June 14th, 2011

Dedicating Time to SA-YES

A note from our intern…

Sitting in a coffee shop with Michelle in Kensington, London with the rain pouring down outside in September 2010, I made the decision coming to Cape Town to learn more about SA-YES was exactly what I wanted to do during my gap year. Having spent a lot of time in Africa and especially with young people, learning about an organisation which is doing so much to help the youth of Cape Town was going to be an exhilarating opportunity.

8 months later, Michelle and I met again, this time it was at Cape Town airport, the rain still pouring down outside. Words cannot begin to describe my eagerness to start learning more about SA-YES and understand exactly what they do and also to experience the lives of those directly affected by the incredible work this organisation does. Throughout the first two weeks, I have shadowed Michelle in what she does on a day to day basis.

SA-YES is unlike any other organisation in South Africa. It provides an essential service to the children of Cape Town that live in care. It aids them in school, social development and planning their lives after leaving the care homes they are based in. This help and advice from a group of 25 incredible mentors and Michelle herself is proving to be very successful and is in its second year. What shocks me the most when talking about these young people is the big gaping hole in their lives which is meant to be filled with love. There has been an absence of family love and support in their childhood and at the time in their lives they need it most SA-YES provides the person to be a friend and show them they care and are supported in their transition to independent living. Seeing all this happen as an 18 year old, I wonder how I would have coped if I had to sort out my further education, finances, job prospects, housing and manage relationships if I had no support.

I am very lucky to have a family that has helped me do all that and keep on track throughout my school career. These young people don’t necessarily have anyone, and if they do that person usually does very little, and can’t provide the love, support and care that young person needs. The mentors are there to serve that such purpose and fill that hole. I’m learning more everyday about SA-YES and I hope to come join them as a mentor in a few years time, to be that person that can change a young person’s life.

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May 16th, 2011

A New Name

Since I arrived in Cape Town in September 2008 I have learned a great deal about the different cultures here, about people in general and about myself. Moving to a different country is not easy but my move has proved to be the most wonderful experience.

I arrived in Cape Town knowing that I wanted to work with young people who were leaving care. I knew that there was a gap in the system and that there was a need. I neither understood that need nor did I know how to attempt to meet it. I was fortunate to meet some helpful people who spent time with me talking through different ideas. In particular I spent time with young people living in children’s homes. They shared with me their stories and their hopes for their futures. These same young people told me they disliked the name Off The Street Kids (OTSK) that we had chosen for the organisation. I explained that in the UK we don’t have street kids and that there was no intention to be negative or to offend. They explained what the term means in South Africa and that anybody who had ever lived on the street could not lose that stigma. In any case, many of the young people who experience our programme have never lived on the streets

While the intention was to cast the term street kid in a positive light I have been unable to persuade the young people in the programme that this is a good idea. None of them wants to be associated with it.

Perhaps, I thought, if we had a Xhosa name in South Africa we could keep OTSK in the UK. I failed to realise that the majority of the population of the Western Cape are non-Xhosa speakers; they can’t pronounce Siyaphambili (that’s Xhosa for we are moving forward).

I spent the beginning of this year developing and delivering programme training to mentors and mentees. The training detailed the importance of our values as an organisation: respect and equality regardless of age, race, gender and religious beliefs. We also discussed Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and his idea that we all have a basic human need for a stable, firmly-based, high level of self-respect, and respect from others and that when these needs are frustrated, we feel inferior, weak, helpless and worthless. If we don’t change our name we are not respecting the young people or treating them as equals. Our priority is to respect the youths in order to gain their trust and for young people living in care, trust seems to be the biggest hurdle.

Our new name SA-YES (South African Youth Education for Sustainability) says exactly what we do. Plus it is respectful, positive and it makes me smile.

Michelle Potter
Executive Director

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March 7th, 2011

Training for the British 10K London Run

I got to know OTSK by recommendation. When I first looked at their website, I was certain that this organization was the right one for me to support. In 2007 I was diagnosed with cancer. During this scary and dark time it was most important to me to have people around me who stand by my side, who support me and to whom I can turn to every time, when I need them. And that is exactly what OTSK stands for. It gives young adults people who they can turn to and who care about them. I think that this is the greatest gift of all.

After two cancer surgeries my doctor told me that the only thing I could do to fight against the still growing cancer is to strengthen my immune system by doing endurance sport. So I thought that I could conjoin supporting OTSK and do something for my health by running the British 10k London Run in July for OTSK. I sent an 
e-mail to OTSK to ask if they would need another participant for the race. I received very kind and touching 
e-mails from Julie and Michelle who made me feel that they would be pleased if I would run for OTSK.

Before the surgeries I could just put on my running shoes and run 10 kilometres without preparation. But since my right vocal chord is paralyzed, it has – beside of the difficulties of talking – become harder to breathe, when I jog. After about 5 minutes I have the feeling that I am breathing through a thin straw, but the good thing is: It’s not getting worse. I could even finish a marathon without getting serious problems like my other doctor suspected. It’s all a question of will and good preparation. So now I’m preparing for the British 10k Run and jog at least two times a week. It is good to work towards one objection so cold and rain is no excuse for not running.

