WATCH: Kids Haven's Pathways opens doors for vulnerable youth
In search of a solution that could offer personal growth and a path to employment, Kholiwe pinned her final hopes on Kids Haven's Pathways Programme.
She joined the 12-week youth development programme in 2023, hesitant but determined. Her only prayer was to rise above her circumstances and explore career paths that once felt out of reach.
On July 24, dressed in a yellow shirt that made her resemble a blooming sunflower, Kholiwe welcomed corporate guests to Kids Haven's Cranbourne Avenue facility.
The occasion aimed to garner support for a programme that equips vulnerable youth with essential work experience and builds connections with potential employers.
'At Kids Haven we walk the walk,' said programme coordinator Ilke Stein. Kholiwe showed a natural talent for administrative and frontline duties.
ALSO READ: Corporates invited to partner with Kids Haven
'During her learnership, when one of our receptionists fell ill, she stepped in without hesitation. She was so well-suited to the role that no one noticed any disruption in operations.'
Now working in the fundraising department at Kids Haven's Bryanston office, Kholiwe is also completing a related degree.
'Where there was once no hope, this programme helped me unlock my confidence and potential. It allowed me to spread my wings and break free from the shackles that once held me back,' she said with pride.
She urged the visiting corporates to support the initiative, describing it as a catalyst for change.
'With so many corporates present, I implore you to partner with this programme. It creates ripples of opportunity for others who dream of following in our footsteps.'
Her moving words drew heartfelt applause. As eyes turned to the other yellow-shirted youths in the room, there was a shared recognition of the drive and hunger for success reflected in their faces.
'Through our programme, we aim to tap into social capital,' said Stein. 'We want to build networks that open doors for young people, whether through career guidance, job shadowing, mentoring, internships or job placements.
'We offer a wraparound approach, including counselling and guidance, and we treat every youth's expectations both holistically and realistically.
'We're not here to provide cookie-cutter solutions. We take time to understand each young person's strengths and align them with the opportunities that best suit them.'
Dylan Petzer, national vice-chairperson of the Tyre Equipment Parts Association (TEPA), a member of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), took the podium to announce the organisation's commitment to partnering with Kids Haven.
'As corporates, we have the power to help guide youth into adulthood,' he said. 'This is our opportunity to build futures. All that's needed is the willingness to invest in them and help unlock their potential.'
Ways to get involved in the Pathways Programme include:
• Job shadowing: Provide industry exposure to help young people visualise career paths.
• Internships: Offer short- to medium-term placements. Kids Haven will cover initial stipends and transport.
• Learnerships: Deliver accredited training that builds skills and opens doors to employment.
• Entry-level placements: Access a pool of well-supported, motivated candidates who have been screened and matched.
• Mentorship and soft skills training: Share your time and expertise to inspire the next generation.
• Career expos: Help teenagers make informed subject and career choices.
• Entrepreneurial experience: Partner with young entrepreneurs through hands-on projects that foster creativity and self-reliance.
For more information about the programme, email [email protected] or [email protected]
ALSO READ: Kids Haven teens get real about gender-based violence
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
29-07-2025
- The Citizen
WATCH: Kids Haven's Pathways opens doors for vulnerable youth
Feeling like a rudderless boat in a vast sea of unattainable goals, Brakpan resident Kholiwe Mbyuisa felt the grip of poverty tightening around her. In search of a solution that could offer personal growth and a path to employment, Kholiwe pinned her final hopes on Kids Haven's Pathways Programme. She joined the 12-week youth development programme in 2023, hesitant but determined. Her only prayer was to rise above her circumstances and explore career paths that once felt out of reach. On July 24, dressed in a yellow shirt that made her resemble a blooming sunflower, Kholiwe welcomed corporate guests to Kids Haven's Cranbourne Avenue facility. The occasion aimed to garner support for a programme that equips vulnerable youth with essential work experience and builds connections with potential employers. 'At Kids Haven we walk the walk,' said programme coordinator Ilke Stein. Kholiwe showed a natural talent for administrative and frontline duties. ALSO READ: Corporates invited to partner with Kids Haven 'During her learnership, when one of our receptionists fell ill, she stepped in without hesitation. She was so well-suited to the role that no one noticed any disruption in operations.' Now working in the fundraising department at Kids Haven's Bryanston office, Kholiwe is also completing a related degree. 'Where there was once no hope, this programme helped me unlock my confidence and potential. It allowed me to spread my wings and break free from the shackles that once held me back,' she said with pride. She urged the visiting corporates to support the initiative, describing it as a catalyst for change. 'With so many corporates present, I implore you to partner with this programme. It creates ripples of opportunity for others who dream of following in our footsteps.' Her moving words drew heartfelt applause. As eyes turned to the other yellow-shirted youths in the room, there was a shared recognition of the drive and hunger for success reflected in their faces. 'Through our programme, we aim to tap into social capital,' said Stein. 'We want to build networks that open doors for young people, whether through career guidance, job shadowing, mentoring, internships or job placements. 'We offer a wraparound approach, including counselling and guidance, and we treat every youth's expectations both holistically and realistically. 'We're not here to provide cookie-cutter solutions. We take time to understand each young person's strengths and align them with the opportunities that best suit them.' Dylan Petzer, national vice-chairperson of the Tyre Equipment Parts Association (TEPA), a member of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), took the podium to announce the organisation's commitment to partnering with Kids Haven. 'As corporates, we have the power to help guide youth into adulthood,' he said. 'This is our opportunity to build futures. All that's needed is the willingness to invest in them and help unlock their potential.' Ways to get involved in the Pathways Programme include: • Job shadowing: Provide industry exposure to help young people visualise career paths. • Internships: Offer short- to medium-term placements. Kids Haven will cover initial stipends and transport. • Learnerships: Deliver accredited training that builds skills and opens doors to employment. • Entry-level placements: Access a pool of well-supported, motivated candidates who have been screened and matched. • Mentorship and soft skills training: Share your time and expertise to inspire the next generation. • Career expos: Help teenagers make informed subject and career choices. • Entrepreneurial experience: Partner with young entrepreneurs through hands-on projects that foster creativity and self-reliance. For more information about the programme, email [email protected] or [email protected] ALSO READ: Kids Haven teens get real about gender-based violence
