04/08/2025
Empowering Youth Through Innovation and Sport: Coach Tumi and the It Takes a Village Foundation
By SA Rainbow News | 2 August 2025
Coach Tumi, a passionate community leader and founder of It Takes a Village Foundation, is a shining example of what it means to lead with purpose. Growing up in a township and witnessing the challenges faced by young people, she was determined to create change. That determination gave birth to a vision focused on giving young people a fighting chance.
Established in 2023, It Takes a Village Foundation has become a transformative force in underprivileged communities, especially in urban townships and rural areas. Her foundation focuses on providing access to resources and opportunities, ensuring no young person is left behind.
The foundation’s mission is to empower youth through sports, education, and mentorship, while the vision is a society where every young person can unlock their full potential through equitable access to opportunities.
Core programs and activities include:
Sports development (soccer, netball, and athletics) Life skills and mentorship training Academic support and tutoring Community outreach initiatives
These programs are designed not just to empower, but to equip youth with the confidence, discipline, and tools to navigate life’s challenges.
To measure impact, the foundation uses surveys, regular evaluations, and feedback from beneficiaries. Tracking academic improvement, sports participation, and mentorship involvement helps ensure that each program remains relevant and impactful.
The organization has built strong partnerships with local schools and sports clubs, enabling access to facilities, educational tools, and volunteer networks. These partnerships have enhanced the scope and effectiveness of the foundation’s work.
Despite facing funding shortages and logistical barriers, Coach Tumi and her team have responded by diversifying their funding streams, strengthening partnerships, and improving operational efficiency — all while remaining deeply connected to the community.
Volunteers play an essential role in delivering the foundation’s mission. From coaching and mentoring to assisting with admin, they help create an environment where young people can thrive. Their time and skills are vital to the success of every program.
There are many ways to support this inspiring movement: donate, volunteer, sponsor a program, or simply spread the word. Every act of support goes a long way toward building a stronger, more hopeful future for young people.
A highlight on the calendar is the Coding and Robotics Competition, hosted on 2 August 2025 at Katlamping Primary School in Tembisa 1632. This event brought together learners from across communities to explore their skills in science, technology, and innovation — a true celebration of youth talent and teamwork.
Reflecting on her journey, Coach Tumi advises:
> “Identify a genuine need in your community and develop a clear plan to address it. Surround yourself with passionate and dedicated individuals, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
She expresses heartfelt gratitude to the parents, teachers, and schools that continue to show up and support. She remains committed to encouraging relevant education that helps young people adapt to a fast-changing world.
Coach Tumi believes the key to improving our economic and social conditions lies in sharing skills, information, and knowledge within communities. Only together can we rise.
> "This journey would not have been possible without the incredible support of our partners and sponsors. I’d like to sincerely thank First Lego League (FLL) for providing both the training and the essential coding and robotics kits that made this program a reality. A special thank you to the Mall of Thembisa, whose generous contribution allowed us to purchase additional kits for our learners. We’re also grateful to the UNISA Science Engagement Centre for their impactful training and ongoing support. Appreciation goes to FIRST SA for the loan of robotics kits, which added immense value to our sessions. Lastly, heartfelt thanks to Kgatlamping Primary School for opening their doors and allowing us to implement this program in their school. Together, we are shaping a future of innovation, learning, and opportunity."
> — Coach Tumi
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📝 Written by SA Rainbow News – Media With Purpose