I am really looking forward to come to London and to support OTSK, because it is important and very rewarding to me to share a bit of the luck that I have in my life. So I hope the little that I do is going to help OTSK to continue doing such fantastic work they are already doing.

Sabine Schmidt

If you would like to join Sabine in running the British 10k London Run for OTSK, please send an email to events@sa-yes.com.

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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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December 20th, 2010

The OTSK Experience

A final note from one of our interns:

I began as an intern for Siyaphambili OTSK in October of 2010. Coming from Seattle, Washington USA, Cape Town was a long ways from home. Siyaphambili welcomed me with open arms and it was a wonderful experience to be a part of the organisation for the next few months. As a volunteer I was able to see firsthand how dedicated those involved with Siyaphambili are; the staff, the volunteers, and the young people. The Transition to Independent Living (TIL) programme is making an impact in the individuals involved and also in the community as a whole.

I do believe that there is a gap in services for those transitioning out of children’s homes and moving towards independence. Siyaphambili OTSK is working to fill this gap. The youth involved in the TIL programme are guided in how to access information on education, employment, and housing. But perhaps above all that, they are matched with a mentor, a friend, to walk beside them and support them as they begin their journey toward independence.

I learned a tremendous amount during my time with Siyaphambili OTSK and it was a rewarding experience. I enjoyed getting to know some of the mentors and many of the mentees in the TIL programme. It was great to be a part of an organisation that is driven by purpose and need. Siyaphambili continues to flourish and grow as an organisation, striving to meet the needs and expectations of those involved.

Interning with Siyaphambili OTSK has been an incredible, and very rewarding, experience. I love working with Michelle and Marieke; both are such strong, intelligent women who are passionate about their work. I enjoyed the process of brainstorming and creating – putting systems into place, evaluating, and hopefully making an impact in the organisation.

It will be hard to say goodbye to Cape Town. I have called this city my home for the past few months and have enjoyed almost every minute of it. It is difficult not to with the sun shining and Table Mountain in the background. I have had so many adventures – shark cage diving, soccer games, abseiling, hiking, safaris… and met so many amazing people along the way. This is definitely a time in my life that I will never forget.

I hope to come back to Cape Town soon and cannot wait to see what the future holds for Siyaphambili OTSK. I can tell that 2011 will be a great year.

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December 8th, 2010

Click a Christmas Wish

This Christmas we are encouraging you to send e-cards and make a donation to OTSK rather than buying Christmas cards. Virgin Money Giving is calling it ‘Click a Christmas Wish’ and we thought you might want to participate.

You can set up a Virgin Money Giving ‘Click a Christmas Wish’ fundraising page in a matter of minutes and donate the money you would have spent on cards and stamps to OTSK through Virgin Money Giving. Then you can get your friends and family involved by sending them Virgin’s specially designed e-card and encouraging them to add to your fundraising total.

By choosing Virgin Money Giving as your fundraising website, you could make a big difference to OTSK because Virgin doesn’t take a penny in profit from donations. And Virgin Money Giving passes on 100% of Gift Aid to OTSK too! So spread the word. The sooner you set up a ‘Click a Christmas Wish‘ fundraising page the sooner you can start raising more for OTSK this Christmas.

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December 6th, 2010

Siyaphambili OTSK Fun Day

On Saturday November 27th we had a “Fun Day” for all of those involved in Siyaphambili OTSK. It was a celebration for the end of the first official year of the Transition to Independent Living (TIL) programme. All of the mentors, mentees, and Siyaphambili staff were invited to an afternoon braai (barbeque) at Zandvlei (Sand Lake) in Muizenberg. We had a great turnout; most of the young people attended and several of their mentors.


Aerial view of Zandvei, Muizenberg, Cape Town.

It was a cloudy but warm afternoon spent playing soccer, rugby, tossing frisbees and enjoying some delicious food; a fantastic way to wrap up 2010. I tried to keep up with everyone in soccer but as it turns out I don’t think soccer’s my sport. It was a lot fun to try though, and luckily no one gave me too hard of a time for my lack in skill! A bunch of the mentees played a game of soccer with a few of the mentors, it was great to see all of the young people interact with each other’s mentors.

We did have one sporting incident – a frisbee got tossed in the water (there was debate on whose fault it was, the one that threw it or the one that failed to catch it). But luckily one of our wonderful mentors came to the rescue and waded out to get it!

A mentor and one of the mentees manned the braai and there was plenty of food to go around. It was really neat to see them work together to make the feast.

We had a lot of fun and it was great to get to know more of those involved in the programme. The young people seemed to enjoy themselves – there was lots of laughing and joking around. I’m sure the fact that the grade 12’s school year is almost over and the holiday season around the corner played a part in the joy.

All and all it was a wonderful afternoon!

Ellen, Volunteer

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