The Citizen
24-07-2025
- The Citizen
New partnership helps vulnerable youth enter motor industry
In the spirit of Mandela Month, the Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association (TEPA), a member of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), is joining hands with Kids Haven to bridge the gap between vulnerable youth and real-world employment opportunities. 'Youth unemployment is at an all-time high and remains to be one of the country's most pressing challenges,' said Dylan Petzer, TEPA national vice chairperson. 'As members of the motor industry we have a responsibility and a real opportunity to be part of the solution. 'Partnering with Kids Haven, we are creating meaningful pathways for young people, who have so much to offer, but often lack the access and support needed to take their first steps to gainful employment.' ALSO READ: Mandela Day sparks generosity across Germiston as groups give back Kids Haven's Pathway Programme offers a holistic approach in supporting youth in their care to transition from shelter care and into employment, education or training. Tackling obstacles such a transport, childcare, confidence and access to information, the organisation ensures that young people are not only work-ready but supported throughout the process. 'Youth unemployment is a national crisis. Corporates have the power to shift outcomes through inclusive skill training and placement partnerships,' said Ilka Stein, Kids Haven's manager: youth and skills development. 'The model is flexible and individualised with success stories showing the power of exposure, connection and support. The current partnership with TEPA is one such success story.' Stein explained that the new partnership will see TEPA members offering facility visits, mentorship, short-term internship training and potential employment placements for youth, aligned with automotive sector needs. ALSO READ: Avril Elizabeth Home invites community to Mandela Day Walk-A-Thon fundraiser 'Our broad industry network and focus on skills development though an impactful collaboration,' said Petzer. 'There are various positions within our sector that are both rewarding and do not require a matric certificate, all that is needed is passion, a willingness to learn and a foot in the door.' Stein concluded by saying that in an effort to reduce the financial burden on business while offering their youth exposure to the job market, Kids Haven covers stipends and transport costs ensuring a strong support structure remains in place. 'We are not just connecting our kids with potential employment opportunities; we are working together to build futures,' she said. For more information on this initiative and how your company can get involved email [email protected] or [email protected]
The Citizen
24-06-2025
- The Citizen
Ekurhuleni initiative connects businesses with youth employment solutions
Youth unemployment in South Africa remains alarmingly high, with the latest figures indicating that 46.1% of young people aged 15 to 24 are still excluded from the job market. Nearly half of South Africa's youth are not building skills, earning an income, or gaining valuable work experience, a trend that reinforces long-term exclusion. Ilke Stein, manager of Youth and Skills Development at Kids Haven, says local businesses and corporates have the potential to bridge this deepening divide. ALSO READ: Saheti learners champion youth mental health and inclusive decisions 'Kids Haven is a trusted anchor of hope, care and development for children and families in Benoni and throughout Ekurhuleni. 'We are inviting businesses to join an innovative networking lunch to learn more about our Pathway Programme, a proven, holistic initiative that helps young people transition from care or under-resourced households into further education, training, and employment,' she explained. 'The programme offers corporates a platform to actively partner in building a brighter future for young adults. We believe that change begins with one opportunity, one connection, one future.' Stein emphasised that the private sector holds the power to create real, measurable impact while gaining access to well-prepared, motivated young talent for entry-level roles. ALSO READ: Empowering Youth: Essential safety tips for a safer South Africa 'The Pathway Programme is designed to create sustainable change, and we invite businesses of all sizes to partner with us,' she continued. 'We are not only providing candidates with potential employment but also helping them build personal confidence and workplace readiness, offering exposure to the real world of work – something a classroom alone cannot provide.' The aim of the project is to support youths through counselling, mentoring, and access to a strong, supportive alumni network, while offering individualised pathways tailored to each young person's journey and needs. 'The programme provides essential training such as CV writing, computer literacy, interview preparation, and financial literacy. It also equips young people with tools for self-esteem, gender-based violence awareness, effective communication, and active citizenship,' said Stein. 'Corporate partners play an essential role in its success.' ALSO READ: Edenvale police focus on child safety during Youth Month Opportunities to get involved include: • Job shadowing: Provide industry exposure and help young people visualise career paths. • Internships: Short- to medium-term placements, with Kids Haven covering initial stipends and transport. Learnerships: Deliver accredited training that builds skills and opens doors to gainful employment. • Entry-level placements: Access a pool of well-supported and motivated candidates screened and matched by Kids Haven. • Mentorship and soft skills training: Inspire the next generation with your time and expertise. • Career expos: Help teenagers make informed subject and career choices. • Entrepreneurial experience: Engage with young entrepreneurs through hands-on projects that foster creativity and self-reliance. 'Access matters! Our young people are talented, eager and hungry to learn – all they need are opportunities to gain skills,' said Stein. For more information about the Pathway Programme lunch on July 24, or to book your seat, email youth@ or reception@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
