Calling on all mentors

SAYes Mentoring will be partnering with local high schools as well as community-based organisations in Hout Bay and surrounds to connect young people with trained mentors.

They are looking for 60 volunteer mentors in Hout Bay, said the operations director, Andrew Dellis.

“Last year, we took our model, developed to support young people transitioning out of the Child and Youth Care Sector, into high schools and non-profits in Hout Bay. The response from teachers, parents and non-profit partners was amazing,” Mr Dellis said.

“We are especially excited this year to build on our community partnerships – linking non-profits together in the great work they are doing, and connecting them with local volunteers and businesses who want to get involved,” Mr Dellis said.

The SAYes social change programme is nine months long, beginning in each quarter of the year (March, June and September).

Mentors and mentees meet for one hour a week, one-to-one. Anyone over 26 interested in supporting improvements in independence and well-being for under-served young people may apply to mentor.

SAYes mentorship training is designed to prepare volunteers to work effectively with adolescents, unpacking the mentoring role and transition process, and providing volunteers with credible tools, tactics and strategies for sustainable behavioural change.

Non-profit Waves for Change has partnered with SAYes Mentoring to offer a Learnership Transition Programme for coaches in the second-year of their learnership.

To learn more about the social change programmes launching in the first quarter of 2020, an information session will be held at The Vine Café on Wednesday February 12, starting at 5.30pm. Prospective mentors can also email SAYes Mentoring directly at volunteer@sayesmentoring.org to request an application or visit the website www.sayesmentoring.org for more information.