Each week, we will interview one of our mentors or mentees and find out about their SAYes journey. We hope you enjoy learning more about us.

What is your name?
Annelissa

What is/was your role at SAYes?
Mentee

What year/s were you in the SAYes programme?
2020

How did you hear about SAYes?
I was introduced to SAYes by the organisation I use to work for.

What attracted you to SAYes/What made you sign up?
Initially, I wasn’t sure what the programme was about as I was recommended to SAYes by the organisation that I was working for. I was looking for a new job and would say I was looking for a change. SAYes ensured that I had all the necessary support that I needed.

What were you hoping to get out of the programme?
I wouldn’t say that I had any expectations because it was at first, I didn’t really know about the work of SAYes. I did not know about the mentoring process. I went into the experience with an open mind. I was told that I would be having a mentor and my understanding was, that a mentor is someone who supports you achieve your dreams. So my expectation was to have a mentor who would be open and honest with me and someone who would be trustworthy as well – especially because I would be talking to them about my personal life. I was hoping to have someone to talk to about my hopes and dreams and I sure did. I got a lot of strength from my sessions, strength that helped me get out of my comfort zone and do something that I thought I would never end up doing, which was going to school on a full-time basis. I am currently in my 2nd year at Nelson Mandela University. I was so scared to even apply but with the constant support and encouragement I received, I applied. I came up with all the reasons not to do it – the financial constraints and my age. These worries were what was holding me back from applying. But having someone there to talk you through the many possibilities was really helpful for me. 

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
The constant support from my mentor and also my SAYes Transition Specialist who would regularly check in on me, to see the progress of our sessions. That to me was also a push in the right direction, having someone who will take their time to ask for feedback on my mentoring process. That made me give 100%.

Anything else you would like to tell us?
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of your programme. At age 27, I am now studying towards my dream of being a Social Worker. Being in your programme made me realise that sometimes asking for help isn’t a weakness, and also that age can never limit your hopes and dreams. 

Read more how about how you can be mentored by SAYes – either in South Africa or in the UK. https://sayesmentoring.org/sayes-mentoring-uk-get-involved-in-2021/
or email us at mailto:mentee@sayesmentoring.org

What is your name?
Keenan

What is/was your role at SAYes?
Mentee

What year/s were you in the SAYes programme?
2020

How did you hear about SAYes?
I heard about SAYes through my job at Waves for Change.

What attracted you to SAYes/What made you sign up?
The opportunity for a mentor to support me in becoming a better version of myself.

What were you hoping to get out of the programme?
To self improve during the programme and with my mentor.

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
The positives were how much I felt that I had personal growth whilst taking part in the programme.

Read more how about how you can be mentored by SAYes – either in South Africa or in the UK. https://sayesmentoring.org/sayes-mentoring-uk-get-involved-in-2021/
or email us at mailto:mentee@sayesmentoring.org

What is your name?
My name is Carly.

What is/was your role at SAYes?
SAYes Alumni (ambassador)

What year/s were you in the SAYes programme?
I joined the programme in 2015.

How did you hear about SAYes?
The social worker at the child and youth care centre told us about the programme.

What attracted you to SAYes/What made you sign up?
The opportunity to get a mentor every year and most importantly that the mentor’s main focus is the young person who is assigned to them.

What were you hoping to get out of the program?
To build a huge network of support… I mean you never know when you will be needing someone’s help.

What are you up to now, since graduating from the programme?
I recently launched a campaign on Backabuddy where I am raising funds to start up a free internet café for the people of my community.

It came to my attention that we have lack of resources in my community which is disadvantaging  the fellow members of my community – especially the young people within my area. As a youth activist, I feel obligated to do something about it so my plan is to give them the access they need to find jobs; find studying opportunities; and be able to print or fax.

You can donate and support Carly and her campaign to an internet cafe in her community providing free services for under-served youth here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/free-internet-cafe

Read more how about how you can be mentored by SAYes –  either in South Africa or in the UK. https://sayesmentoring.org/sayes-mentoring-uk-get-involved-in-2021/
or email us at mailto:mentee@sayesmentoring.org

What is your name?
Raylin

What is/was your role at SAYes?
Mentee

What year/s were you in the SAYes programme?
2016

How did you hear about SAYes?
When SAYes visited St Michael’s to introduce the programme to us.

