A Community Choosing to Believe in Its Young People
Matele Foundation was born from a simple but powerful belief: that every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their purpose, develop their potential and pursue a future filled with hope.
The Dream Behind the Foundation
Every community has dreams — of children who will one day become teachers, engineers, nurses, entrepreneurs, artists, farmers, leaders and changemakers. Sachangwan is no different: rich in resilience, culture and untapped potential, home to generations of young people whose aspirations are as vast as their possibilities.
Yet many of those possibilities are interrupted long before they have the chance to become reality. Poverty, school dropout, limited access to mentorship, unemployment, substance abuse, early marriage and teenage pregnancy continue to shape the lives of many children and young people — not because they lack ability, but because they often lack the support systems needed to thrive.
The Foundation began with conversations among young people who had grown up in Sachangwan — conversations about the community they loved, the challenges they had witnessed and the future they believed was still possible. Among those voices was Keith Matele, a passionate believer in the power of community, leadership and young people. He envisioned a future where mentorship would become a bridge between generations, where knowledge would replace misinformation and where every young person would know that their future mattered.
Although Matele did not live to see that vision fully realised, his dream did not end with him. It became a shared responsibility. Matele Foundation was established to carry that vision forward — not simply in his memory, but through meaningful action that transforms lives and strengthens communities.
“This is more than the story of an organisation. It is the story of a community choosing to believe in its young people.”— Matele Foundation
What Guides Everything We Do
We See Potential Before Problems
Every young person carries unique gifts, talents and possibilities. Our work begins not with what is wrong, but with what is possible.
We Invest in People Before Programmes
Real change happens through genuine relationships, mentorship, education and shared experiences.
We Believe Communities Are Built Together
Families, schools, faith communities, government, volunteers and young people all have a vital role to play.
We Lead with Integrity and Compassion
Trust is earned through honesty, accountability, transparency and respect for every individual's dignity.
We Measure Success by Lives Transformed
Not by the number of activities we conduct, but by the young person who discovers purpose, the student who remains in school, and the community that becomes more hopeful because people chose to invest in one another.
A Thriving Community
A thriving community where every young person is empowered to realise their full potential and help create positive change.
Empowering Through Opportunity
To empower children, adolescents and young people through mentorship, education, leadership development, life skills, community involvement and strong partnerships that create opportunities, build resilience and transform communities.
“When young people have purpose, opportunity, guidance and hope, communities flourish.”
The Values We Lead With
Mindfulness
We act with intention, wisdom and awareness, carefully considering the needs, dignity and wellbeing of every individual and community we serve.
Accountability
We take responsibility for our actions, honour our commitments and stay open about how we manage our resources and results.
Trust
We build strong, lasting relationships through honesty, integrity and mutual respect, creating safe spaces where communities can thrive.
Excellence
We pursue the highest standards in our programmes, leadership and service, embracing new ideas and real results.
Legacy
We invest in sustainable solutions that empower young people and strengthen communities for generations to come.
Empathy
We lead with compassion, respect and understanding, recognising the unique experience of every individual.
Every Young Person Deserves Dignity
At Matele Foundation, we believe that every child and young person has the right to grow up in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment where they are treated with dignity, respect and compassion. Safeguarding is not simply a policy — it is a responsibility shared by every board member, staff member, volunteer, mentor and partner associated with the Foundation.
We recognise that some young people come to us already facing significant challenges. Our response is never one of judgement or exclusion. Instead, we walk alongside every young person with compassion, practical support and appropriate referrals to trained professionals — because every individual deserves dignity, hope and the opportunity to rebuild their future.
Board & Team
Profiles for our board, staff and mentors will be introduced here.
Join Us in Building the Future
Every child encouraged to dream, every mentor who chooses to listen — this is how a future gets built. Be part of it.