Shout Out Loud

03/03/2026

On Friday, Shout Out Loud had the privilege of partnering with Restore Rebuild Renew Connect to sow words of wisdom into the lives of the Learner Representative Council (Grades 9–12) at Carlton van Heerden High School.

We are reminded through Scripture how God chose imperfect young people to lead — not because they had it all together, but because their hearts were willing. He qualifies the called, and He strengthens those who choose to serve.

We are excited to see how these young leaders will bring positive change and a powerful shift within their school. The future is in good hands

20/01/2026

🕊️ With Deepest Sympathy and Heartfelt Condolences 🕊️

Our organisation extends profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the families, caregivers, friends, and school communities who have lost beloved children in the tragic scholar transport accident near Johannesburg on 19 January 2026. This heartbreaking incident, in which a minibus taxi collided with a truck while transporting learners to school, claimed the lives of many precious young ones and has left our community in mourning.

We mourn with you, we grieve with you, and we stand in solidarity with every family affected by this unimaginable loss. No words can ease the pain of losing a child, but please know that you are not alone during this time of grief. Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with you as you navigate this tragic moment.

May the memories of these children be a blessing and a reminder of how precious every life is. We also keep in our thoughts those who were injured and wish them strength and healing.

💛 With heartfelt condolences,
Shout Out Loud NPC

12/01/2026

✨ Happy New Year, Family! ✨
We know it’s been a while since our last post, but as we step into this new year, our hearts are full of hope and purpose.

A new year also means a new school season, and many children are preparing to return to class without the basic essentials they need. We’re reopening our page with a mission close to our hearts, helping children start the school year with confidence, dignity, and joy 🎒📚

❤️ We are collecting donations for:
• School stationery
• School uniforms (all sizes)
• School shoes & bags

🙏 How you can help:
• Donate new or gently used items
• Sponsor a stationery pack or uniform
• Share this post so it reaches someone who can help

Thank you for walking this journey with us into the new year. May 2026 be a year of impact, compassion, and answered prayers ✨
Happy New Year! 🎉

06/12/2025

Testimony Part 2: There's a blessing in your obedience!
By: Abelene Maxwell , Founder of Shout Out Loud

On the 28th of December 2025, Shout Out Loud hosted our very first Graduation Ceremony, celebrating a group of teen moms and young women who had once lost hope. Women who believed their stories had ended... yet God was only turning the page.

On the night of our first event (read Part One), Ms Lucinda Evans identified signs of malnutrition in some of the teen moms and their babies. That single moment shifted everything. It launched our Healthcare Training, facilitated by Retired Nurse Susan Pietersen, and made possible by Philisa Abafazi Bethu SA and Uthando SA. This training became life-changing for both mother and child.

During that same season, we asked the ladies what skills they had.
Most said:
"We can braid hair... we can look after kids."

And from that simple answer, God birthed our second training - a Hair Salon Training programme facilitated by Shané Boer(Curly.com) and made possible by Philisa Abafazi Bethu SA.
Every session took place right in my mother's garage... a reminder that God doesn't need perfect spaces, only willing hearts.

In Week 3, the ladies began their Digital Literacy Programme through NEMISA NPC and Vaal University, facilitated by Jacquene Minaar.
They were introduced to basic computer skills, their functions, navigating the internet, practical skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. For the majority of the girls, it was their first time touching or working on a computer and yet, they showed up with courage.

During this time, our leadership team also travelled to Cape Town, where they were trained as GBV Activists and Emergency First Aid Responders.
Teacher Geduld and I participated in the Instigating Excellence Mentorship Workshop, alongside 2 learners from Saul Damon High and 3 from SC Kearns High, made possible once again by Philisa Abafazi Bethu SA.

We also Participated in the Indigenous Games training hosted by Department of Sports, Arts & Culture, where we were trained as Technical Officials. Thank You Edwin Boer for this opportunity, definitely sports that can bring a change in the lives of many young people.

Some of the certificates are non-pivotal, but the achievement thereof made a huge difference. For many of these young women, it was the first certificate they had ever received, a symbol of dignity, progress, and possibility. Many expressed their desire to return to school, complete Grade 12, pursue further studies, and simply be the first in their family to break free from poverty.

To all our donors
Thank you!
Your generosity made every moment possible. As an organisation, we are forever grateful.

The Lord also laid it on my heart to honour my team, women who served tirelessly, wholeheartedly, and without a salary. Through His grace, we were able to bless them with a small gesture of appreciation.

A Big Shout Out Loud to our motivational speaker for the evening, Pastor Amore Malgas. She came straight from work, sacrificed time with her family, and chose to sow seeds of hope, purpose, and identity into the lives of our young people. Pastor Amore, thank you so much for your obedience, your heart, and your willingness to pour into this generation.

A heartfelt thank you to Pastor Franklin Nelson, who captured our evening so beautifully and did so on his birthday. May God continue to bless you abundantly for your time, your gift, and your kindness.

God is faithful. And this is only the beginning.

To God be the glory.

