The Youth and Education Support Trust is making a real difference in the lives of teens who have the drive and ability to excel in tertiary education.
By Hayley Dennyson
Established in 1997 in response to the collapse of Found City Shelter, the Christian Outreach Trust (COT), as it was then known, quickly evolved to offer support to youngsters who were unable to gain access to tertiary education for financial reasons. “Securing a place is difficult enough, but that’s only half the struggle,” says Dee Steel, chairman of the Trust.
Dee moved to SA from the UK in 1993, having retired after a successful career in education. She became involved with a Durban street shelter, which lead to work with Durban Child Welfare, which she headed up from 2005 to 2008. “I had dreams of working with animals, but life keeps bringing me back to children,” she says.
The charity is run by a small team of dedicated volunteers from the Upper Highway. “We cover all our own expenses, from petrol to printing, so all funds go directly to the students,” Dee continues.
COT secured a flat in Pinetown, which they set up to house six students per year, offering them a safe place where they can focus on their studies, as well as practical and emotional support. The committee seek bursaries for the students and provide pocket money for food and transport. “We become surrogate parents, in many ways, as well as nurses, counsellors, secretaries and mentors,” says Dee. “The students know that they can call us, no matter what, and we have stayed in touch with many students long after they’ve graduated.”
“I am so grateful for this opportunity,” says Thabani, who is currently in the house and in his second year B. Comm Accounting. “We work hard and motivate each other. We are like a family.”
Interviews are held each August for applications to the Trust. “It’s vital that these children have the drive to succeed, as well as the right character to adapt to life in the flat, where they will be living with people they may not necessarily have chosen. Amazingly, we have never had any major problems and the students really look out for each other,” says Dee.
To date, 30 students have passed through COT House, all having graduated and achieved full-time employment. A further 50 students have been helped in some way, be it with bursaries or transport costs. That’s a total of 80 people whose lives have been transformed, who are now able to contribute positively to society and inspire others along the way. These include chefs, accountants, a pilot and teachers. “We’d love for them to become leaders in their communities and, ultimately, to become committee members,” says Dee.
“We cannot over-emphasise how important this is. In a small way, we’re trying against the odds to ensure that these young people do not waste their talents, so that they can become the role models they are capable of being.”
Want to get involved?
“The need is great, but there is scope for us to make a real difference,” says Dee. YES Trust is looking for help in the following areas: Funds to assist more students; holiday jobs and apprenticeships with local businesses; mentors to help and inspire; practical support from plumbers, electricians, IT experts, etc to reduce running costs.
Note: Due to financial constraints, YES Trust is unable to consider new student applications until August 2015.
Contact Dee Steel: 031 777 6241; dee4@robroylife.co.za or Jill Storrar: jill.storrar@telkomsa.net