“When you shape a young mind, you shape the future of an entire community.” This simple truth drives Penelope Molangwane, a dedicated representative of Teens on a Mission Foundation, based in Tembisa in Johannesburg East under the Ekurhuleni municipality.
In an exclusive interview, Molangwane shared how this registered non-profit tackles the real challenges faced by teenagers every day, proving that meaningful change starts at community level and does not need to wait for big budgets or government support.
Each day, Molangwane and her team wake up with one purpose in mind: to give hope and guidance to the teenagers who need it most. For them, this is not charity work for strangers but a commitment to their own neighbours and families. They live in the same streets and experience the same struggles they aim to solve.
South Africa faces serious problems when it comes to its young people. Statistics South Africa reported that nearly 90,000 girls aged between 10 and 19 gave birth in 2022 alone. Teenage pregnancy remains high and often cuts short a girl’s education and future dreams. Alongside this, substance abuse among teenagers is increasing at an alarming rate. The South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use has shown that more young people, some as young as 12, are using drugs and alcohol. This adds to school dropouts, crime and the cycle of poverty that is hard to break.
Globally, teenagers face strong peer pressure, which the World Health Organisation says leads to risky behaviour, substance abuse, unsafe sex and criminal activities. Many teenagers have no safe space or trusted adult to turn to when faced with tough choices.
In the middle of this crisis, Teens on a Mission Foundation is bringing real solutions to Tembisa. They do more than run youth activities. They mentor teenagers, teach life skills, and keep them safe and engaged during school holidays. For families struggling to afford basics, they provide school uniforms, stationery and toiletries. This practical help keeps teenagers in school and focused on learning instead of worrying about what they lack at home.
Molangwane says that teenagers are not problems waiting to happen but future leaders waiting for someone to guide them. The foundation works closely with local high schools, and teachers confirm that students who take part in the programme attend school more often, focus better and have the confidence to stand up to peer pressure and make good choices.
Walking through Tembisa, the difference is clear. Young people who once hung around street corners now stand taller, greet elders with respect and avoid falling into the traps of drugs, crime and gangs. This positive change lifts not only individual teenagers but their entire families and neighbourhoods too.
While policies and government programmes are important, Molangwane believes real transformation happens faster when ordinary people tackle problems themselves. Teens on a Mission Foundation shows what is possible when a community cares enough to act. Without any government funding, they have earned trust from schools, parents and local leaders. Every donated school uniform or pack of stationery gives another child hope and a chance to stay in school.
Molangwane dreams of seeing this kind of work in every community across South Africa. From rural villages to city townships, teenagers everywhere need safe spaces, caring mentors and practical help to make better choices and escape the dangers of peer pressure and poverty.
The foundation continues to call on community members and local businesses to donate school uniforms, stationery and toiletries. Each contribution, no matter how small, helps another child stay in school and believe in a brighter future.
Anyone who wants to support or learn more about Teens on a Mission Foundation can visit their website or contact them directly. In Tembisa, heroes like Penelope Molangwane remind us all that when we shape young minds, we shape South Africa’s tomorrow — one teenager, one family and one community at a time.
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