Our Programmes
We have 5 core community programmes, each facilitated by one of our local mentors.
Move
with Purpose
Move with Purpose is our flagship programme. Mentors teach chess in schools using our own developed curriculum. Most of our partnering schools don’t have pre-existing chess programmes.
The aim is to develop higher thinking abilities, and introduce life skills to young minds. Our curriculum links chess pieces through stories and theory to essential skills needed to excel, or move with purpose.
Weekend
Safe Spaces
Many of our communities lack activities for young people over weekends. Often, unlicensed local bars, known as taverns, become the place to socialise or watch sports matches on TV. Young people are exposed to drunken fights or abuse at these places.
Sihamba Sonke provides alternatives ranging from dance or singing groups, gaming and safe sports viewing. These activities are intentional mentorship opportunities, to link participants with healthy role models that show a different path.
Work 4
A Living
South Africa’s official unemployment rate hovers above 30%, and is even higher for young people. We partner with the non-profit organisation Work 4 A Living to provide short skills training courses to unemployed community members.
Participants who want to improve their job prospects receive training in job readiness basics, like how to set up a CV or interview for a job, as well as mentoring in how to start a business.
Skills
Programme
Many young men struggle to see a future because they don’t know how to access opportunities and take the next step towards a career. This three-month programme involves them in our operations as part of the team.
Participants receive basic skills training and mentorship, and are exposed to a professional office environment. They also co-facilitate the chess programmes in schools, where they discover themselves the importance and rewards of being mentors to others.
Mentorship
Groups
A mentorship group is a protected space for young people to have confidential conversations and learn from one another. Our trained mentors hold several mens’ groups and womens’ groups during the week. Here, they walk together with the young people in the community and explore challenges and burning questions. It is culmination of other, less overt mentoring opportunities like weekend safe spaces, where mentors can be most intentional with participants.