Nyara Youth Development

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.

28/05/2026

Last week, our Operations Director, Verdra Brown, who is a member of the Border-Kei Chamber of Business Agriculture Committee, attended the 3-day Africa Agricultural Indaba in East London alongside one of our team members as part of our agri-programme.

The event brought together farmers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and young people for important conversations around agriculture, food security, entrepreneurship and opportunities within the sector.

We also showcased some of the products from our agri-programme during the event, alongside the exciting opportunity to engage with Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane and MEC for Agriculture, Nonceba Kontsiwe.

It was amazing to see so many young people and emerging farmers being part of the event, showcasing their work, sharing ideas and contributing to conversations around the future of agriculture in the Eastern Cape.

A big thank you to Border-Kei Chamber of Business for hosting such a great event.

20/05/2026

Some of our younger learners got a sweet little surprise with teddy bears we had at the NYD centre, with one of our coaches, Phiweka, happily handing them out 💛

From nonstop smiles to kids proudly showing off their teddy bears, it turned into such a fun moment and something special for them to take home.

10/05/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mothers.

Today we celebrate your love, strength and all that you do every day 🌸

08/05/2026

We’re proud to be featured by our partner, FoodForward SA, in their latest newsletter article, sharing more about our work and impact in Mooiplaas, Eastern Cape.

Thank you to FoodForward SA for their continued support of our feeding programmes and community work 🙌

Read more here: https://www.foodforwardsa.org/building-stronger-futures-in-mooiplaas-nyara-youth-development/

29/04/2026

Our Entrepreneurship Incubator Programme got off to an exciting start.

Facilitated by Bumb'INGOMSO, five sessions in, young people explored business ideas, looked at real needs in their communities while building practical business and financial skills to turn their ideas into real opportunities for self-employment.

In the first two sessions, Pearl (House of Zwide) joined, shared words of encouragement and sang a gospel song that brought great excitement to the group.

More to come.