What attracted you to SAYes/What made you sign up?
The opportunity for developmental growth.

What were you hoping to get out of the programme?
To learn more about myself.

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
I faced the challenge of feeling that I did not know my true identity which made it challenging to accept myself. The mentor I had inspired me to accept myself for who I was.

Also, support! There is always someone to advise and support life decisions, and someone who can relate to you.

Read more how about how you can be mentored by SAYes –  either in South Africa or in the UK. https://sayesmentoring.org/sayes-mentoring-uk-get-involved-in-2021/
or email us at mailto:mentee@sayesmentoring.org

What is your name?
Zoë-Leigh

What is/was your role at SAYes?
Mentee

What year/s were you in the SAYes programme?
2020 and 2021.

How did you hear about SAYes?
I heard about SAYes from my class teacher in 2020 when I was matric.

What attracted you to SAYes/What made you sign up?
I signed up for SAYes because I heard it was going to motivate me and to help me apply for university.

What were you hoping to get out of the program?
I was hoping to get help with applying for varsity which I did. My mentor also encouraged me a lot and asked me questions about myself that I didn’t know the answer to at first. But she helped me and now I feel that I know myself better.

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
The positives of the programme is that it helps you to get to know yourself better, it encourages and motivates.

Read more how about how you can be mentored by SAYes –  either in South Africa or in the UK. https://sayesmentoring.org/sayes-mentoring-uk-get-involved-in-2021/
or email us at mailto:mentee@sayesmentoring.org

What is your name?
Asiphe

What is/was your role at SAYes?
Mentee

What year/s were you in the SAYes programme?
2020-2021.

How did you hear about SAYes?
I heard about SAYes through Waves for Change.

What attracted you to SAYes/What made you sign up?
I was in a situation where I needed someone to talk to and guide me. And to grow as a person, without feeling judged.

What were you hoping to get out of the programme?
Guidance and growth throughout my journey.

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
I gained lots during both years – I learned how to think outside of the box. I’m now doing sales as a part-time job. I also now have experience of home base care, all through the motivation I received from my mentor in our journey together.

Read more how about how you can be mentored by SAYes –  either in South Africa or in the UK. https://sayesmentoring.org/sayes-mentoring-uk-get-involved-in-2021/
or email us at mailto:mentee@sayesmentoring.org

What is your name?
Brighett 

What is/was your role at SAYes?
Mentee

What year/s were you in the SAYes programme?
2021.

How did you hear about SAYes?
I heard about SAYes through Waves for Change.

What attracted you to SAYes/What made you sign up?
They are very helpful and they have a good service.

What were you hoping to get out of the program?
To pass my grades at school and gain a solid mindset, which I now have.

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
They are like a torch in the dark. They are amazing.

Read more how about how you can be mentored by SAYes –  either in South Africa or in the UK. https://sayesmentoring.org/sayes-mentoring-uk-get-involved-in-2021/

What is your name?
Anele

What is/was your role at SAYes?
Mentee

What year/s were you in the SAYes programme?
From 2019 – 2020.

How did you hear about SAYes?
I was referred to SAYes by Waves for Change.

What attracted you to SAYes/What made you sign up?
At the time, I felt I needed a mentor to help me with different aspects of my life whether that be career growth, financial well-being guidance and someone to just talk to in general.

What were you hoping to get out of the program?
I was hoping to grow with regards to finding greener pastures and developing in the world of work.

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
Having a mentor helped me grow, make informed and better decisions in critical situations, build positive relationships, and most of all, SAYes also served me in times of need.

Read more how about how you can be mentored by SAYes –  either in South Africa or in the UK. https://sayesmentoring.org/sayes-mentoring-uk-get-involved-in-2021/

What is your name?
Paula

What is/was your role at SAYes?
Mentee

What year/s were you in the SAYes programme?
From 2019 – 2022.

How did you hear about SAYes?
I heard from a friend. 

What attracted you to SAYes/What made you sign up?
The way they were helping people in everything.

What were you hoping to get out of the program?
To learn about the reality of life.

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
I left SAYes with much more experience on how to handle myself and how to handle my life. My mentors were with me every step of the way in everything.

