Noem My Skollie star Dann-Jacques “DJ” Mouton has seen the stars in the eyes of the youth in his community.
Now he and his wife Tamsyn have opened a drama academy called the Jacomus Foundation in Eerste River for youth aged 16 to 35.
After winning Best Actor in a Feature Film award for his role in Noem My Skollie, DJ, 35, joined the local soapie scene where he played various roles over the last few years.
But the dad of three along with his 34-year-old wife said they needed to use his talent to invest and plough back into the youth on the Cape Flats.
The foundation, whose name means May God Protect, is a dream come true for DJ, who said the idea came to him while they lived in Johannesburg.
DJ was born in Namibia while Tamsyn hails from Mitchells Plain, but they both grew up in Eerste River.
“We always wanted to give back to the less fortunate youth in the area we grew up in.
“We thought it was imperative to establish how youth could draw youth, knowing the social evils we all face on a daily basis,” says DJ.
“This we also see as a passion and legacy project for our kids to show them how to selflessly help and give of your time, knowledge and experience.
“The mission is to inspire, educate and build character for independent, innovative thinking.”
Their foundation was launched on 19 December last year and DJ is the facilitator while Tamsyn handles logistics.
Classes are being held at the God’s Faith Mission Church behind Forest Heights every Saturday.
Tamsyn says: “We would like to spread our classes to other To sign up, email [email protected].