The MT Foundation is a non-profit organization (NPO) founded by Dr. Masego Tshabalala, a passionate advocate for gender equality, climate resilience, and the empowerment of women, girls, youth, and people with disabilities (PWDs). Dr. Tshabalala’s doctoral thesis focused on breaking the glass ceiling for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and her research inspired several foundation programs that aim to foster social change and bridge gaps in these critical areas.
Our Programs
1. STEM Girls Program
Inspired by Dr. Tshabalala’s doctoral thesis, this program encourages young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. We provide mentorship, workshops, and resources to inspire and equip the next generation of female scientists, engineers, and innovators.
2. GBVF Prevention
The Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) prevention program focuses on raising awareness, providing support services, and conducting campaigns aimed at ending violence against women and girls. We empower communities to recognize and combat GBVF.
3. Free The Period
Free The Period is a campaign that focuses on providing menstrual hygiene information and products to girls and women in need. By ensuring access to sanitary products, we aim to reduce the barriers to education and work faced by those affected by menstruation.
4. Green Ambassadors for Climate Resilience
This initiative empowers youth, especially those in rural areas, to take action on climate change. Through education and hands-on projects, we encourage young people to become climate ambassadors who promote sustainable practices and environmental protection.
5. Food Security – Food Gardens
We promote food security through the establishment of food gardens in schools and communities. These gardens help ensure access to fresh produce, improve nutrition, and contribute to sustainable livelihoods.
6. Donation Drives
Our donation drives collect second-hand clothes, school uniforms, and textbooks to support students and families in need. These donations are linked to promoting climate resilience by reusing and repurposing resources, reducing waste, and supporting a more sustainable lifestyle.
Breaking the Digital Divide & Advancing AI
As part of our commitment to bridging the digital divide, we are actively working to ensure that underserved communities, especially women and youth, have access to the digital tools and skills needed to thrive in the modern world. Our efforts are geared toward promoting digital literacy, access to technology, and the inclusion of underserved groups in the growing digital economy.
In line with our current initiatives, we are in dire need of partners to support the ICT drive and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance our programs and provide innovative solutions to the challenges facing marginalized communities. By promoting ICT and AI education and integrating AI into our climate resilience and food security initiatives, we aim to equip young people with the tools needed to address global challenges, such as climate change and food insecurity, in a tech-driven world.
Our Partners
We collaborate with a variety of organizations to enhance the impact of our work. Our partners include:
- Gender Links
- Social Change Assistance Trust
- Youth In Action Organisation
- Rossy Sefuthi Foundation
- ThamiD Care
- National Lotteries Commission
- Department of Social Development
- SAPS
- NYDA
- Seriti Institute
- Department of Education
- Local NPOs and Schools
Our Focus
The MT Foundation focuses on empowering women, girls, youth, and people with disabilities (PWDs) by addressing issues such as gender equality, education, climate resilience, social justice, and access to technology. We work to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for all, particularly those who are often marginalized or underserved.
Through our programs and partnerships, we aim to drive meaningful social change, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a better, tech-enabled world.
Country of Operation: South Africa
Date/Year Founded:Â Â 2019
Registration Details: 254-997 (NPO)
Wishlist:
MT Foundation Wishlist: Aligned with Programs
MOST PRESSING NEED: Modern website
ICT-Related Wishes
These items and initiatives focus on bridging the digital divide, enhancing ICT access, and incorporating AI into our programs:
1.Laptops for STEM Girls Program
Reason: To provide girls in our STEM program with the necessary tools to engage in coding, programming, and digital learning, preparing them for a career in technology.
2.High-Speed Internet Access for Rural Areas
Reason: Ensuring that girls, youth, and women in underserved areas can access online learning platforms, educational resources, and AI-based tools to advance their knowledge and skills.
3.Digital Literacy Workshops
Reason: To help women, girls, and youth build basic to advanced digital skills, enabling them to fully participate in today’s digital economy.
4.AI Education Kits for Youth
Reason: To introduce young people to AI concepts and applications, empowering them with knowledge of one of the fastest-growing sectors in technology.
5.Mobile Devices for GBVF Prevention Campaign
Reason: To ensure that our outreach programs can connect with women and girls through social media, helplines, and digital platforms to raise awareness about GBVF.
6.Cloud-Based Learning Platform for Green Ambassadors
Reason: A digital platform that provides training, resources, and collaboration tools to empower youth to advocate for climate resilience.
7.E-Waste Collection Bins
Reason: To support the recycling of electronic waste in communities, teaching digital responsibility while promoting climate resilience.
8.ICT Training for Food Security Program
Reason: To enable individuals involved in food gardens to use technology for better resource management, farming techniques, and access to digital markets for selling produce.
9.Virtual Mentorship Program for STEM Girls
Reason: To connect young girls in STEM with experienced mentors through virtual platforms, offering guidance, support, and networking opportunities.
10.AI-Powered Data Analytics Tools for Donation Drives
Reason: To track and optimize donations of clothes, school uniforms, and textbooks, ensuring efficient distribution based on real-time data and need analysis.
Non-ICT-Related Wishes
These wishes focus on physical resources, social initiatives, and community support aligned with the Foundation’s broader programs:
1.STEM Educational Resources (Books, Lab Kits)
Reason: To provide hands-on learning tools that make STEM subjects more accessible and engaging for young girls in schools.
2.Mentorship Programs for Women in STEM
Reason: To provide guidance and encouragement to women pursuing STEM careers, helping them overcome barriers and break through the glass ceiling.
3.Sanitary Product Distribution for Free The Period
Reason: To ensure that girls and women have access to menstrual hygiene products, allowing them to continue their education and work without interruption.
4.Community-Based Food Gardens (Seeds, Tools, Training)
Reason: To support food security initiatives by providing resources for establishing community gardens, which will help reduce hunger and promote sustainable farming practices.
5.Scholarships for Girls in STEM
Reason: To enable girls interested in STEM fields to access higher education and specialized training in science, technology, engineering, and math.
6.Climate Resilience Toolkits for Green Ambassadors
Reason: To equip youth with practical tools and resources to address climate change, including guides on sustainable living, renewable energy, and community advocacy.
7.Books and School Uniforms for Donation Drives
Reason: To assist underprivileged children by providing them with the resources they need to attend school, promoting education and breaking the cycle of poverty.
8.Transportation for Food Security Outreach Programs
Reason: To reach remote areas and educate communities on sustainable farming, food preservation, and nutrition.
9.Women’s Health and Empowerment Workshops
Reason: To help women build confidence, gain financial literacy, and learn essential life skills for independence and success.
10.Funding for Local Schools to Promote Gender Equality
Reason: To implement gender-sensitive policies and programs that encourage equal opportunities for girls in education, especially in rural or underserved schools.
Online Platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/MTFoundation
https://tiktok.com/MTFoundation
https://www.linkedin.com/MTFoundation
https://www.mtfoundation2.blogspot.com/
https://www.instagram.com/m_tfoundation
https://www.twitter.com/MTFoundation2
https://www.mtfoundation.info
Cause Highlights
Mathabo Koloti,our volunteer/ ambassador on being named a 2024 TIAW World of Difference Awardee; your dedication to empowering young women, supported by SCAT’s Women in Leadership Programme, is an inspiring reflection of your hard work and leadership.
Healing Talk with Mathabo Koloti and Paballo Koeli https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AH6oFHP2S/
MT Foundation collaborates Youth In Action on the Book Drives as part of the Back to School campaign and climate resilience!