Local and International charitable organizations collaborate to bring relief to South African Youth.

They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO) and PAL are collaborating to bring to South Africa what is intended to be an ongoing effort with a tangible impact on South African youth. The social outreach initiative is called Hand Across Africa, it’s overarching philosophy is that children are our collective heritage; one we can safeguard with inclusion and affirmation strategies. HANDS ACROSS AFRICA (Festival & Expo) leverages its platform to help youth to expand their network, and through this exposure, imagine new possibilities, which can create a shift in the trajectory of their lives. The premiere edition will take place in South Africa in the month of March 2022. 

The Partners

 PAL Global Events Marketing Solutions Pty Ltd was formed by Pumzile Manikela, Adi Vasiceva Ratu Nale, and Linda Bretherton as a Company that specializes in the management of artists and advocacy for the arts industry on the whole. PAL Gems facilitates and hosts festivals large or small both locally and globally through various collaborations in the music industry. PAL GEMS main objective is to bridge the gap between the local and the global market and integrate cultural exchange in the music industry. Diversity is key that is what PAL believes in. 

TOCO Foundation is a 501(c)(3), U.S.-based, not-for-profit organization with a mission to raise awareness and address the issues that affect youth through advocacy and social support. TOCO’s broad focus also includes Sustainable Agriculture, Environment, Health and Wellness, Diabetes, and Gender Equity. TOCO Foundation has been active throughout the Caribbean since its establishment in 2007, delivering social support and messages of hope to youth and vulnerable communities from Haiti in the North to Trinidad and Tobago in the South. TOCO is the foundation of H.E Taj Weekes, a Goodwill Ambassador of the Government of Saint Lucia and UNICEF Ambassador for children in the Eastern Caribbean. 

TOCO Foundation is endorsed by the Government of Saint Lucia, the birth country of TOCO Chairman Taj Weekes. In February 2020, the Saint Lucia government conferred upon him, a double distinction, 1) that of International Goodwill Ambassador, for his notable philanthropic work, and 2) the Saint Lucia Medal of Honor (gold), the third highest distinction in the Order of Saint Lucia. Ambassador Weekes was previously conferred with Saint Lucia Medal of Merit (gold) in 2017. An additional highlight to the above is a world class musical concert featuring Mykal Rose (Black Uhuru) Brinsley Forde (Aswad) Yasus Afari and Taj Weekes.