Six South African mental health organisations will receive an R6.4 million donation thanks to Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation and Cotton On, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Also read: 33% of Western Cape’s youth reported to be struggling with depression
The donation forms part of a $3 million funding of 65 youth-centred organisations across 10 countries through the Kindness in Community Fund.
The Kindness in Community Fund grantees span a wide range of focus areas, including direct mental health service providers, arts and culture, youth leadership and development, education, sports and recreation, and more.
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The fund offers up to $150 000 per organisation, providing services (including culturally competent services, LGBTQ+ rights and advocacy, gender-based violence support, de-stigmatizing mental health, and migrant and refugee community care) aimed at addressing issues that young people deal with.
The South African beneficiaries are:
- Community Keepers
- Khululeka Grief Support
- Lefika La Phodiso
- Little Lions Child Coaching
- PHOLA SANA
- Waves for Change
‘It was my daughter’s and my vision to be able to act on the research and thousands of conversations we’ve had with young people globally, where youth have asked for responsive services and programs that meet their needs and support their mental health and whole wellbeing,’ says Cynthia Germanotta, president and co-founder of Born This Way Foundation.
‘Thanks to partners like Cotton On, Born This Way Foundation can scale the important work of the 2024 Kindness in Community Fund grant recipients as they support youth mental health and uplift their communities.’
The funds were raised via customer purchases of Cotton On Foundation items.
The vetting criteria require Kindness in Community Fund grantees to be focused on young people, be rooted in equity and inclusion, and provide accessible resources to their communities.
Due to this, the foundation approached the vetting process in partnership with mental health insights and advisory firm, Prospira Global.
‘Youth mental health is a great passion of mine as this area is so often overlooked and there is so much potential to make a meaningful difference,’ says Nomzamo Mbatha, Cotton On foundation ambassador.
‘Supporting the mental health of our youth is crucial because a healthy mind is the key to a fulfilled future. By empowering young people with the resources and support they need, we invest in the well-being and resilience of the next generation.’
Tim Diamond, general manager of the Cotton On Foundation, says more than $10 million AUD has been raised to support mental health organisations. ‘We are delighted to partner with Born This Way Foundation’s Kindness in Community grants, which will directly impact over 75 000 young people with access to mental health support services, putting youth-led solutions at the heart of building kind, brave communities globally.’
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Also read:
Study shows that WC adolescents have alarming mental health struggles
Picture: Supplied
