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Student Philiswa Nteya with Blanche McCarthy, programme assistant, and Heather Van Dieman, programme facilitator.

Transforming Lives: 15 Graduates Celebrate Success at Salesian Institute Youth Projects

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140 Years of Changing lives through:
Education Hope Opportunity Supporting Youth Giving Second Chances

Educating. Empowering. Employing

Over a century of
refusing to give up on Cape Town's youth.

Since 1896, the Salesian Institute Youth Projects (SIYP) has been educating and empowering vulnerable children and youth at risk in Cape Town. We offer skills, shelter, counselling, and hope, regardless of religion, race, gender or nationality. We have outlasted apartheid, economic collapse, and a global pandemic. We are still here. We are still showing up. And we are not done.

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Our Vision
Our Mission
Our Goals

"Inspired by Don Bosco's educational approach founded on reason, faith, love and respect, the Salesian Institute Youth Projects seeks to build the emotional, physical, moral and spiritual potential of our young people. We want to offer them the hope and dignity to allow them to take their rightful place in the world."

"Driven by Don Bosco's values, we commit to provide for the physical, educational and spiritual needs of youth at risk, regardless of religion, race, gender or nationality. We achieve this through educational programmes that provide young people with life and work skills that will enhance their sense of value, purpose and prospect."

 

Our Goal

We transform youth at risk into successful citizens. The Salesian Institute Youth Projects serves vulnerable children and youth at risk regardless of religion, race, gender or nationality. We give them the skills they need to stay out of danger, find good jobs and lead happy lives that contribute to society. Each year we do this for over 1,400 young men and women in our programmes through a custom-tailored mix of basic education, vocational training, social skills, neighbourhood outreach, residential accommodation, and hope.

What We Do

Learn-to-Live School of Skills

Learn-to-Live School of Skills

The only recognised independent school of skills for at-risk youth aged 14–18 in the Western Cape.
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NEETs Programme

NEETs Programme

SETA-accredited training and real workplace experience for young people aged 18–26 not in employment, education or training.
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Waves of Change Programme

Waves of Change Programme

A direct pathway into the maritime industry for young people aged 18–35 from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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Stitch Ahead Sewing & Textiles Programme

Stitch Ahead Sewing & Textiles Programme

SETA-accredited programme turning creativity into careers for young people aged 18–35.
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Young people in our programmes annually
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Meals served to our students in 2024
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Youth supported at our maritime Help Desk
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Years of changing lives in Cape Town

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Celebrating Don Bosco
 Our Founder. Our Inspiration Our Guide.

In 1859 he founded the Salesians of Don Bosco, a movement built on three simple principles: reason, faith, and loving kindness. Today that movement is active in over 130 countries. It has been alive in Cape Town since 1896

Our Story

“Not only must you love the young, but they must know that they are loved.”
Don Bosco, 1815–1888

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The Problem We Refuse To Accept
 Join us Make a difference

In the Western Cape, 44% of the population is under 25. Nearly a third live in poverty. Youth unemployment sits above 60%. An estimated 120,000 young people are living on the streets of this province alone.

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