29 May 2017

Tshesebe Youth Production Center founder, Mr Onkarabile Feni says his association has so far removed a considerable number of youths from the streets through its youth tailor-made initiatives.

In an interview, the enthusiastic Mr Feni said his association was formed in 2009, but was formerly registered with the Registrar of Societies in 2011.

He said his association was aimed at creating a platform where young people could nurture and use their God-given talents to earn a living away from alcohol and drugs.

The 28-year-old said his association was already operating in places such as Tshesebe, Francistown, Shakawe and Maun and their theatre drama was engaged in educating people about HIV and AIDS, alcohol and substance abuse, gender based violence through the District Health Management Team.

“I used to work in a hotel before starting this association and I often came across a number of youths idling, that is when I thought about coming up with a platform where they could engage in doing something, hence the formation of this association,” highlighted Mr Feni.

Mr Feni said that forming his association did not come easy due to lack of funds and that saw him having to consult approach companies for help.

He said Black Stork helped him with computer equipment, groceries and t-shirts during his negotiations with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development.

He further pointed out that other local companies such as Classic Drop and Unic Touch also offered a paramount support by contributing financially during the formation of the association.

For his part, managing director of Unic Touch, Mr Boga Tlhabologa said they took pride as a company for having helped Mr Feni to help others to get off the streets, adding that as the elders it was the young ones to stand on their feet.

“We are grateful to have worked with Onkarabile’s association and we are looking forward to working with them in the future.

As a businessman I encourage young people to always come forward and ask for help whenever they need one as that is the only way one can prosper,” said Mr Tlhabologa.

He pointed out that his company was not only working with Tshesebe Youth Production Center, but was working with other youth organisations and that his company was also associated with the Tshwaragano Junior Secondary School, adding that his company currently had employed 14 people, 12 of whom are the youth.

Mr Feni thanked all the people who took part in the formation of his association.

He said if it was not for them, he could have not achieved anything.

He reminded the youth to remain focused as they were the future generation of this nation. ENDS