About | Karagol10

Our Story

We are Karagol10 - Youth Outreach, a non–profit organization that wants to expand, provide and preserve the arts, education and sports opportunities to at-promise youth in Africa while also providing nutritional meals. With a team of dedicated staff and volunteers, we are committed to making a positive impact on the impacted communities by offering donations that empower individuals to reach their full potential.

“Before his untimely passing, my much Beloved brother Methven “Kara” Brown started a nonprofit organization called, “Diamonds in the Rough Ministries” to try and collect lightly used soccer equipment and send it to those underprivileged youth in his beloved South Africa. Over the years many people have approached me to ask about continuing His dream. Well, after careful consideration and thought and with the encouragement of some of Kara’s dear friends, the time is here.”

-Marlin Brown, Founder, Karagol10-Youth Outreach

Methven ‘Kara’ Brown emigrated to the United States from South Africa as a teenager, and he and his brother Marlin found a sense of community in their new home playing soccer for the Cosumnes River College soccer program. This program was so diverse and popular, and introduced us to an abundance of life-long friends and a whole soccer community. For the Brown boys it was the first opportunity to play organized soccer at the collegiate level and complete their education as well.

Kara and Marlin noted the disparities between their new home and Johannesburg, South Africa, from a youth’s point of view. Athletic teams in the USA frequently use uniforms for a single season and discard them, but many South African youth have no access to uniforms or proper equipment.

Kara began collecting gently used soccer uniforms and equipment and sending them to South Africa and Rwanda to be distributed to youth in need. Tragically, Kara’s work was cut short by his premature passing, and Marlin carries on the torch with Karagol 10-Youth Outreach in his memory. Marlin investigated the current situation in South Africa and found a broader need among the youth. Hungry children are fed by a volunteer neighbor, students are dropping out of school because their families struggle to afford the required school fees, uniforms or books, and there is a lack of supplies for music, arts, and athletics. When children are hungry, they don’t attend school, or have no extracurricular activities, they are susceptible to gangs or other forms of child exploitation. As an educator with a background similar to these children, Marlin knew the positive impact of a well-rounded education and he expanded on Kara’s dream by providing youth with tools for success.

Karagol10 – Youth Outreach was founded with the mission to bridge the arts, education and sports gap for underprivileged students while also providing nutritious meals. We believe that every child deserves access to a life of quality and we are committed to providing the necessary tools to support their journey.

We want to expand our reach beyond geographical boundaries and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need:

Food Program: Feed children on a weekly basis.
The Arts: Art Supplies, Music Equipment etc.
Education: Books, Backpacks, Clothes, Shoes etc.
Sports: Sports equipment, including soccer.
Key success factors: being native to South Africa gives us personal experience and a unique position to serve the communities effectively. This familiarity with our clients allows us to understand their needs and tailor our services accordingly.

Despite the challenges ahead, we are confident in our ability to drive positive change and create a legacy that will forever improve lives.