Gerald is the Program Manager of Mamelani's Youth Development Program. He has more than 10 years of experience working with youth at risk, particularly youth living on the street. His role includes working with individual youth, developing the overall program. He is responsible for the Internship Program. He is also involved in fundraising. He has been trained in fundraising, Social Work and drug abuse counselling.
"I am passionate about developing the youth's sense of self, so that they can become contributing members of society." - Gerald Jacobs
I am Gerald Jacobs, the Program Manager of Project Lungisela. Growing up on the Cape Flats I got to experience many of the challenges faced by children and young people in our communities. Whilst pursuing a social work degree, I have dedicated the last 8 years toward the Child and Youth Development sector and programs developing young people. I have been involved in The Homestead (Projects for Street Children), the South African Sustainable Development Initiative (SASDI), Amandla Ku Lutsha (Education through Sport) and Innovaid South Africa - all organizations developing people and communities and encouraging social entrepreneurship. It is exciting working on Project Lungisela as it gives me the opportunity to listen to the challenges of young people, and together, find creative solutions to address them. Sourcing internships, learnerships and other employment opportunities as well as accessing accommodation, mentoring and fundraising makes my work fun! It is great to be a part of The Mamelani Team - a dynamic group of health and social practitioners listening to the needs of the people and finding creative ways of meeting those needs in the community.
