Bokamoso means Future in the Tswana language
The Bokamoso Youth Foundation is a charitable U.S. organization, 501(c)(3), located in Washington, DC. The Foundation provides financial support, mentoring, and guidance to the staff and young people of the Bokamoso Life Centre in Winterveldt, South Africa. Read More
The Bokamoso Life Centre is an independent registered Non-Profit Organization (NPO) in Winterveldt South Africa. The Centre provides educational and social service to young men and women ages 17-25 living in the Winterveldt area. The Centre is a safe haven that offers opportunities for the youth to attend classes, receive counseling, use the computers, practice music, dance and drama, and receive nutritious meals. Read More
Together, the Foundation and the Centre form a successful partnership that has helped more than 1,300 youth graduate from Bokamoso’s Youth Development Program; provided some 270 youth the opportunity to visit the United States through the Bokamoso Cultural Exchange and Performing Arts Program; and awarded more than 400 scholarships benefiting some 235 Winterveldt youth who otherwise would not have had the chance for post-secondary education and vocational training. Bokamoso graduates have obtained employment in nursing, education, social work, banking, skilled trades, youth work, computer technology, business and industry.
Our Partners
The Foundation is grateful to our corporate sponsor Abt Associates, Rockville, MD. Abt assists with marketing materials, website design, and a wide variety of business needs. The Abt community welcomes the Youth each year for a lunchtime concert.
All Souls Church Unitarian has been the home of a joyful Martin Luther King Jr. celebration for the past 6 years. Bokamoso youth combine with the Jubilee singers and the Children’s Choir to sing in honor of Rev King, and in acknowledgement of our common struggles.
The Embassy of South Africa in Washington, DC supports Bokamoso by co-hosting a public reception at the Embassy, through Embassy officials who attend and speak at Bokamoso events, and including the Bokamoso Cultural Exchange Visit on their web site.
The First Baptist Church of North Brentwood is home to an amazing Dance Ministry that annually welcomes the Bokamoso youth for a service that is filled with joyful music, dance and praise. Bokamoso and the Dance Ministry fill the isles with beautiful movement creating a strong bond.
Seekers Church is a founding partner that provides support and assistance to the Foundation and the Bokamoso Centre. The congregation graciously invites the youth to participate in a Sunday service and volunteers mentorship, space and support for the Career Development Workshop.
The George Washington University, Corcoran School is part of the Cultural Exchange and Performing Arts Program. The youth spend a week at GWU with their student hosts. They attend classes and experience university life in the U.S. The week ends with a performance of South African drama, music and dance.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School is a founding partner since 2002. They host the annual Cultural Exchange Program; provide a home base for the youth; St Andrew’s families house the youth; faculty and administration welcome the youth in to classrooms to share their stories and music.
Westminster Presbyterian Church provides a warm welcome to the Bokamoso youth on a cold Sunday in January. The youth participate in the service and bring South African music and prayer to the congregation. The youth return on a Monday evening to enjoy Blue Monday Blues.
