In 2019, SAYes Mentoring, in partnership with the Western Cape Education Department, are launching a schools programmes in Hout Bay at two high schools (Silikamva High School and Hout Bay High School). We are excited to offer our formal mentorship model to the great community of Hout Bay, reducing social inequalities through effective and boundaried behavioural interventions, and supporting objective improvements in independence and well-being.

We will be hosting a series of information sessions in Hout Bay to inform the community and recruit mentors. The first of which is generously hosted by The Vine Café ( https://www.thevineonline.co.za) on the 7th February @ 17.30. (You can book here to RSVP!)

SAYes provides a structured, formal mentoring programme for young people growing up in challenging circumstances who are preparing to transition to independence. SAYes matches young people with volunteer mentors and provides a framework and ecosystem of specialised staff and resources to support the mentorship process. SAYes believes that the guidance, advocacy and support provided by mentors is key to preparing young people for independence and inspiring meaningful social change.

Founded in 2008, SAYes has now grown to more than 100 mentor-mentee matches and, over the past 10 years, it has facilitated 15,750 hours of mentoring for 392 young people in the Cape Town area.

Through the programme, mentors and mentees undergo mentorship training and then meet for weekly mentoring sessions. Throughout the year, mentor/mentee matches also attend monthly work-groups designed by SAYes to guide mentees towards improving independence and well-being as they approach adulthood.

“We are very excited to be launching our Schools Programme in Hout Bay this year. We are confident that the members of this wonderful community will want to come together to support local youth through our structured, supported mentorship programme. SAYes provides an opportunity for two individuals – a mentor and a mentee – who may never have otherwise crossed each other’s paths, to come together and deeply impact each other’s lives,” said Michelle Potter, Co-Founder & Executive Director, SAYes Mentoring. “Entire societies are strengthened when mentors and mentees come together across generational and socio-economic lines to grow together and learn from each other. Anyone interested in taking an active role in this type of social change should consider becoming a SAYes mentor.”