Uplifting at-risk and underprivileged people

 

Jerome Mzuri, founder and director of Southern Africa Youth Vision, or SAYOVI. SAYOVI is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting at-risk and underprivileged people, with a focus on youth who use drugs—both on and off the streets—as well as vulnerable migrants and those experiencing homelessness. Jerome founded SAYOVI in 2011 and has been leading its mission to implement programs that improve the quality of life for these communities ever since. Jerome shared that every Friday, SAYOVI staff members go into local communities to interact directly with at-risk youth, offering meals and taking time to connect on a personal level. 

These moments of interaction, he explained, are about more than just providing food—they are about building trust, showing care, and creating a sense of belonging. He says his biggest takeaway is the importance of spreading love, and of sharing joy and warmth with those around him. He also reflects that many people become entangled in drugs and addiction not out of choice, but because they lack a meaningful sense of community in their lives. SAYOVI aims to fill that gap by reminding people they are seen and valued. The work Jerome is doing is admirable as he is doing it to connect with often-overlooked communities.

If you’d like to learn more about SAYOVI work or find ways to get involved, you can reach them at (0)76 920 6481 or at sayovi2711@gmail.com.