January 28th, 2011

What Being a Mentor Means

A note from one of our mentees:

Just the idea of having a mentor who knows absolutely nothing about you, who wants to be a ‘friend’ and give you advice so that you make the right choices freaked me out at first because it was something I wasn’t used to. On the other side I thought it isn’t a big deal having a mentor as a friend who is there for you.

A mentor is an older person who is successful and can be seen as a role model who gives advice, guidance, honesty, time, energy and someone you can talk to, to lead you on the right path so that you can have a successful future where you can be independent, stable and maybe be a mentor for others. You and your mentor sign an agreement for 12 months to commit to each other. You and your mentor can still stay in touch by choice after the 12 months.

My name is Nicole Hugo and I have just matriculated from Zwaanswyk High School in Retreat, Cape Town.

To be honest, at first I did not have a clue what to say to my mentor; it felt awkward. We had a few arguments but mostly out of misunderstandings. All relationships or friendships have their ups and downs.

After a period of time I felt more comfortable and spoke easily to my mentor. She gives me her opinion, advice, outlook on my career, personality, situations and general stuff and that is how I have grown personally.

I learnt a lot and achieved so much, it’s unbelievable. I would advise every final year student to have a mentor because it’s the most important time of your life to decide what lays ahead of you for the rest of your life.

My 2010 was awesome because I had a lot of support which helped me to be at this point where I am going to university at Tsiba Business College to do an international business degree but without my mentor it wouldn’t have been possible. So, final year students, go make it possible, not for your peers, teachers nor family but for YOURSELF!!

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January 27th, 2011

Do It For Charity Cycle Ride for Off The Street Kids

Ride from Richmond Really Rewarding

Have you ever wanted to take part in a charity cycle ride? Here is your chance!  On Sunday 29th May your ride will start in Richmond and follow the Thames through the spring-time countryside of Walton-on-Thames, Cobham and Windsor. Over £20,000 will be raised for charity by the 200 cyclists who are expected to take part.

Daring Dozen’s Deeds Dedicated to OTSK

Off The Street Kids (OTSK) needs 12 volunteers to take part in this fantastic event.  There is a registration fee of £25.00 and you pledge to raise a minimum sponsorship of £100. The funds raised will enable the continuation of the vital work of Off The Street Kids.

Lean or Long A Length at Leisure

There are two routes from which to choose; a short route of 50 miles or a longer route of 100 miles. No experience is necessary just cycle at a pace that suits you. In true sporting spirit the event is all about taking part and not the winning.

Brisk Booking Bags a Bike Ride

Booking early will avoid disappointment as the number of places in the ride is limited. Please request further information by sending email to sa-yes.com.

Thank you so much for your support!

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January 25th, 2011

The FSI Christmas Challenge Update

In November 2010 OTSK took on The FSI Christmas Challenge. This involved selling as many wristbands as we could to our supporters around the world. You then sent them back with your messages of support for OTSK. We sent all the wristbands back to The FSI for them to be added to what could potentially be one of the largest paper chains in the world. This will then be draped over one of the largest monuments in the world, which is still yet to be decided.

Lots of you very kindly helped us to complete our challenge, and we are very pleased to tell you that with your help we managed to raise over £400.00. Thank you so much!

Below is a small selection of the wristband messages we have received:-

“If you believe you can do it, anything is possible” (Toby aged 10, Australia)

“The work you do in South Africa is inspirational! Youth around the world are susceptible to bad influences. The young adults in South Africa do not readily possess the means to avoid these temptations. You are helping build a better South Africa by taking care of its future generations!” (Melanie, Canada)

“Tough time’s never last, but tough people do” (Ella Nash, Australia)

“Mentors Rock!! My life is in transformation of good future” (Masakane, OTSK Mentee in South Africa)

“By helping the Youth of South Africa to get the best possible start in life you give them hope for the future. Keep up the good work!” (Julie Baron, UK)

“No one gets there alone” (Sandi Hicks, Australia)

“Thank you OTSK for caring” (Brent, UK)

“Joy & Piece to the world” (Jana, Germany)

“Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true” (USA)

“I have the best Mentor in the world. She is very small and has a big brain. The organisation is cool. Love ya Caroll” (OTSK Mentee, South Africa)

“Wishing OTSK and all the Kids it supports every future success and happiness. xx.” (Cathy O’Donnell, UK)

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think” (USA)

These are just a handful of the lovely messages we received from our supporters. We are sorry that we are unable to share them all with you, but there are just so many to publish on the website. Thank you again to all of you for your messages and support!

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January 4th, 2011

A Call For Mentors

1 New Year
1 “new you”
12 new months
30 young people trying to make a change and improve their lives. Alone.
1 organisation supporting them.

30 new mentors needed.
For just 60 minutes a week.
‘2011’ reasons why.

Last year OTSK helped 15 youths build their lives and futures independently.
2 of them made it into university, 5 more got into colleges, and a further 8 joined or stayed in school.
All of them want a successful future of their own, independently, out of care.

There is only one new year. There is only one of you.
But there are 30 young people we know personally who could really do with your help in 2011.

We are looking for mentors to be friends to these 30 young people to help them transition out of residential care towards responsible and independent living. You are invited to a presentation on Saturday, January 8th from 10am-11am or Monday, January 10th from 6.30pm-7.30pm.

If you think you could mentor a young person in Cape Town and help them build their future contact Michelle on michelle@sa-yes.com or phone 076 771 9011.

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