Research tells us that young people who have been loved and supported can become adults who contribute positively to our nation even though they may come from very challenging circumstances. And let’s face it…we know that many South African young people are facing tough circumstances. This may be attributed to socio-economic issues like poverty, the prevalence of single-parent households where often no father is present, high levels of violence and crime in many of our communities, and the illness or death of caregivers due to HIV/AIDS. Many young people grow up feeling like they have nobody to talk to…nobody with whom they can really be themselves.

At HEARTLINES, we want to help change the status quo. We are calling on ordinary South Africans to commit to walking a road with a young person already in your sphere of influence. You as a caring adult can be the one who listens to them, who encourages them, who gives them an example to follow. The chances are there is already a young person who is looking at you; it might be a kid in your church, a neighbour’s child, perhaps even a member of your own extended family.

We are looking for everyday heroes, and think we may have found one in you. But we know the task is daunting, so we want to support you. On 26 October 2008 Heartlines launched the Mentorship Starter Pack. This is a resource for ordinary South Africans with courage enough to invite a young person to follow their example. We’ll provide you with a guide to mentoring, plus a DVD that will show you what you need to know, and will encourage you to examine who you need to be before inviting a young person to follow your example. We will further assist you with a support line whereby you can phone, sms or email us with your challenges or queries. Because we know that an investment in a young person is an investment in our future.

From our Youth Mentors Blog

The Story of “Precious” and Dr Mike.

We have a beach cottage on the Pondoland Wild Coast, and go there a few times a year at School holidays.

One day this skinny, scruffy looking 9 year old young boy, “Precious”, with the most enormous smile, came asking for work. We already had a helper and did not need him, but he very obviously needed us.

Mike said he could assist him with the general maintenance on the cottage. He cut the grass, a few overhanging branches and handed Mike the nails and tools, and watched.

He was paid, was well fed, given books and clothes, and was encouraged to continue his education and just generally made to feel important and special.

One time when Mike was buying new building material he took Precious to the “big Town” and spoilt him rotten. He took him to a Café for a milkshake and Burger, and bought him new clothes and shoes.

This work Precious happily did for many years. As he got older he progressed to being taught how to use the power tools, to drill and cut, and to float concrete, etc.

One holiday the men put in a drop loo, with Precious involved all the way! He helped dig the pit, level and mark the area, float the floor, put in the seat, the extractor pipes, and put on the roof.

Precious then disappeared.

He was next seen 3 years later in Durban, looking rather scruffy and homeless. We all greeted each other with joy, got the latest news, and he was given some money to “spoil Himself.”

4 years later we gave a lift to a neat and smart young man, who was wearing a jacket.

It was Precious!

He was overjoyed to see us, and enthusiastically spent the next half an hour filling us in on all the news, his dreams and his ambitions. He had worked in both Durban and Cape Town, had gone off the rails completely, and then realized he should come home and settle down.

He was currently building toilets for all and sundry, and was doing so well, he had stated to build a house and was considering taking a wife!

When we asked him where he had learnt this all he remarked with amazement “But baba, remember you taught me to build the toilet, and use the tools, so that is what I am doing now!”

Our little bit of care and teaching had helped this young man to feel good about himself, and to aspire to greater things than just being a herd boy.

We were so humbled! - Caro Smit