Dean Bright Mind (DBM) is a grassroots community organisation from Winterveldt started in 2015 by university student, to improve the knowledge, educational attainment, human welfare and opportunities for youth.
DBM hopes to change lives of many people and improve the community while taking its future leaders into a world of hope and possibilities.
Mr Sifiso Sithole, executive director of DBM said the formation was initiated by lack of information learners receive during their schooling years. The students saw it as their responsibility to stand up and form the organisation that will enhance the future of the youth in the township.
Since the start of the organisation, DBM has been able to provide teaching assistance to grade 10s and 11s, mostly at the schools famously know as Dr Sam Motsuenyane High School. The members have also managed to reach out to grade 9s in middle school and provided mentorship and helped the learners to make wise subject choices when they reach high school.
“For the past years since the foundation of the organisation, over 200 learners were assisted in each term, during the school holidays, and off the school. Some of the students were given the opportunity to have a mentor”. Said Mr Sithole
So far the organisation is only based in Gauteng at Winterveldt and Tshwane West and has plans to expand to reach most South African townships.
“As DBM we provide educational, recreational, cultural, health and lifelong learning opportunities for youth. We also offer educational advancement opportunities for learners and introduce a set of skills to learn over a period like computer programming, interview skills and resume preparations.
“At our centre every learner can express themselves, partake in daily that encompass everything that has to do with youth growth and minimise crime, drug use and alcohol abuse,’’ said co-founder Tsholofelo Moeketsi.
“I joined DBM when I was doing my grade 10 and grade 11 and they helped me with physical science and mathematics. They also encouraged me to do well in my studies through their support.
“What I like about the centre is that they are patient when teaching and they make sure that that learners understand and know their modules,” said one of the learners, Anna Matthews.
The organization also works with post-matric learners who are passionate about giving back to the community, and teach about the realities related to life after school.