Who We Are
Empowering Youth Through Performing Arts: SQU Foundation NPC's Mission to Address Social Issues and Foster Community Expressio
SQU Foundation NPC is a 100% Black female-owned Public Benefit Organization (PBO) based in Naledi Extension, Soweto. We empower children and youth from underprivileged communities in the townships and informal settlements through the performing arts, encouraging them to express themselves and use movement to address issues affecting women and children, such as sexual, domestic, gender-based violence and child abuse. We foster a culture of expression through the arts by educating communities and engaging them as audiences, who can support performances tackling various social issues that affect them to learn to navigate better in these situations. Some of our projects include:
Dance Expressionz
This program encourages youth to express themselves through dance as a form of body language and to utilize movement as a tool for communication. We introduce indigenous and contemporary dance, impart dance skills, and offer practical teaching and movement application through dance workshops. The goal is for participating children and youth to grow in confidence, understand that there are constructive ways to tackle social issues in their communities, and embrace their body autonomy.
Qozi-Qoi
Qozi, which loosely translates to “Once upon a time” in isiZulu, is an African storytelling project that promotes reading and storytelling in South African languages in primary schools. It incorporates elements of drama such as characterization and puppetry. The aim is to preserve historical literature of African tales, previously passed down through storytelling by elders. We emphasize telling these stories—like “Tselane and the Giant,” “Kgodumodumo,” “Obe,” and “The Lion and the Hare”—to enrich children’s understanding of literature beyond Western tales like “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” and “Cinderella.” This project also works to improve the reading confidence of Foundation Phase children and encourages interaction to better understand literature through storytelling and puppetry.
Gontse
Our latest project, “Gontse,” is a 90-minute theatre and dance performance inspired by true stories of South African women who are survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). In this show, young dancers trained in contemporary dance will narrate these women’s stories through choreography and movement, accompanied by live music. Created under the artistic direction of Disemelo Makhanda, a seasoned producer/director, the project features collaboration with renowned jazz musician Tlale Makhene and Thandiwe Mqokeli, an internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer, and teacher in the arts industry. “Gontse” is set to perform at the Soweto Theatre, and later around selected schools in Gauteng celebrating the power of the arts to reflect on social issues like sexual, domestic, and gender-based violence, thereby transforming our communities.
Through these initiatives, we aim to provide a platform for self-expression and create a supportive community.
Partners
