Programme Officer: Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR)

Three years ago Juzaida Swain made the scary decision to quit her corporate job and follow her dream of helping others. Soon afterwards she was awarded a scholarship by the Southern Africa Trust, through which she worked with orphaned children in the most impoverished communities of Mozambique. Now, at 28, Swain’s key focus is facilitating fundraising for IJR — an organisation that aims to convert the lessons learnt from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission into building South Africa’s future. She recently served as chairperson of a chapter of AFS Interculture, an international organisation that arranges inter-country exchanges for young people to give them cultural learning experiences. She also works with the United Nations as an online volunteer, creating awareness about projects that benefit underprivileged youth. Her passion for youth and for changing the negative discourse about young people has led her to take on many roles, so much so that her friends call her a “serial volunteer”.

— Ilham Rawoot

Twitter: @JuzaidaSwain Website: opportune-za.co.za