Resource partners are private sector organisations – businesses and non-profits – committed to supporting transition-age youth. Becoming a SAYes resource partner is a wonderful opportunity for your business or NGO to reach transition-age youth within a structured mentoring programme designed to build social capital, skills, knowledge and experience. SAYes works with resource partners nationally, building networks of support for transition-age youth, especially those in residential care. These networks are accessed by the mentor–mentee pairs in the SAYes programme, providing a context of motivation and accountability in expanding a young person’s strengths and interests and addressing their vulnerabilities.
What kind of businesses partner with SAYes?
Our partners range from large corporates (public companies and partnerships) through to small businesses (sole traders, family-run businesses). We also partner with NGOs. If you are committed to supporting transition-age youth in your area, we know there is a Child and Youth Care Centre that could benefit tremendously from your support.
How can my business help?
Businesses partner with SAYes across five key transition areas. Resource partners define the specific terms of their support. Below are some examples within each area.
Education and Learning
Young people transitioning out of care are often educationally underprepared and have limited options for further education and training. Partners offer scholarships and bursaries, learning materials, workshops, access to technical and vocational short courses, winter schools, online learning, in-house skills development, tutoring and peer learning. The objective is to support education and learning – especially in mathematics, science and literacy – and to foster a passion for lifelong learning and critical thinking outside the classroom.
Work and Wealth
Limited exposure to career options and professional networks often limits the ambitions and opportunities of young people transitioning out of care, and a lack of financial literacy can affect their wellbeing for years. Partners provide job-shadowing, internships, on-the-job training and employment (part-time, casual or full-time), access to financial tools and banking, workplace readiness training, career guidance, money management and small business support.
Living Situation and Citizenship
There are currently no state-supported housing options dedicated to young people leaving care in South Africa, so many care leavers experience extended periods of homelessness and housing instability, and face discrimination in the private housing market. Partners help with access to accommodation, documentation and identity papers, transport, and opportunities for civic engagement and volunteering.
Health and Wellbeing
Partners in this area provide access to healthcare services, counselling, sports and recreation, nutrition support and health education, helping young people build routines that protect their physical and mental health.
Relationships and Social Capital
Partners host site visits, mentoring circles, networking events and community activities that widen a young person’s circle of trusted adults and peers.