Anything else you would like to tell us?
I recommend people to join the program SAYes – it will really be helpful and they will meet new people.

Read more how about how you can be mentored by SAYes –  either in South Africa or in the UK. https://sayesmentoring.org/sayes-mentoring-uk-get-involved-in-2021/

What is your name?
Gaynor

What is/was your role at SAYes?
Mentee

What year/s were you in the SAYes programme?
I joined SAYes in 2019.

How did you hear about SAYes?
I heard about SAYes when Andrew did an introduction at my former place of employment back in 2018. 

What attracted you to SAYes/What made you sign up?
What attracted me to sign up to the program was how well it was structured and the support the program offered in varies domains. 

What were you hoping to get out of the programme?
I was hoping to get the support I needed at the time in the journey I was embarking on. At the time, I was busy studying engineering with a new-born baby.

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
Being part of the program has taught me various things: how to deal with everyday stresses and how to look after myself whilst still being a mother. It has also helped me reach the goals I set for myself and not just have a goal or pipeline dream but actually execute these long-term goals. I have accomplished three of my goals whilst being part of the SAYes program and to me that is an accomplishment, as I have struggled for quite a while to even reach one. But with the help of SAYes, by sharing information with regards to what I am interested in, supporting me with a phone/data and giving me tools on how to take care of myself, it is truly a blessing.

Read more how about how you can be mentored by SAYes –  either in South Africa or in the UK. https://sayesmentoring.org/sayes-mentoring-uk-get-involved-in-2021/

What is your name?
Aleck

What is/was your role at SAYes?
Mentee

What year/s were you in the SAYes programme?
I joined SAYes in 2019.

How did you hear about SAYes?
I heard about it from the high school  I attended.

What attracted you to SAYes/What made you sign up?
I liked the way they motivate the young people/The advantages to being in the program.

What were you hoping to get out of the program?
To get a mentor who can help me achieve my goals.

Tell us about any challenges you faced in the SAYes programme and how you overcame them.
Challenges for me were working on my time management, remembering facts and figures and I was afraid of failing. 

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
I have been successful on achieving my goals.

Read more how about how you can be mentored by SAYes –  either in South Africa or in the UK. https://sayesmentoring.org/sayes-mentoring-uk-get-involved-in-2021/

What is your name?
Shameelah

What is/was your role at SAYes?
Mentee

What year/s were you in the SAYes programme?
I joined SAYes in 2016-2018 and then again in 2021 until now.

How did you hear about SAYes?
Destino visited the home in Woodstock and told us about the program.

What attracted you to SAYes/What made you sign up?
It’s a youth program and they are here to help and equip young people.

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
I’m hoping to get the best guidance towards my future.

Tell us about any challenges you faced in the SAYes programme and how you overcame them.
I faced connection problems but it’s solved now and sometimes I would prefer to see my mentor face-to-face rather than using the Whatsapp video call.

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
I encourage every young person to grab themselves a mentor from SAYes.

Read more how about how you can be mentored by SAYes –  either in South Africa or in the UK. https://sayesmentoring.org/sayes-mentoring-uk-get-involved-in-2021/

What is your name?
Rose

What is/was your role at SAYes?
Mentee

What year/s were you in the SAYes programme?
I joined SAYes in 2019

How did you hear about SAYes?
It was introduced to me at Sakhisizwe youth development where I volunteer as a mentor to students from grade 8-12. 

What attracted you to SAYes/What made you sign up?
I signed up for SAYes because I wanted a mentor who could guide me and make sure that I learned to make the correct decisions independently. 

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
I was hoping to be a better person, make the correct decisions and grow up to be a better citizen in my community and also become independent. 

Tell us about any challenges you faced in the SAYes programme and how you overcame them.
Apart from having to switch to online because of COVID 19,  I faced no challenges with SAYes. 

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
The SAYes program these past years has helped me grow especially mentally. It has challenged the way that I see. Now I think about things in a good way. Having a mentor is the best thing ever because it is someone that is willing to listen, advise and help me with making the correct decisions.

