THOHOYANDOU – Youths who come from indigent families in Limpopo will soon be able to further their studies after the establishment of the Limpopo Youth Barkers Organization (Lybo). The organisation was founded in March with the sole aim of generating funds for poor youths who have passed Grade 12 but cannot further their studies because their parents cannot afford to pay for their tertiary education.

The secretary of Lybo, Maanda Nemandava, says the organization will also assist a number of high school learners with financial difficulties to pay for their school fees.

“We have realized that there are youths who are doing well in their studies but they do not have financial backing to further their studies. We came together and decided to form this organization to instill a culture of learning among the local youths. We also want to curb the crime pandemic, which is destroying our youths…”

Maanda says Lybo generates funds through beauty contests, live music shows, choral music competitions and sports tournaments.

“If everything goes according to our plan, we will start assisting the youth with study funds early next year. We felt we have a great responsibility to contribute to the grooming of our future leaders. Financial difficulties are the major stumbling block for poor youths to further their education and we felt that we needed to do something about it…”

Maanda says Lybo invites all youths to take part in its activities for the development of the community.

“We welcome any youth, regardless of gender, creed or religion. Although we do not have a sponsor, we hope to raise more funds in the near future so that we may assist as many youths as possible…”

He says another major fundraising activity in the form of a beauty contest will take place on 24 September at Makonde Shopping Complex.

“We encourage community members to attend in large numbers because the proceedings of the beauty contest will assist the first batch of needy students. The audience will stand the chance to win DVDs, Home Theatres, TVs and dinner sets…”

Community members who would like to know more about Lybo can contact Maanda at 083 956 4862.