Elvis pulankana seroka

Community Youth Heroes

Nominee's Province:
Limpopo

Age:
32

Project Name/Description:
Maretlagadi Welfare

More info:
https://ww.facebook.com/seroka.elvis

Elvis Pulankana Seroka, 32, from Jane Furse in Limpopo is the epitome of selflessness in helping those who are less fortunate. Together with his mother, Seroka founded Maretlagadi Welfare, a home for 17 disabled children in 2016. They converted their seven-roomed house to become a facility. Seroka has also established an after-school service where he helps learners with their homework and teaches them computer skills. His passion for community work started many years ago when he would sacrifice playing with his friends after school and over weekends to help his single mother look after his younger sister who was born with autism, a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn and behave. The service Seroka offered later expanded to helping other parents and families in the area. It was, therefore, logical to start the home he is running today. “Running a home can be challenging, especially if you don’t have funding. The kids’ nappies are expensive. Then, there are further expenses of food, electricity and the monthly stipend for our six helpers,” says Seroka, adding that there are many children on the waiting list but cannot be taken due to a lack of space.