Read more how about how you can be mentored by SAYes –  either in South Africa or in the UK. https://sayesmentoring.org/sayes-mentoring-uk-get-involved-in-2021/

What is your name?
Ireta 

What is/was your role at SAYes?
Mentee

What year/s were you in the SAYes programme?
I joined SAYes around 2016 but stopped 2017 and started again this year.

How did you hear about SAYes?
I heard about SAYes from the Children’s Home I lived in Woodstock called Lawrence House.

What attracted you to SAYes/What made you sign up?
During my first two years with SAYes, I saw that it helped me a lot and my mentors from that time were very encouraging with their advice and help. I became wiser and strong enough to face the challenges that were coming my way.

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
I was hoping to get someone that will help me and guide me in this new journey that I’m taking, with advice and guidance. Someone who will also encourage me, which is what I received.

Tell us about any challenges you faced in the SAYes programme and how you overcame them.
I didn’t face any challenges.

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
That with the support SAYes and your mentor, you end up coming out of the programme stronger and wiser. You set the goals for your future.

Read more how about how you can be mentored by SAYes –  either in South Africa or in the UK. https://sayesmentoring.org/sayes-mentoring-uk-get-involved-in-2021/

or email us at mailto:mentee@sayesmentoring.org

What is your name?
Biscoth

What is/was your role at SAYes?
Mentee

What year/s were you in the SAYes programme?
2017, 2018, 2019, 2022

How did you hear about SAYes?
Through my children’s home.

What attracted you to SAYes/What made you sign up?
The fact that i could have someone to help me and talk to.

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
Someone to help guide me achieve some of my goal.

Tell us about any challenges you faced in the SAYes programme and how you overcame them.
At the beginning it was learning to open up to stranger. Then later it was keeping the conversation interesting. Now I thinkI don’t experience any challenges.

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
When I was in the children’s home it was nice having someone you can openly speak to without the fear of them judging you, or parenting you. When I went university, it was nice having someone support me mentally and emotionally. My mentors in university taught me to live interdependent instead of independent. Which was nice to have. I learnt that even though I can do things on my own, it’s nice to reach out and ask for help.

Anything else you’d like to add about your experience with Sayes?
I really loved all the mentors that I have had. They all taught me something different. My first two mentors, when I was at St Michael’s taught me to appreciate the things I have. They valued family and work, which moulded me to learn to appreciate it too. My university mentors taught me to appreciate myself, as well as appreciating what I have.

Read more how about how you can be mentored by SAYes –  either in South Africa or in the UK. https://sayesmentoring.org/sayes-mentoring-uk-get-involved-in-2021/

or email us at mailto:mentee@sayesmentoring.org

What is your name?
Langa 

What is/was your role at SAYes?
Mentee

What year/s were you in the SAYes programme?
Since 2021.

How did you hear about SAYes?
Through South African’s Children’s Home.

What attracted you to SAYes/What made you sign up?
The way they handle the first interview and to see how you click with the different mentors and they know what they’re doing to pair you with the best possible mentor.

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
Someone who can listen, guide and spend time with me. I believe no money can buy time.

Tell us about any challenges you faced in the SAYes programme and how you overcame them.
Due to covid it was impossible to meet each other face to face but it was good to know that we were going to chat via our social media each week for an hour.

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
The consistent meetings; the surprise visits; the good listening skills of the mentor; the genuine interest they show us; and the mere thought that there is someone out there for me.

Read more how about how you can be mentored by SAYes –  either in South Africa or in the UK. https://sayesmentoring.org/sayes-mentoring-uk-get-involved-in-2021/

or email us at mailto:mentee@sayesmentoring.org

What is your name?
Zizipho

What is/was your role at SAYes?
Mentee

What year/s were you in the SAYes programme?
From 2013-2022.

How did you hear about SAYes?
I heard from my childcare.

What attracted you to SAYes/What made you sign up?
I was looking for a role model. Looking for direction for my life and family; someone to talk to from time to time; a friend.

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
I gained a network of friends who I can ask for advice and connections. I learned new ideas about different types of life issues.

SAYes made me realise who I am as a person and know my rights as a young black diamond.

Read more how about how you can be mentored by SAYes –  either in South Africa or in the UK. https://sayesmentoring.org/sayes-mentoring-uk-get-involved-in-2021/

or email us at mailto:mentee@sayesmentoring.org

What is your name?
Lysette Tshikuna

What is/was your role at SAYes? Mentor or Mentee?
I’m a mentee.

