Mayibuye is a new initiative designed to keep disadvantaged South African youth off the streets, away from gang activity, crime and substance abuse. Mayibuye creates a space for rural and urban young adults to come together to learn and exchange ideas though dance and theatre. We encourages our students to become active leaders in the community, by designing performances which can educate their friends and family about the issues they face including HIV/AIDS, racism, teen pregnancy, violence etc.

Currently the Mayibuye Performance Troop consists of 30 high school students who train and rehearse after school. Mayibuye are now developing a full-time dance and life skills course to provide for students who have finished school, however are unable to find employment or go on to university, therefore becoming vulnerable to negative social influences due to lack of options. Our full time dance/life skills course trains young people not only in a wide variety of dance disciplines but also allows them to receive a broad, life-skills education covering areas like nutrition, anatomy, interviewing, teaching, music arrangement, cultural awareness, business studies, mentoring and choreography with a large focus on community development.

We are able to run the course with no cost to the providing institute and the students because classes are taught by partner organisations and Australian dance teachers who visit South Africa on 1-3 month volunteer community development placement.

Mayibuye has a volunteer team in both South Africa and Australia, all of whom have a vast amount of experience working with international aid and development organisations around the world. We are young, passionate and devoted to empowering communities with the skills and resources they need to make positive change in their lives, resulting in a brighter future.

Mayibuye Mission and Values

1. 1. 1To bring young people from rural and urban areas together to exchange ideas and experiences
       
      

   2. 2To encourage growth through mutual understanding
       
      

   3. 3Provide avenues for motivated and driven individuals to broaden and further their post secondary school education
       
      

   4. 4Enabling passionate students to create long-term change in their communities
       
      

   5. 5Empowering South African youth with the skills needed to direct their lives towards a brighter future
       
      

   6. 6Present disadvantaged adolescents with variety of networking and mentoring opportunities from inspirational community leaders.
       
      

   7. 7Increase poverty awareness amongst the Australian population and offer avenues for them to actively contribute their skills and talents to making a positive difference.