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Khayalethu Youth Centre


Khayalethu Youth Centre

Welcome to our home

Khayalethu Youth Centre
Khayalethu Youth Centre
Khayalethu Youth Centre
Khayalethu Youth Centre
'Our Home'

Dear Khayalethu Friend

The ACVV Khayalethu Youth Centre was started in 1996 after a definite need was identified for a permanent alternative for boys living on the street. Khayalethu means “our home” and that is precisely what the Centre tries to provide for the 35 former street boys aged between 8-18 years that currently live at the Centre.

The Centre aims to prepare these boys physically, emotionally and intellectually to become responsible, functioning members of society. The boys are taken off the streets, away from a life of crime, abuse and poverty and given another chance to reach their potential.

On completing their schooling, they are accomodated in the Khayalethu Oliver House, a halfway house on, the premises where they are given more freedom and responsibility and can focus on learning work and life skills to prepare them for life outside of Khayalethu. Where possible they are enrolled for further education, skills courses or learnerships and are supported in finding a job. There are currently 6 boys in Khayalethu Oliver House.

At the Khayalethu Youth Centre specific programs are offered aimed at their overall development and growth. These programs include:

School Program
All our boys are enrolled into various local schools on admission to the Centre. It is one of the biggest challenges as most of them have had very little or no schooling. To educate them is therefore a priority. Some boys manage well, but others are so far behind and have challenges that make it impossible for them to fit into the formal school system. We have recently started our own small school called “Strong Foundations” and employed a teacher, to accommodate their needs. Some of the older boys attend a Learning Centre which builds foundational language, numeracy and life skills and aims to get them functionally literate.

After School Program
We employ a tutor to assist and monitor the boys’ homework every afternoon and where possible arrange for extra lessons to help them catch up.

Community Service
It is important that the boys learn the importance of giving back to their community and with this in mind the boys volunteer their help at clinics, old age homes and even the Animal Welfare.

Sport Involvement
All the boys are involved in sport, both at school and at the Centre. We are very proud of their achievements, especially in Karate. Most of our boys compete in the annual SA JKA Championships and almost always win some medals. Most of them love playing soccer and compete in various informal leagues.

Adventure Based Education
Outdoor activities and hikes teach the boys about nature, perseverance and teamwork. Many of the boys’ hidden talents come to the fore during these mini adventures.

The Phakamisa Program
This program aims to prepare the boys over the age of 16 for the formal sector, giving them the tools they need to become self-sufficient citizens. The program includes assisting the boys to find holiday and weekend employment, enrolling them in extra courses in order that they may learn a skill, as well as helping them to apply and study for their driver’s licenses. This program is invaluable in preparing the boys for life in the “outside” world.

Each one of these former street boys was trapped in a cycle of poverty and abuse, and headed for a life of crime. Khayalethu Youth Centre has pointed them away from prison cells towards a brighter future.

We would also like to assure you that the Black Beneficiary percentage of ACVV Port Elizabeth Sentraal KHAYALETHU YOUTH CENTRE is 100%. The Khayalethu Youth Centre is a project of the ACVV, and is registered as a Public Benefit Organization (PBO) with the South African Revenue Services. The PBO registered REG. Number is 93006889. This means that all donations are tax deductible both personally and for your business. Please ensure that you receive a receipt from us, which you can pass on to your accountant and tax advisor – this will help you pay less tax.


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Yours Sincerely,


Dr Marietjie van der Merwe
Head of ACVV Khayalethu Youth Centre

Welcome to our home





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