What year/s were you in the SAYes programme?
From 2014 to present…

How did you hear about SAYes?
Child and youth care centre.

What attracted you to SAYes/What made you sign up?
When I lived in the children’s home, everyone had the opportunity to be part of the SAYes program. However, as I benefitted a lot from the mentoring sessions, I decided that even when I left the home, I still wanted to be a mentee in the program. It offered a lot of guidance for a young person that did not have their parents around. I was also able to meet some of the best mentors, in my opinion. They supported me through my endeavours as I went on to pursue tertiary education. They still support me, even today.

What concerns (if any) did you have when thinking about signing up?
Life after leaving the child care centre. Where would I live? What would I do with my life? Will I work?

What were you hoping to get out of the SAYes programme?
Help managing my life as an independent person.

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
In my matric year, the youth care centre I lived in decided not to have the program and because of this I believe that I struggled a lot, in terms of managing and planning for life after high school. Thankfully, I was still in contact with Hailey Nel and she assisted me when I felt lost.

Read more how about how you can be mentored by SAYes –  either in South Africa or in the UK. https://sayesmentoring.org/sayes-mentoring-uk-get-involved-in-2021/

or email us at mailto:mentee@sayesmentoring.org

What is your name?
Lee Canda

What is/was your role at SAYes? Mentor or Mentee?
I’m a mentee.

What year/s were you in the SAYes programme?
From 2018 to present…

How did you hear about SAYes?
Children’s Home in Plumstead.

What attracted you to SAYes/What made you sign up?The fact that they were so friendly and willing to help where they can.

What concerns (if any) did you have when thinking about signing up?
I thought it would be hard for me to open up to the mentors.

What were you hoping to get out of the SAYes programme?
Just to have more knowledge and a better insight on how to understand things in life and my surroundings.

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
They help you reach 80% of your goals whether it’s long term or short term. They’re also there when you’re in need of someone to talk to.

I would love to be part of the SAYes program again this year and forward into the future.

Read more how about how you can be mentored by SAYes –  either in South Africa or in the UK. https://sayesmentoring.org/sayes-mentoring-uk-get-involved-in-2021/

or email us at mailto:mentee@sayesmentoring.org

What is your name?
Junior Louw

What is/was your role at SAYes? Mentor or Mentee?
I’m a mentee.

What year/s were you in the SAYes programme?
From 2020…

How did you hear about SAYes?
Mhinti Pato at Sakhisizwe Youth Development Program.

What attracted you to SAYes/What made you sign up?
I needed the extra help or guidance for my education, my future.

What were you hoping to get out of the SAYes programme?
The necessary advice that I need. Someone that I can always get back to when I’m stuck – so basically freedom and knowledge.

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
I loved everyone I’m matched with. 

I really find people who understand me, people who do not judge me at SAYes and I love it.

Read more how about how you can be mentored by SAYes –  either in South Africa or in the UK. https://sayesmentoring.org/sayes-mentoring-uk-get-involved-in-2021/

or email us at mailto:mentee@sayesmentoring.org

 

What is your name?
Bertin Kalombo

What is/was your role at SAYes? Mentor or Mentee?
I’m a mentee, as well as the current chair of the SAYes alumni.

What year/s were you in the SAYes programme?
From 2015…

How did you hear about SAYes?
I heard about SAYes when the team came to present at the youth centre where I used to stay.

What attracted you to SAYes/What made you sign up?
I got attracted to SAYes due to their focus on growing the individual, through their step-by-step mentoring programme.

What were you hoping to get out of the SAYes programme?
At the time, I was hoping to learn how to forward plan and become more established by expanding the network of people around me.  Also, the opportunity to meet new people.

Tell us about the positives of the programme.
The positivity of the programme is that it always has a role to play within ones’ transition – if not at that moment it’s always somewhere along the way.

Read more how about how you can be mentored by SAYes –  either in South Africa or in the UK. https://sayesmentoring.org/sayes-mentoring-uk-get-involved-in-2021/

or email us at mailto:mentee@sayesmentoring.org