05/12/2025

05/12/2025

Testimony Part One – Be Obedient Even if you don't have the funding Yet!
By: Abelene Maxwell, Founder of Shout Out Loud

Just like Joseph in the Bible, the Lord gave me a vision long before I ever knew how it would unfold. In 2017, while I was still at varsity, God showed me Shout Out Loud. He showed me how it would begin right in my mother’s house with young teenage ladies… and He showed me how it would end. I didn’t understand it then, but I carried it in my spirit.

Fast forward to early this year, the Lord placed a heavy, undeniable burden on my heart for the teen moms (since I can relate) and young girls in my own street. Some of them couldn’t finish school because of teenage pregnancy. Others were silently struggling with identity, confidence, and hope.

And in that moment, the Spirit of the Lord spoke clearly:
“Host an event especially for them. They are not able to attend high teas or motivational conferences, so create something for them.”

The Lord even guided me on who to invite, Shané Boer from Curly.com was one of them, chosen to share her testimony while demonstrating her skill on one of the ladies. Then came Linda Jonga, who taught the girls how to shape their eyebrows and reminded them that with the little you have, you can still make yourself beautiful.

We are forever grateful to Fashion and Clothing for the moment we shared the vision, Ms Abdul immediately assisted us with make-up for the initiative, heartfelt thanks for your kindness.

And then came our very time to host Ms Lucinda Evans, Director of Philisa Abafazi Bethu SA. She accepted the invitation willingly, became our main speaker, and even blessed the Organisation with donations so the girls could enjoy a warm meal and receive toiletries. Her heart for women and children was felt deeply that day. Thank you for investing so much of your time, your energy, your love, and your resources into this vision.

Little did I know… God was busy doing something far greater.

That night, the Lord expanded our team in a way only He can. What makes it even more beautiful is that the ladies who joined us weren’t even supposed to be at the event for we never made the event public. Yet the Holy Spirit stirred their hearts to be there.

That evening, God added:

✨ Vasoescka Snyman from Snyman Advisory – a woman who loves God deeply and serves with passion. She has been a blessing with our bookkeeping and guidance on our governance.
✨ Susan Pietersen – a retired nurse and pastor with a servant’s heart, always ready to step in and serve.
✨ And our precious late Suster Jacolene Oliphant – a woman who served God’s people with unwavering passion, dedication, and love.
✨ And of course, Shane Boer (Curly.com) – who carried the desire for years to inspire young women and empower them with her skills and knowledge. The following day Ms Evans brought all the ladies together and from that day onward we continued to serve with even greater determination.

That night wasn't just an event but a night God brought in destiny helpers. A reminder that when God gives a vision, He sends the right people at the right time.

To be continued…

06/11/2025

💜 GBV Awareness Program 💜

In partnership with the Department of Correctional Services, we recently hosted a powerful Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Awareness Program.

With so many GBV campaigns out there, on radio, television, in newsletters, and across social media, it’s heartbreaking to know that there are still so many individuals who don’t know what to do when they find themselves exposed to sexual assault or physical abuse.

At the same time, we recognise those who are too afraid to speak out, or who can’t just leave, whether it’s because the children are still small, there’s no steady income, or simply nowhere to go. 💔

Our guest speakers,
Sergeant Mjezu (Social Crime Unit),
Mrs. Setlai (Head of Centre, Correctional Services),
Dorethy Haas & Louisa Dodds (Neighbour Helping Neighbour NGO),
shared powerful messages of hope, education, and empowerment:
✨ Know your rights.
✨ Don’t drop your case, speak out and seek help.
✨ Learn where and how to report GBV.

Let’s continue to break the silence, support survivors, and stand together against gender-based violence.

Big shout-out to the amazing team from , Pastor Rampie for assisting us with a venue at short notice, and the lovely Venesse Isaacs for her warm hospitality and incredible help.

21/10/2025

The work we are doing doesn’t come with a salary or any other benefits yet however it’s God’s calling and passion that keeps us going.

Last week, we were invited to a Stakeholders Engagement where the leadership board expressed their gratitude for all we’ve done. Hearing their words of appreciation truly touched our hearts.

Sometimes, the greatest reward is knowing that your efforts are seen and making a difference. We’ll forever be grateful for the recognition and encouragement to keep going.

Thank You Team Shout Out Loud!

16/10/2025

Spring School at Saul Damon High 2025

What a beautiful moment. When Slinger asked the learners for a song, we honestly didn’t expect what came next, voices filled the room with such passion, warmth, and joy.

Moments like these remind us why we do what we do, to see young people express their gifts, confidence, and hope through every note they sing.

13/10/2025

The Prayer of King Solomon

“Now, Lord my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give Your servant a discerning heart to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong…”
— 1 Kings 3:7–9

🙏 Instead of asking for wealth or success, Solomon prayed for wisdom — a discerning heart to serve and lead well.
He recognized that his calling was greater than his ability, and that only God could equip him to fulfill it.

✨ So when you feel overwhelmed or unsure, don’t focus on your shortcomings, focus on the One who called you.

Pray as Solomon did:
“Lord, give me a discerning heart to lead, love, and serve well.”

Because God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips those He calls. 💛

10/10/2025

We had the privilege to sow seeds of hope into the lives of Gr 12 learners during Spring School at Saul Damon High. Encouraging the learners to Rise Against All Odds. All the best Class of 2025 🎊🎊🎊