Teen finds her purpose and starts feeding scheme in Rocklands

Fifteen-year-old Jaymee Morgan has turned her awareness of hunger in her community into a mission of hope for others.

After completing a personal development workshop through the Level-Up programme through Advance Edukos Foundation, Jaymee from Rocklands, found the confidence to start her own feeding scheme - a dream rooted deeply in her childhood experiences.

Jaymee said seeing children go to school without food and families struggling really touched her heart. “I just wanted to help, even in a small way,” she said.

She began with a few donated loaves of bread, and the support of Wendy Abrahams, director of the foundation, who she knows as "Aunty Wendy," helped her prepare sandwiches.

From that small start, Jaymee built a feeding scheme that now reaches children and families in Rocklands. “Seeing someone smile because they got a warm meal shows me how small acts of care can make a big difference,” she said.

Jaymee had previously attended an after-school programme, but after dropping out of school, she was unable to continue.

Once she turned 15, she joined the Level-Up programme for unemployed youth aged 15 to 35. She recently completed personal development training facilitated by the City of Cape Town, and staff say her transformation has been remarkable.

“The training helped me believe in myself again,” Jaymee said. “It taught me confidence, teamwork, and how to think positively. Now I know I can run a feeding scheme, plan better, and speak up when I need support.”

Ms Abrahams said Jaymee initially struggled with learning difficulties, lack of support at home and school, and fitting in.

“After the training, Jaymee returned excited, positive, and motivated. She now believes her dreams can come true, and though it’s sometimes a struggle, she keeps going. She’s also interested in participating in more programmes,” she said.

Her mother, Paulette Morgan, said Jaymee’s growth has been life-changing for the family.

“Seeing her confidence and drive now is amazing. She talks about her dreams with so much passion, and she’s not afraid to take the lead. The feeding scheme has inspired our whole family. People come up to us to say thank you. It’s not just about the food - it’s about the hope and care she shows,” she said.

She is hoping to feed more of the community during the festive season, she said.

Alongside the feeding scheme, Jaymee dreams of opening her own hair and lash business, using part of the profits to support her community. Her advice to young people: "start small, stay in school, and believe in your purpose."