Personal message

My name is Marlijn van Berne Davidson, the Managing Director of OneVoice South Africa (OVSA). I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on our ongoing efforts and challenges, in our efforts to support young people on staying healthy, building resilience, finishing school and transitioning into the World of Work. Working alongside some 5000 high school learners, and 1100 young women students in colleges across KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, OVSA delivers high-energy Life Skills and Enterprise Development interventions that address many of the critical health and lifestyle issues that our young people face, daily.

For many, being a young person in South Africa is not easy. Growing up is a journey often burdened with the effects of a seemingly unrelenting dual HIV/TB epidemic, and educational systems still recovering from previous inequalities. Not to mention, issues of poverty,  unemployment and gender-based violence. Despite so much adversity, our brave youth, their families, partners, friends, and donors continue to support our cause. They believe in the potential of these young individuals to shape a brighter future - and like us, are inspired by their stories of hope, boundless energy, passion, and vibrant ideas that contribute to building a better today and tomorrow. For OVSA, young people are at the heart of everything we do. 

It is however clear, that now, more than ever, we need to stand together in friendship, in love and in faith. Thanks to your previous support, we were able to close out 2022 on a high note. Sadly, prevailing economic insecurities continue to challenge our efforts to help young people live and thrive, amid Covid-19, electricity shortages, rising food prices, crumbling water infrastructure and access to water, and limited and unequal access to quality healthcare and education. For young girls and women, especially, achieving financial independence is critical, given the prevalence of gender-based violence in our country. Many young girls resort to relying on sugar daddies, and a shocking estimated 40% of women will experience rape in their lifetime. Financial literacy, entrepreneurial thinking, enterprise development, and supporting girl entrepreneurs launching small businesses have become priorities for our organisation. We also focus on resilience and capacity-building activities within the faith-based and environmental sectors.

Your continued financial support is essential to our work, and today, I humbly request that you consider becoming a monthly donor. It's a relatively effortless commitment with the assistance of BackaBuddy, that minimises administrative costs, provides secure income, and grants us the flexibility to stay one step ahead. Just R220 helps a Community-based Facilitator to and from school for 1 week, provides 10 learners with data, and buys materials for 1 class of 50 learners, for 1 month. No amount is too small, as every bit will help us to help our young people stay healthy, focussed on their education and prepare for a meaningful future. 

On behalf of OVSA and the young people we serve, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your consideration and past support, which has had tremendous impact on the lives of our young people. Thank you, once again, from the bottom of my heart. Warm regards,

Marlijn van Berne Davidson, Managing Director.

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