AAF and BICS Join Forces to Empower Youth from Disadvantaged Backgrounds.
In a collaborative effort to bolster educational initiatives and community development, the Alphas and Alpharines Foundation (AAF) and Bashumi Instruments and Control Services (BICS) have joined forces to create impactful outreach programs. Founded with a shared commitment to empowering local communities, these organizations bring unique strengths to the table.
Alphas and Alpharines Foundation: Established in 2018 by Mmahiine Mosana, Ramathlakeng Mpolaeng and Mamokoadi Rampheri and with a staff headcount of 25 and 7 certified volunteers, the foundation focuses on enhancing educational outcomes in local communities. This has been previously accomplished through career awareness campaigns, motivational workshops, engagement with Black-owned companies and essential resource provisions like stationery for students, which strive to ignite a passion for learning and academic excellence among youth. Moreover, their engagements with successful Small and Medium sized enterprises serve to inspire learners by displaying real-world success stories. The foundation headcount has since grown to twenty-five, which comprises of seventeen permanent staff, seven certified volunteers and one (1) ambassador coming from various industries such as Science, Audit, IT, Students, etc. The current services offered include:
- Annual Career Expos
- Ad hoc school views
- NSW participation
- Online webinars on topics such as employability
- Academic tutoring
- Blogging on topics that affect the youth such as health awareness, black excellence, financial literacy, etc.
Bashumi Instruments and Control Services (BICS): Founded in 2003, BICS is a prominent 100% black-owned company specializing in supplying laboratory equipment and instruments across diverse industries. Their offerings include high-quality lab-grade chemicals, consumables, and equipment, complemented by comprehensive services such as technical support and nationwide delivery. BICS plays a crucial role in supporting industries like pharmaceuticals, mining, and food and beverages with essential tools for scientific research and production.
Partnership for Community Impact: The collaboration between AAF and BICS signifies a strategic alliance aimed at maximizing community outreach. By leveraging BICS’s expertise in technical support and provision of laboratory equipment, the foundation can enhance its educational workshops and hands-on learning experiences. This partnership not only enriches educational initiatives but also fosters a deeper connection between students and the practical applications of science and technology.
We asked Mrs. Mmahiine Mosana, the Founding Director of AAF, how she felt about this partnership, and here is what she had to say:
“I believe the saying ‘charity begins at home’ simply means that before you can help the world at large, you should first take care of the needs of your immediate community. This is why at AAF we invest our efforts to give back to the communities we grew up in and why AAF is made by a majority of family, friends, and people of the same places we are most familiar with but anyone keen to join is also welcome. By focusing on the needs of those closest to us, we can create a positive impact and build a solid foundation for giving back to the wider community. Only when you have taken care of your ‘home’ can you truly make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, this partnership is key and is a significant step towards realizing our mission. I am a village girl, and I will always remain a village girl at heart. It is mandatory for me to create opportunities or bring opportunities for village kids like me so they can achieve their wildest dreams. One learner at a time, we will get there.”
We also spoke to the CEO of BICS, Lomo Senoamadi, who said, “The partnership is very close to my heart. I strongly believe that as organizations, we have the potential to positively impact the lives of underprivileged learners by extending outreach and introducing them to the various educational platforms created by the foundation. By gradually contributing our efforts, I am convinced we can collectively make a tangible difference in their lives.”
AAF HR Manager Ms Ramatlhakeng Mpolaeng said: “On behalf of our organization, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you and your team at BICS for your partnership and hard work. Your dedication has been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals. I deeply appreciate every team member’s relentless effort and commitment to our foundation. Your trust and loyalty in our brand and organization have been invaluable, and I am forever grateful.
Thank you for your continued support; it means the world to us. We recognize that you have numerous choices when it comes to partnerships, and we are grateful that you chose to collaborate with us. Your generous contribution has significantly impacted our progress, and we could not have come this far without you.
We still have so much work to do, and your support is crucial in helping us accomplish our mission. Thank you again for your trust and partnership.”
Mamokoadi Rampheri, the CFO of the foundation said: “What the partnership means for me is that we get to see the principle of Ubuntu in action, where we come together as Black people to do what we can to uplift our brothers and sisters who are unfortunately disadvantaged.
We, as Alphas and Alpharines, have the opportunity to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of the students we aim to assist but could not reach due to financial constraints. We also get to grow together as the Black community, not leaving anyone behind.”
The COO of the foundation Ms Marry-Jane Letsoalo said: “As someone who really cares about the youth’s wellbeing, more so from an academic and employability perspective, this partnership with BICS means we will be able to widen and deepen our reach and for that I am grateful.”
By joining forces, we can empower youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
Future Endeavours: Looking ahead, both organizations are committed to expanding their joint efforts. Plans include scaling up career awareness campaigns with enhanced resources from BICS, introducing specialized skills training in STEM subjects facilitated by BICS’s technical experts, and broadening community engagement through targeted outreach programs. By combining their strengths, AAF and BICS aim to create lasting impacts on education and community development, inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators.
As these initiatives unfold, the partnership serves as a testament to the power of collaboration in driving positive change and empowering communities through education and strategic support.
Acknowledgments
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated service providers, whose unwavering support and commitment have been instrumental in our success each year. Special thanks to:
- Crafted Bakes Bakery by Mrs. Mandy Tlhaka
- Cameron Catering by Mr. Camera Molepo
- Blue Birds Entertainment by Mr. Patburger Letebele
They have committed to generously donate their services annually to AAF events. Your contributions have been invaluable, and we deeply appreciate your partnership and dedication.
We sincerely thank everyone who has generously donated their time, materials, services, or love to the Alphas and Alpharines Foundation; your support is the heart of our mission and fuels our progress.
If you would like to make a difference by donating informational materials, your time, services, or school-related items like uniforms and bags, please contact us at donations.aaf@octoberoctopus.co.za or info.aaf@octoberoctopus.co.za, call or text 0694089610. You can also view our website on https://octoberoctopus.co.za.Your generosity is appreciated and vital to our mission.