YearBeyond, a collaborative effort of the Western Cape Government, The Community Chest of the Western Cape, Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, and nonprofits, empowers 18 to 25-year-olds with work experience and pathways to further education or jobs. Volunteers serve as tutors in local primary schools, fostering active citizenship.

In Worcester, Talitha Cumi oversees the program in five Afrikaans schools, with expansion plans. Participant numbers grew from 23 in 2021, to 44 in 2022, aiming for 100 participants in 2023, benefiting 2000 learners.

Talitha Cumi is leading an effort to supply sanitary towels and face masks to learners in Worcester's farm schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing a safe learning environment. We aim to secure corporate backing to expand the initiative, ensuring consistent support for a wider range of farm schools and bolstering girls' education and well-being.

Currently reliant on volunteers, our project's reach is limited to a handful of schools. To meet the growing needs of learners, we're seeking partnerships with corporations to sustain and broaden the initiative's impact. By fostering supportive learning environments, we empower students to focus on education without essential needs barriers.

Join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of these learners, ensuring no girl child is hindered in their pursuit of education

Talitha Cumi is dedicated to providing essential supplies like sanitary towels and face masks to learners in Worcester's farm schools amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing their safety and comfort. We aim to expand this initiative with support from corporate partners, ensuring a continuous supply to a wider range of schools, particularly focusing on the well-being of girls.

Additionally, we actively engage in hosting holiday programs for youth during breaks, collaborating with various stakeholders to organize these initiatives. These programs offer not only safety for learners but also short-term job opportunities for young individuals, fostering a structured and engaging environment.

Recognizing the challenges faced by families separated due to seasonal work, particularly during extended holiday breaks, our programs play a vital role in keeping children informed, occupied, and safe. We invite you to join us in ensuring a positive and enriching holiday experience for all youth in our community

Starting May 2021, our initiative focuses on primary school learners in rural farm areas, aiming to prepare them for transitioning to secondary schools in larger towns. We recognize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their education, addressing challenges stemming from extended periods at home and inconsistent school attendance.

Our sessions not only enhance academic readiness but also address emotional and aspirational gaps. As learners approach the transition to secondary education, we provide support to boost confidence, resilience, and clarity about their future. By taking a holistic approach, we empower these young minds to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and envision a brighter future beyond immediate circumstances. This project reflects our commitment to nurturing holistic development and facilitating smoother educational transitions for rural learners.

Launched in 2021, this compassionate program offers vital support to students facing unique hardships. In its first year, the initiative provided school uniforms to two Grade 7 learners who tragically lost their fathers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the profound impact of such losses, especially during the transition to high school, spurred this meaningful gesture.

Currently backed by a dedicated board member, the program aims to expand its reach in the coming year, providing uniforms to more students. By addressing the practical need for uniforms, this initiative not only honors lost loved ones but also enhances students' well-being and dignity. Talitha Cumi remains steadfast in creating a supportive environment where every learner receives the resources necessary for a successful educational journey.

Addressing youth unemployment necessitates understanding the barriers hindering sustainable employment. Talitha Cumi is proactively addressing this issue by developing a tailored approach to career guidance and opportunities. Currently, we're crafting a survey for businesses and government departments to identify specific obstacles faced by young workers, informing a targeted training program slated for the second quarter of 2022 pending funding.

Our goal is simple yet impactful: to ensure successful and sustained employment for young people. This deliberate strategy aims to bridge gaps in understanding and create a more supportive pathway into the workforce. Through collaboration and informed initiatives, we strive to unlock opportunities and build a brighter future for youth.

Aligned with our commitment to youth empowerment, Talitha Cumi collaborated with Action Volunteer Africa (AVA) on Youth Day 2021, hosting our inaugural mobile career clinic. To extend the impact, we envision an annual Mobile Career Clinic in the Breede Valley, with aspirations to replicate and host it more frequently. This initiative aims to provide accessible career guidance, bridging gaps for young individuals as they navigate their professional journeys. For a closer look at our efforts, you can view the following project video.

Stay tuned as we continue striving for widespread career readiness and opportunities for the youth in the Breede Valley and beyond.

On Youth Day, June 16, 2022, Talitha Cumi spearheaded a Career Day at the Town Hall, attracting 450 to 500 NEET youth. Collaborating with key stakeholders, 13 exhibitors showcased valuable opportunities, marking a successful event.

Following this, we replicated the Career Day in Zweletemba on October 20, 2022, in partnership with the local counselor. Drawing around 500 to 600 attendees and featuring 11 exhibitors, it was another impactful event.

These Career Days highlight collaborative efforts linking youth to diverse opportunities. Positive feedback has prompted requests for more initiatives, affirming our commitment to empowering youth through exposure to various opportunities.

Talitha Cumi is in the process of establishing a Youth Network, aiming to foster collaboration among various youth-focused organizations. Initial discussions have shown enthusiasm for creating a network to coordinate efforts for youth betterment. The goal is to operationalize this network, ensuring comprehensive services for youth and transforming the municipal area into a collaborative space. This alliance represents an opportunity to address diverse needs, offering shared resources and initiatives. Talitha Cumi is committed to overcoming challenges and nurturing this collaborative endeavor, aiming to create a supportive ecosystem for youth development.

Talitha Cumi employs a POP-Up culture, a flexible approach to addressing community issues. In 2023, we focused on nutritional needs in Zwelethemba, distributing essentials with sponsor support to alleviate food insecurity.

Expanding this initiative, we integrated POP-Ups into our 16 Days of Activism program, targeting Riverview and Zwelethemba to raise awareness about Gender-Based Violence (GBV). These events facilitated community dialogue and empowerment through informative pamphlets distribution.

The POP-Up culture allows us to respond promptly to community needs, fostering resilience and community engagement. It remains a vital part of our commitment to community development and well-being, directly impacting various aspects of community life.