Nyara Youth Development

08/09/2026

Sharing the Green Learn2Earn Agroecology Pathway, a free online programme giving young people the opportunity to learn more about agroecology, sustainable farming and the ways agricultural skills can be used to create income opportunities.

The programme allows young people to learn at their own pace while building practical knowledge and skills around agriculture and sustainability.

If this is something that may interest you or a young person in your community, scan the QR code on the flyer for more information and to get started. ✨

03/09/2026

Kitchen Chemistry brought science to life at NYD! 🤩

Our learners had the opportunity to experience science in a different way through Kitchen Chemistry, with Professor Stephen Ashworth guiding them through exciting experiments and encouraging curiosity, discovery and plenty of fun.

From exploring battery and electric flow to seeing the fireproof paper experiment in action, the learners had plenty of opportunities to take part, ask questions and discover just how fascinating science could be.

The day was a great reminder that science is all around us and that learning can be fun, practical and exciting.

We’re grateful to Professor Stephen Ashworth for sharing his knowledge, energy and love for science with our learners.

25/08/2026

Earlier this month, Nyara Youth Development was part of the 3rd Eastern Cape Education Partnerships Conference, held in the Eastern Cape under the theme “Advancing Learning Outcomes Through Stronger School, Government, and Civil Society Partnership.”

The two-day conference brought together stakeholders to explore how stronger collaboration between schools, government, civil society, communities and other partners can contribute to better learning outcomes and create meaningful opportunities for young people.

A key focus was the role that young people and communities can play in education, including discussions around youth development, training, employment pathways and supporting young people to contribute meaningfully within their communities. The Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) was also part of the conversations around creating pathways for young people.

The conversations reinforced for us the importance of partnerships that move beyond discussion and translate into practical opportunities, stronger support systems and meaningful pathways for young people.

We’re grateful to have been part of a space that brought different perspectives together around a shared goal: creating better outcomes for learners and stronger opportunities for young people in the Eastern Cape.

17/08/2026

Supporting young entrepreneurs and celebrating their ideas! 💡

Last week, our Director, Robyn Brown, had the opportunity to serve as one of the judges at the Eastern Cape Regional Rounds of the 2026 Entrepreneurship Inter-College Competition, held at Buffalo City TVET College.

It was inspiring to see young entrepreneurs from TVET colleges across the province share their ideas and showcase their businesses.

We’re proud to have been part of a space that encouraged young people to grow their skills, explore entrepreneurship and create opportunities for themselves and their communities.

Allan Gray Makers Absa South Africa Inspire Education SA

08/08/2026

EXCITING news! ✨

We’re so proud to share that our LEAP Ladder Programme has been officially nominated for the 2026 World Youth Clubs Promise Awards in the Club Program of the Year category! 🙌🏽

Our application has been received and is now in the judging process. We’re incredibly grateful to see the work we do with young people in our community recognised.

Wish us luck!

World Youth Clubs

24/07/2026

We're honoured to have been featured by the Issroff Family Foundation as part of their . ✨

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Nyara Youth Development and for recognising the work being done in Nyara Villages.

As they shared, "youth development can't happen in isolation – it has to address the full picture of what young people and families are navigating." Those words reflect the heart of everything we do.

Thank you for featuring NYD.

Watch the video that shares our story.

Read the full post here: https://lnkd.in/eJ8pn7jc

18/07/2026

Today, we shared fresh vegetables from our permaculture garden with older women in the Nyara Villages, delivering them directly to their homes as part of our Nelson Mandela Day 67 Minutes initiative.

Many of these women spent years growing food and caring for their families through their own gardens. As they have grown older, we wanted to honour them by sharing some of the harvest from our garden with them.

The smiles, conversations and warm welcome reminded us of the importance of looking after one another and keeping the spirit of community alive.

In honouring the legacy of Tata Madiba, we are reminded that kindness, compassion and caring for one another remain at the heart of stronger communities.

17/06/2026

With Sport for Social Change Network Africa - SSCNA – I just made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers! 🎉

16/06/2026

Yesterday was a truly SPECIAL day at Nyara Youth Development as we came together to commemorate Youth Day.

Our learners reflected on the courage, resilience and sacrifices of the youth of 1976 through powerful performances, inspiring messages and moments of reflection.

One of the highlights of the day was watching our learners bring Sarafina to life through dance, drama and storytelling. From the energy of the Youth Day chant to the vibrant Gumboot Dance, the day was filled with excitement, learning and community spirit.

Captain Kanuka from Khwenxurha SAPS also shared valuable insights into the significance of Youth Day and why its legacy should never be forgotten.

Thank you to all our partners, guests, learners, staff and community members who helped make the day so memorable.

And a special thank you to our partner, Sport for Social Change Network Africa - SSCNA for sponsoring sanitary care packs for our learners.

Together, we honoured our history, celebrated our youth and invested in the leaders of tomorrow💚

29/05/2026

We are incredibly proud to share that our Founder, Robyn Mafanya, has been nominated as a Daily Dispatch Local Hero ✨🎉

What started as a vision to create opportunities for children and young people in rural communities has grown into programmes that continue to make a difference every day.

This nomination is a reminder of why our work matters and of the incredible young people, families, communities and team members who are part of the journey.

A special thank you to Daily Dispatch for recognising and sharing stories that make a difference in our communities.

We are incredibly grateful for this recognition and all that it represents for NYD and the communities we serve.

You can read the full article here: https://www.dailydispatch.co.za/local-heroes/2026-05-29-how-do-you-teach-digital-literacy-to-a-hungry-child/

Disturbed by the desperate socioeconomic circumstances in her village, Robyn Mafanya founded the Nyara Youth Development nonprofit organisation to help children and young adults gain access to education, skills and opportunities.