Every year we recruit 70 youth (aged 18 to 25) into a paid internship to serve as “near-peer mentors” in the Kayamandi primary schools and Early Learning Centres.

YEARBEYOND’S APPROACH IS CENTRED ON A DUAL-BENEFICIARY MODEL

Firstly our 70 YeBoneers benefit as they participate in a structured, paid, bridging year focused on work readiness, self-development, and practical experience supported by our three mentors and our Data Intern. Every Friday they participate in a specially designed training programme that focuses on developing their knowledge and skills in targeted areas under the broad themes of professionalism, emotional intelligence, and agency.

Our YeBoneers implement three distinct structured programmes in Kayamandi’s primary schools and 10 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres. They lead a range of activities, from facilitating literacy and numeracy clubs to guiding psychosocial life skills sessions. They build caring, consistent relationships with the learners while gaining invaluable work experience themselves.

Secondly, the children and learners benefit from the support of the trained YeBoneers and show improved literacy levels, greater participation in class, enhanced self-esteem, and a documented reduction in risk-taking behaviours.

Quantifiable data shows that +-70% of YeBoneers are economically active after their year of service, and they are more likely to be engaged in civic activities. Love to Give had a 70% progression rate in 2025 – 70% of our 2025 YeBoneers progressed to job opportunities or further study.

Pictured above: Odwa Bobo and the Little Explorers YeBoneers

The YearBeyond Little Explorers ECD Programme supports ECD Centres and households in Kayamandi.

The programme builds pre-school children’s literacy and gross motor skills by encouraging a love of stories and supporting physical movement.

The YeBoneers visit ECDs in the mornings and homes where children are not in an ECD in the afternoons.