When the international non-profit organisation, MOT, was first introduced to South Africa, local leaders promised to take the vision forward. And now, with 15 years of serving the communities of Cape Town, the organisation has expanded its reach to the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and Northern Cape and soon Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Founded in Norway in 1994 by Atle Vårvik, the vision was always to uplift the youth as future leaders.
MOT translates to courage in English, which is the slogan of the organisation.
The organisation celebrated its 15 years at an event hosted by Old Mutual at its Pinelands offices on Friday 20 October.
School drop-outs, substance abuse and cyber-bullying are all some of the common problems facing the youth, says MOT SA chair, Beryl Kerr Ferguson.
“Through all of this, MOT has been a beacon of hope to the youth,” she says.
To date, 86 141 youth have been reached through the organisation’s programmes.
Vårvik, who along with his wife Sigrun, flew in from Norway for the milestone celebration, says when he had the idea for the organisation he did not dream it would spread to several countries around the globe.
These countries include Latvia, Thailand, Denmark and the United States of America (USA).
“MOT SA is in good hands,” he says.
With the work of the organisation centred around youth, he says: “The resilience of young people is key to a better society.”
He continues that with improved youth, the need to destroy will subside, creating a brighter future. This journey, while officially started in 2008, has been operating since 2006 in South Africa.
Vårvik described this as a magical journey.
“When I started this in 1994, it was nothing. No one asked for MOT. We created a new niche no one asked for but everyone wants after they experienced it.”
As part of the programme, MOT SA ambassadors, which include MJ Li and JP Duminy, shared messages via video.
Ward councillor and Subcouncil 15 chair Angus Mackenzie and Western Cape Education Department (WCED) provincial manager for the Positive Behaviour Programme Neville Goliath shared the impact of MOT on their communities and programmes respectively.
Research conducted by the University of the Western Cape (UWC), funded by the DG Murray Trust examined the impact of the programme on academic success for students at False Bay College, Northlink College and Boland College.
A lecturer at UWC Timothy Mc Bride, who conducted the research, says on average there was an 18% higher subject pass rate and a 12% higher completion rate for courses. Around 95% of participants indicated that the programme made a difference in their lives.
“MOT works. We know that these children are coming from broken homes and need to come into spaces where they can feel safe and change from what society has dictated to them,” he says.
“Those who were on drugs are no longer on drugs. Those who were going to drop out, are no longer going to drop out. MOT works.”
The organisation says the anniversary is a significant milestone, a testament to the organisation’s unwavering dedication to youth empowerment, academic and sporting excellence and community enrichment. Over the years, MOT has made a profound impact on countless lives, fostering resilience and leadership skills among the country’s young individuals.
MOT SA trained 45 Grade 9 learners to be peer educators and youth leaders at their respective high schools in the province.
Viola Manuel, MOT SA country director, says: “MOT’s 15th-anniversary celebration is a significant moment in our journey to empower South Africa’s youth. We are excited to share our accomplishments, growth, and aspirations with the community. This event signifies our commitment to continue making a positive impact on the lives of young people.”
For more on the organisation, visit https://mot.org.za/
