Bulelwa has
extensive experience working with children
n and youth living on the street.Tom has been
working with street children since 1992 after
first meeting street children in 1990, in Maputo
, during the Mozambican civil war. He is known
for his commitment to ending the round-ups of
street children by authorities in Durban and has
received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II for his work
with street children. Tom was Umthombo’s first CEO. Umthombo was originally called Durban Street Team in
1998 when it was an outreach and aftercare team of four
people and one vehicle that would drive around all day
assisting street children! A lot has changed, in 2004 it
was renamed Umthombo Street Children and the first
team of former street children joined and started being
trained as child and youth-care workers and advocacy
officers. in 2005 Umthombo was registered as a non-profit
organisation. Umthombo has developed a model of intervention
based around the fusion of high-intensity engagement
programmes (surfing, soccer, art, drama, music) and
psychosocial support towards an alternative to the streets. The central point of its activities is its 24/7 drop-in centre
called Safespace, in the Point area of Durban. In 2012 Umthombo entered an exciting new era by
bringing on Mpendulo Nyembe (a qualified social worker
and formerly KZN Office Manager and SADC Regional
Coordinator of the Institute for Healing of Memories) as
its new Director.
'
With the implementation of Umthombo’s new Director,
it was critical that a strategic planning session took place
inclusive of Umthombo’s key staff to redefine and establish
their strategic objectives to effectively deliver their services
to street children and making a difference in the community. VISION:
To provide a progressive and recognized best practice model
that offers alternatives to street life. VALUES:
To foster an environment for creativity and innovation. Promote open and transparent communication. Live out accountability and integrity at all times. Display commitment and passion at all times. Restore hope and provide a nurturing environment for
children and youth living on the street.
