I Matter Foundation

About I Matter Foundation

Who we are

I Matter Foundation (IMF) is a registered non-profit organization advocating for Learning disorders…disabilities and barriers of learning to creating a community where every person with invisible and visible disability thrive.

Through our programs, we aim to overcome learning disorders, disabilities and barriers of learning, strengthen social support systems, and equip young people with the skills and confidence to succeed academically, socially, and economically.

Our Story

I Matter Foundation (IMF) began as a vision in 2014 and officially launched in September 2016. Dedicated to raising awareness about learning disabilities and barriers, and providing robust support systems for children and adults facing these challenges.

IMF supports children with special needs and their families by offering educational, psychological, and social programs. Services include afternoon and holiday activities, educational screenings, rehabilitation programs, and family support groups.

Advocating for Physical, Learning disabilities and socio-economic illness.  We strive to build a healthy, inclusive, and informed educational environment by creating partnerships between learners, educators, parents, and communities.

Vision

To overcome learning disabilities, barriers, and difficulties through continuous support and the building of long-lasting relationships with beneficiaries, communities, and donors.

Mission

We are committed to working together with communities in the provision of high-quality education, opportunities, skills, and ensuring that communities are educated about learning disabilities, physical disabilities, address social ills, diseases, mental health through integrated development programs.

Core Values

• Confidentiality
• Respect
• Professionalism
• Non-judgmental attitude
• Honestness & Truthfulness
• Commitment

Our Objectives

At I Matter Foundation, our objectives guide everything we do. We are committed to fostering inclusive, empowered, and resilient communities through education, social support, and health initiatives.

The organizations main /Primary objectives are:

a) To provide community service to all the communities regarding learning disorders, learning disabilities, and learning barriers. Raise awareness, offer teacher capacitation workshops and screening regarding learning disorders and learning disabilities. 

b) To provide knowledge and information about all types of disabilities, through community engagement programs. And to offer training and workshop to help the unemployed youth with disabilities on life skills and personal development. 

c)To identify persons with disabilities in communities, capture their data, identify their needs and link them with services they are in need, prevention programs, Screening for primary care, Tracing, Treatment support. 

d) To assist in tracing and linking clients back to care and health institutions.  

e) To promote mutli-sectoral engagement programs not isolating disability but link the sector with other sectors. (Children sector, HIV/AIDS, Youth sector, GBVF etc) 

f) To conduct support groups for persons with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities.

Our Impact

At I Matter Foundation, we run targeted programs that empower children with learning disabilities, youth, people with disabilities and communities to overcome learning barriers, develop life skills, and thrive socially, academically, and emotionally.

Each program combines our 3 pillars: Education, Social and Health

Learning Disability Rehabilitation

This program caters Learners with learning disabilities, teachers and parents of children with learning disabilities and physical disability Activities:

• Screening for learning disabilities
• Catch-up academic programs in literacy & numeracy
• Counselling and therapeutic support to parents with children with learning disabilities
• Career guidance & personal development
• Teacher capacitation training workshop & parental involvement

Outcome:

• Over 35,000 learners screened annually
• 0ver 20 training workshop annually
• 75% of participants show measurable academic improvement

SUKUMAGal (Girls’ Program)

SUKUMAGal Program caters for Young girls and women Activities:

• Teenage pregnancy awareness
• Trauma counselling (death, abuse, neglect, poverty)
• Sexual health education & STI prevention
• Career guidance & empowerment
• Mathematics support & STEM promotion
• Substance abuse prevention
• Hand skills Development Program

Outcome:

• 1,200 girls reached annually
• 90% report improved knowledge in health, career, and life skills

Man StandUp (Boys’ Program)

Man StandUp Program aims at strengthening Boys and young men to take full responsibility and become better community members and mentor others. Activities:

• Mentorship & rehabilitation
• Peer pressure & social conduct awareness
• Emotional & psychological support
• Gender-based violence (GBV) & femicide prevention
• Team building & leadership
• Hands skills Development Program

Outcome:

• 1,000 boys engaged annually
• 75% demonstrate improved life skills and social responsibility

Social and Emotional Skills Development (SESD)

Who it’s for: Youth & young adults Activities:

• Emotional intelligence & self-awareness
• Communication & conflict resolution
• Critical thinking & decision-making
• Teamwork, leadership & time management
• Confidence building & resilience
• Entrepreneurial mindset & problem-solving
• Workplace ethics & professionalism

Outcome:

• 800 youth trained annually
• 85% report improved confidence and employability skills

Health, Social & Psychotherapy Support

This program caters for Vulnerable children, youth, and families within the communities. What we do:

• HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention & treatment support
• Youth health advocacy in schools & colleges
• Community-based health initiatives
• Psychotherapy & counselling for learners & parents
• Assistive devices & disability support
• Gender-based violence awareness & advocacy

Outcome:

• 3,500 community members reached annually
• 70% of beneficiaries report improved psychosocial well-being

Dyscalculia Awareness

We aim to raise awareness about Dyscalculia, Children struggling with numerical learning difficulties What we do:

• Early detection & assessment
• Tailored interventions to improve math skills
• Educator & caregiver training for inclusive teaching
• Policy advocacy for inclusive education

Outcomes:

• Over 500 children screened annually
• Significant improvement in numeracy skills observed in program participants

Skills Development & Hands-On Training Programs

This program provides various practical skills to Youths, Mothers and community members practical skills and economic empowerment.

