Prioritising Mental Well-being in South Africa’s Youth: Just Grace’s Upliftment Programmes

Each of the Just Grace programmes is structured so that youth are empowered with mental well-being tools and any barriers to mental well-being are addressed.

In addition, they are also equipped in a practical sense – giving them skills that will enable them to make a difference in their lives and help them to become more engaged within the community.

However, it’s not enough to impart skills (be they academic or professionally related); one must seek to engage in deep reflective, critical learning processes that challenge the prevalent mindset of the participants.

The Qhubeka! Youth Development Programme uses group activities that stimulate creative thinking skills and self-awareness; the discussions and debates of the book club validate participant opinions and build confidence; the holiday club is both fun and expands the participants’ view of the world and potential opportunities; job shadowing for grade 11 learners gives them insight into possible future careers and develops a sense of hope and optimism for the future. By presenting new opportunities and providing opportunities for lateral development, this programme not only sees an improvement in participants’ academic results, but also young people whose horizons have broadened, have developed critical thinking skills and perhaps most encouragingly, have developed the grit required to face life and overcome personal and social obstacles.

The Phakama! Youth Activation Programme works with young people between the ages of 17 – 35, and aims to re-engage at-risk youth within the community by offering both professional and personal development skills. While the professional development equips the participants with valuable skills such as writing a successful CV, understanding workplace etiquette and interview skills, it’s the personal development skills they gain which gives them the mental edge when looking for employment – these young people have hope and motivation.

The Empilweni! Thriving Communities Programme also offers both practical and metacognitive skills development opportunities through psychosocial support.

Participants gain practical skills to assist them in overcoming struggles, yet this programme also encourages participants to evaluate their mindsets: how their personal biases impact their worldview and hinder their growth. Key skills that improve mental well-being are addressed within a family-focused environment, meaning a sense of community is built and a legacy is left as whole families find healing.

Participants of such programmes gain practical skills that will help them improve their social and economic situations, and perhaps more importantly, gain the confidence and improved mental well-being that will enable them to make a difference within their community. Experience shows that the Just Grace programme alumni are more equipped that their peers at navigating life’s challenges as they have been given the tools to persevere, find support in their community and to encourage others to follow suit.