Personal message

Do you remember turning 18? The excitement of all the possibilities that lay ahead. Studying, traveling, leaving home and starting your own life. For most of us this excitement came with no fear attached. We had loving parents to support us financially and emotionally and a home to go back to if we ever needed it.

For children in state care, it is a bit different. Your 18th birthday means you need to leave the only place that has ever been a home for you and you can never come back. There is no more room with your bed in that you can come back to for a weekend if you are tired of partying at university, there is no mom that will make you a nice dinner and do your laundry. You are totally on your own, with nothing and no one to fall back on. 

Mamelani helps prepare children for this day and provides support to them after it has come. 

A child that has been living in an children's home or in a state care facility is forced to leave at the age 18. Many of these young people are not ready for this transition and without adequate support, after years of stability, they struggle to stay in school, attend skills training programmes and find meaningful work. Mamelani's programme ensures that they are are supported through this transition and are able to remain focused, motivated and move forward in their lives.  

This year I have decided to do my bit for South African youth and take on a challenge! I have become a Mamelani Mover and will be taking part in this years Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Challenge.

R4500 allows one young person to complete a paid internship, providing them with the opportunity to gain access to the world of work, technical experience and money management skills. Together the Mamelani Movers Argus team would like to secure enough funds to allow 5 youth to be a part of this process.

About Mamelani Projects Proseed Youth Development Programme:

The programme consists of supporting young people in successfully transitioning out of state care at 18 years of age. Care leavers are said to be one of the most vulnerable groups in society, and without adequate support, after years of care and development, many face poor outcomes in adult life, including homelessness, unemployment and mental health challenges.

Mamelani has developed an approach to working with young people, a process to support them in preparing for and facing life beyond care. The programme runs over 3 years, providing support prior to the transition, as well as continued support after leaving the children's home.

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