One of the questions that we, as THOKOMALA, are constantly asked is 'what happens to the children once they reach the age of 18 and/or when they 'leave' the THOKOMALA home'? Six years after the first home was established a number of the THOKOMALA children had reached or were approaching this age and this was something we needed to address urgently.
THOKOMALA’s "uplift programme" was initiated in 2006 to prepare teenage children for life "beyond the home". We partnered teenagers with mentors who guide these youngsters and help them make choices with regards to tertiary education, professional training and earning a living. The aim is to plant 'dreams' in children so they have a reason to excel in school, develop hobbies and strive for a bright future.
In 2007 the "DOW EDUCATION FUND FOR THOKOMALA" was set up to enable THOKOMALA's young adults to pursue tertiary education. The government foster care grant, which is an integral part of the THOKOMALA Home "income", ceases at the age of 18 or when the child finishes school (in some extremely rare cases the grant may be extended to age 21). This means that the youngster would have to "make way" for another young needy child. The idea of the THOKOMALA Homes though is that it is just that for the children: a home. Therefore, we feel it is our responsibility to help these young adults onto their own two feet and assist them with education beyond school.
However, not all the THOKOMALA youngsters will study and other forms of gaining professional skills are also supported as well as for example, weekend courses for teenagers to improve certain skills, hobbies, etc.
To find out more about the THOKOMALA mentorship please contact us!