Activities:

• Metal Work / Carpentry& Sewing: We provide craft skills to young persons with disability through our Craft Centre and skills training.
• Gardening & Agriculture: Vegetable gardening, Poultry on small scale individual projects.
• Hairdressing: Training on hairsdressing skills, Nails and beauty etc
• Entrepreneurial Support: Guidance on starting small businesses and generating income from acquired skills

Outcomes:

• Over 250 participants trained annually
• 70% of participants gain employable or income-generating skills
• Supports self-sufficiency and community economic empowerment

Where We Work

Schools

• Zamani Primary School (formerly Memel Public School)
• Qhawelesizwe Primary School
• Rutland Primary School
• Ndabanhle Primary School
• Hlalanathi High School
• Mzila Primary School
• Dannhauser full service Primary School

Health Institutions

• Newcastle Provincial Hospital

Social Establishments

• Siyahlala La Informal Settlement

Community Outreach & Awareness

INTERNATIONAL DISABILITY

International Disability Awareness is a key focus of our programs. This initiative is dedicated to promoting the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of people with disabilities, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to participate fully in society. Through outreach, education, and advocacy, we aim to create a more inclusive, equitable, and accessible world.

Our efforts focus on:

• Promoting Inclusion: Encouraging schools, workplaces, and communities to embrace diversity, ensuring that people with disabilities are valued, heard, and included in all aspects of life.
• Accessibility: Advocating for accessible infrastructure, digital platforms, education, and public services, so that people with disabilities can navigate daily life independently and confidently.
• Social Awareness: Educating the broader community about disability rights, dispelling myths and stereotypes, and fostering a culture of empathy, respect, and acceptance.
• Empowerment: Supporting people with disabilities to develop skills, confidence, and leadership abilities, enabling them to advocate for themselves and contribute meaningfully to society.

We fosters a society where equality, dignity, and opportunity are rights enjoyed by all reflecting our unwavering commitment to social justice, inclusion, and sustainable development.

Dyscalculia Awareness

·         Raise public awareness about dyscalculia and other numerical learning difficulties, promoting understanding among parents, educators, and communities.

·         Screen and assess children to identify learning needs early, enabling targeted support that improves academic engagement and confidence.

·         Provide interventions and support programs tailored to children’s unique learning styles, helping them overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

·         Empower educators and caregivers with tools, training, and resources to recognize dyscalculia and implement inclusive teaching strategies.

·         Advocate for policy change and inclusion in schools to ensure equitable learning opportunities for children with learning disabilities.

International Women’s Day

·         Empower women and girls by promoting access to education, leadership opportunities, and life skills.

·         Champion equality by raising awareness of gender disparities and advocating for fair treatment and inclusion in all aspects of society.

·         Celebrate self-worth by recognizing women’s unique talents, achievements, and voices, encouraging confidence and personal growth.

·         Foster community engagement through events, workshops, and campaigns that inspire collective action towards gender equality.

Madiba Drive

Madiba Drive is our annual outreach and leadership development initiative, inspired by the values and vision of Nelson Mandela. This program is dedicated to promoting social change, fostering community spirit, and empowering youth to become compassionate leaders and active citizens.

Through Madiba Drive, we:

• Support communities in need by distributing clothes, food, and essential resources to vulnerable families and children.
• Raise awareness about the power of giving and the importance of empathy, kindness, and social responsibility.
• Develop young leaders by engaging youth in planning, organizing, and leading community outreach activities, instilling skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
• Promote Mandela’s vision of equality and justice, encouraging participants to become advocates for social inclusion, fairness, and human dignity.
• Celebrate the spirit of Ubuntu, reinforcing the idea that “I am because we are” and highlighting the collective role we all play in building stronger, more compassionate communities.

Madiba Drive is more than a charity initiative it is a movement that transforms giving into action, teaching the next generation that true leadership is rooted in service, empathy, and the pursuit of positive change.

News & Media Highlights

• Screening at Mzila Primary School: over 5000 learners are assessed every year to identify learning difficulties, involving both educators and parents for a holistic view.
• Workshops at Madadeni High School: Part of SUKUMAGal and Man Standup programs delivering academic and psycho-social support.

Strategic Goals

IMF aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and South Africa’s National Development Plan, the Foundation envisions expanded impact through the following strategic objectives:

Scale Inclusive Education Services

• Establish a dedicated Learning Support Centre for children with disabilities and learning barriers.
• Expand screening services to rural and under-resourced schools across KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga & Gauteng.
• Develop specialised intervention curricula for dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD.

Strengthen Youth Empowerment & Leadership

• Transform SUKUMAGal and Man StandUp into district-wide flagship programmes.
• Create Youth Leadership Hubs to nurture advocacy, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.

Advance Mental Health & Wellbeing

• Establish community-based health support units.
• Train community health workers, counsellors and peer educators.
• Launch trauma-informed care services for children and families.

Promote Disability Inclusion

• Advocate for accessible infrastructure in schools and public spaces.
• Strengthen assistive device distribution programmes.
• Influence policy and community sensitisation on disability rights.
• Advocate for AI technology inclusion.

Economic Empowerment Initiatives

• Roll out income-generating projects for families of children with disabilities.
• Support youth skills development and self-employment pathways.

Organisational Growth & Sustainability

• Strengthen institutional capacity and governance structures.
• Diversify funding streams through strategic partnerships and donor relationships.
• Develop monitoring, evaluation, and impact reporting systems.

How You Can Get Involved

Volunteer

Volunteers are the heartbeat of I Matter Foundation. By giving your time and skills, you help us empower youth, support people with disabilities, and build inclusive communities. Every contribution, big or small, makes a lasting impact. As a volunteer you:

·         Gain hands-on experience in community development.

·         Build professional skills and networks.

·         Contribute to the SDGs and social impact.

·         Be part of a supportive, passionate community.

Send your Cv to info@imatterfoundationsa.org

Partnerships

We welcome corporate and community partnerships to scale our impact. Our partners-

·         Department of Health

·         Department of Social Development