By collaborating with schools and other charities, Make It Happen NPO uses creative arts and storytelling to bring hope, creativity, and pride into community spaces and the children they serve.
Daveyton, South Africa (02 December 2025) – Colour and creativity breathe life into our world, and Make It Happen is an organisation dedicated to using creative arts, storytelling, and community engagement as tools for education and social development.
“Our work focuses on empowering children, strengthening early childhood learning environments, and driving community upliftment through impactful visual arts,” shares Outreach Programme Manager, Salamina Monopela.
Collaborations That Foster Creativity
Make It Happen achieves this meaningful work by collaborating with schools and other charities as part of its active network of youth groups in Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas, including schools in the region.
Based in the community of Daveyton, the organisation has partnered with local communities, businesses, and the municipality on several creative projects.
“We have partnered with community arts centres such as Rhoo Hlatswayo, the East Rand School of the Arts, and Sibikwa Arts Centre.”
“We have also brought Ekurhuleni-born and resident celebrities to schools, to inspire learners to stay in school and pursue education.”
Empowering The Youth Through Art
Make It Happen has created a platform for young people both in and out of school to express themselves. The organisation’s programme offers a unique blend of interactive learning and narrative therapy designed to enhance children’s knowledge of visual arts and life skills, while reducing risk-taking by boosting self-esteem and self-advocacy.
This year, they brought a wave of colour to White River Pre-Primary School through the Colour on Wheels project, which involved painting murals on plain walls and adding a splash of colour to other school property.
“Our model of ‘experiential’ learning encourages participation and fosters a ‘learning by doing’ environment, which supports young people to learn, grow stronger, and make positive choices for their future,” Salamina explains.
Throughout its 13 years of existence, the organisation’s primary aim has been to connect young people with opportunities.
“We provide skills transfer opportunities through our projects that ensure young people are tracked and empowered,” Salamina says.
Environmental Awareness and Water Safety in Rural Pre-Schools
Make It Happen NPO is underway with preparations to launch an Environmental Awareness and Water Safety Mural Project aimed specifically at disadvantaged village pre-schools across South Africa, starting in communities in Durban/KZN Midlands, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape/Karoo, Free State, Northern Cape, Limpopo, and the Cape regions.
The goal is to transform early-learning centres with vibrant educational murals, promote environmental consciousness from a young age, and teach foundational water safety principles through visual storytelling.
To help “make this happen”, the organisation is currently seeking support from organisations willing to sponsor murals, supplies, or community engagement activities as it continues to uplift young children through creative educational interventions.
“Our hope is to bring hope, creativity, and pride into community spaces,” says Salamina.
To get in touch, contact Salamina via email at rmonopela@gmail.com or makeithappennpo189@gmail.com
“Together, we can bring awareness, colour, safety, and environmental knowledge to the youngest members of our most vulnerable communities.”
Sources: Make It Happen NPO
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:
Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 