The youth of Nkomazi, Mpumalanga, started a programme with Imagine Scholar to include the elderly in fun music and art projects.
Nkomazi, South Africa (12 July 2024) – Imagine Scholar is a youth development programme based in Nkomazi, Mpumalanga. The organisation’s mission is to catalyze untapped potential within the community.
The question that drives this mission is, “How do you radically but sustainably change a community?” Impact can look many different ways, one of which is how alumni and students invest their time into improving community institutions.
Zanele, Nompendulo, Londeka, and Thabiso, esteemed alumni of Imagine Scholar, alongside current students Nikiwe and Refiloe, have embarked on a heartfelt mission to bring joy and companionship to the elderly residents of the Kamhlushwa old age home. Inspired by the powerful documentary “Alive Inside” by Micheal Rosario-Bennett, which they had the privilege of viewing at a recent film festival hosted by Imagine Scholar, they have decided to utilize various forms of engagement to brighten the days of the elders.
Drawing from the documentary’s exploration of using music to combat memory loss and restore a profound sense of self, the group has incorporated soul-soothing tunes into its visits.
They have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of music in eliciting memories and emotions in the elderly residents, creating moments of connection and joy.
In addition to music, the group has introduced storytelling as a means of preserving and sharing the elders’ rich cultural heritage. Through indigenous games, they facilitate moments of laughter and play, tapping into the nostalgia and fond memories of the residents’ youth.
But the initiative doesn’t stop there. Recognising the universal language of sports, the group has introduced football as a form of physical activity and camaraderie. The sight of the elders and students engaging in friendly matches not only brings smiles to their faces but also strengthens bonds and fosters a sense of community.
Each weekly visit to the Kamhlushwa Old Age Home is filled with warmth, laughter, and genuine connections. The joy radiating from the elders is mirrored in the faces of the alumni and students, who find fulfilment and purpose in making a positive impact in their community.
Through their dedicated efforts, Zanele, Nompendulo, Londeka, Thabiso, Nikiwe, and Refiloe exemplify the power of compassion, empathy, and human connection. Their initiative serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us of the profound difference we can make in the lives of others through acts of kindness and solidarity.
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