new ideas and games to play. And snacks!

The Teen Hub isn’t just a place to hang out. For Makhi, it’s a safe place to grow. A place to tap into new things and be better prepared for the future.

Project activity

18

Jul

Allocated R600 to Mbali Mokoena is fundraising for Kids Haven Teen Hub 9 months ago

Mbali Mokoena signed up as a #doDifferent activist completed step 1 of Becoming an Activist. Their NGO received R600 to make a difference in South Africa

Mbali Mokoena is fundraising for Kids Haven Teen Hub

by Kids Haven

Benoni, Gauteng Education

Project activity

Funded to date:

R 600

Funding goal: R 4,000

NGO: Kids Haven

Start: 18th July 2025

End: 3rd October 2025