Empowering the youth of Greenwood Park
Also read: Silent discos make a noise for inclusion
What began as a personal passion project at the age of 19 for founder Michelle Tryon, has grown into a movement fostering generational change, creating a ripple effect from parents to children.
'We used to run the programme at various schools for three months at a time but we found some of the children would regress after the programme ended. So we decided to focus on one school, Parkhill Secondary, and provide ongoing support which has turned out to be more effective,' said Tryon.
Tryon and her team have formed deep connections and built trust with learners and educators over the years.
'We believe young people are the change agents of the future,' she said.
'Through leadership, mentorship, and holistic support, we're helping them become equipped to thrive beyond the classroom.'
JRS Solutions, one of the NPO's strategic partners, spearheads the feeding and nutrition programme, providing weekly meals to the 50 children.
Educators are also provided support and guidance through a separate programme as they also encounter challenges in their classrooms of almost 40 learners.
Currently the Young Leaders Mentorship Programme supports 50 youth who meet weekly to develop academically, build leadership skills, and become active participants in their communities.
The organisation understands that not all students will pursue tertiary education, and thus focuses on preparing them for the challenges they may face after school.
'The last thing we want is for our youth to resort to substance abuse and crime while seeking employment which we all know is extremely difficult these days,' said Tryon.
But before the youth can step into the world, their skills are put to use at the Destiny Fulfilled Youth Fest, a flagship event that brings together schools, youth groups, and the broader community in a celebration of empowerment, unity, and progress.
Set to take place on Saturday, June 14, from 09:00 to 15:00, the event will begin with a community march from Firwood Road Pool to Park Station Road, amplifying the call to reclaim safe spaces for youth, like the long-neglected pool.
'The march starts at 08.30 and ends at Greenwood Park Primary School where Youth Fest 2025 takes place. The school generously donates their premises to us each year,' said Tryon.
The festival promises an exciting line-up, including a 5-a-side soccer tournament, a flea market, entertainment showcases, and a Kiddies' Corner.
'True influence starts with the change happening within you. If each adult does their part, we can rewrite the future for our youth,' she added. Participating schools are encouraged to attend in full uniform under adult supervision. Youth groups should be colour co-ordinated or branded for visibility and safety. Strict measures will be in place to ensure the health and security of all attendees.
'We want our young people to feel pride in their identity and heritage,' said Tracy Spalding, project director of Youth Fest 2025.
'This isn't just an event; it's a platform for change. It's about showing our youth that they matter and that they have a village behind them.'
The organisation is calling on businesses, stakeholders, and individuals to get involved through sponsorships, volunteering, or donations.
Donations can be made to:
Account Name: MBT Destiny Fulfilled
Bank: First National Bank
Account Number: 62857787695
Branch Code: 255355
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
For more information or to get involved, contact:
Michelle Tryon – 079 513 3761
Tracy Spalding (Youth Fest project director) – 082 068 3237
Mercede Spalding (Kiddies Corner) – 081 367 3079
Chenee Green (Soccer Tournament) – 065 956 5343 (R50/player, max eight players/team)
Hayley Fernandez (Flea Market) – 083 650 7823
Food stalls R250, Non-food stalls R200
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