Empowering Youth for a Brighter Future
No-Stone Foundation is a non-profit organization that is committed to empowering youth in Kalbaskraal, a rural village in South Africa. As part of our efforts to support young people in the community, we have implemented a mentoring programme that provides guidance, support, and mentorship to school leavers who are preparing to transition to adulthood.
At present, we have four mentors and mentees in place, and we are proud to see the positive impact that our programme is having on the lives of young people in Kalbaskraal. Our mentors come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the programme. They work closely with their mentees to identify their strengths, goals, and aspirations, and to develop a plan to achieve them.
One of the key benefits of our mentoring programme is that it provides young people with access to resources and opportunities that they may not have otherwise. In an impoverished village like Kalbaskraal, many school leavers lack access to information about career paths, further education, and training programmes. Our mentors work with their mentees to identify their interests and skills and to explore different career paths that are available to them. They also help them to develop the skills that are necessary to succeed in the workplace, such as communication, teamwork, and time management.
In addition to career guidance, our mentoring programme also provides young people with emotional support and guidance. Many school leavers in Kalbaskraal face significant challenges, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities. Our mentors are there to listen to their mentees, to provide guidance and support, and to help them to overcome any obstacles that they may face. Our mentors have access to social workers and psychologists for input on any issues that may come up. It’s important to note that this is a mentor programme, not a counselling one. However, if a situation arises where a mentee needs further support, we will handle it with sensitivity and refer them to the Department of Social Development if needed.
In conclusion, No-Stone Foundation’s mentoring programme in Kalbaskraal is making a real difference in the lives of young people in the community. By providing guidance, support, and mentorship, we are empowering youth to achieve their goals, to develop the skills that they need to succeed, and to build a brighter future for themselves and their community. We look forward to continuing to support young people in Kalbaskraal through our mentoring programme and to see the positive impact that it will have on their lives.