OUR STORY
The Nyara Resource Centre and How It All Began
Founder Robyn Mafanya returned to her childhood home in the Nyara Villages, Eastern Cape, with a vision to bring hope to one of South Africa’s most underserved rural areas. Inspired to bridge the rural divide, she transformed the old trading store on her family’s farm into the Nyara Resource Centre — a safe hub where young people can learn, connect, and grow.
Our Goal
Creating Hope & Transformation. We work to bridge the rural divide and give every young person in Nyara the chance to thrive in school, in life,and in community.
LOCATION & COMMUNITY
Nyara Youth Development is based in the Nyara Villages, near Haga Haga, in the Eastern Cape. This deeply rural region is home to many young people with untapped potential — yet most families live below the poverty line, with limited access to education, digital resources, and jobs.
The Challenges We Face Together
- High poverty and youth unemployment
- Low literacy and numeracy support
- Limited digital access (few resources beyond cell phones)
- High levels of stress, trauma, and stigma with little support
- Many grandparent - or child - headed households
These barriers shape the lives of Nyara’s youth. Nyara Youth Development exists to break the cycle and unlock opportunities, one step at a time.
Why We Exist
Our community faces deep and interconnected challenges:
POVERTY - 72%
Most families live below the poverty line, limiting basic needs and opportunities.
YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT - 53%
Over half of young people in Nyara lack access to jobs and income opportunities.
LOW LITERACY & NUMERACY
Limited school support has led to poor reading, writing and math skills.
LIMITED DIGITAL ACCESS
No Wi-Fi Resources or Computer Labs, most of the community use their phones.
MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS
High levels of stress, trauma and stigma with no professional support available.
FAMILY BARRIERS
Grandparent and child headed homes affect lifestyle, education and choices.
These interconnected issues limit the potential of youth in Nyara Villages. The Leap Ladder Initiative was created to directly respond - one leap at a time.
DONORS & PARTNERS
CONTACT INFORMATION
+27 78 432 5499
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