ACVV Khayalethu Child and Youth Care Centre and Oliver House

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Oliver House

The Khayalethu Oliver House (known as K2) was established in 2007 and provides an opportunity for those Khayalethu boys who have completed their formal schooling to extend their stay for a period of time in order to better prepare for the workplace and life outside of Khayalethu.

Part of our strength in the success of the Khayalethu Oliver House has been in aligning ourselves with reputable and caring businesses such as Ocean Divers International, Haenco Engineering, APS Connections, TNT Express, Parmalat, Total Shopfitters, and Atlas Security. It is imperative that companies build a relationship with Khayalethu over time in order for them to want to invest in the future of our young men at Khayalethu Oliver House. Companies such as those already mentioned give a hand up to these young men, rather than a handout – a much more important role in society!

Our heartfelt thanks go out to the Oliver Foundation and the businesses in Port Elizabeth that are willing to invest their time, training, resources and finances over as much as a three year apprenticeship training period.

It is our firm belief that with the right education from caring businesses and individuals such as these our young men will integrate and sustain themselves and their future families in a responsible and educated manner.

The Oliver House Programme

Khayalethu residents apply to participate in the Olive House Programme. After an information session to provide applicants with an overview of the programme, expectations and the particulars of the agreement between Oliver House and participants, residents submit a motivation and application. This forms the basis of discussion in the applicant’s informal interview with the programme co-ordinator, housemother and the Head of Khayalethu. Inclusion in the programme is reliant on a negative drug test and a signed contract.

The Programme is divided into phases and each phase should be evaluated before continuing to the next. Click on the tabs to find out more about each phase.

Expected duration no longer than 4 months

At the start of the programme, a draft CV is compiled and an IDP (individual development plan) is set up for each resident. These are reviewed at the end of each phase. 

During phase 1:

  • Participants must enrol for, attend and successfully complete the 5-week Livelihoods Programme at Umzi Wethu (or a similar course).
  • This is followed up by a 5- week mentoring programme presented by the Doxa Youth Programme based in Zwide.

During this time it is expected of the young men to participate in an income generating project to fill the time gaps. A percentage of this income will go towards the Oliver House running costs. They may also be required to work on the grounds, either on a voluntary basis or for pocket money, when they are not busy with another programme. This fulfils an important role in teaching the basics of becoming “work fit”.

Following the 10-week programme outlined above, participants are “employed” by Khayalethu. Under the supervision of the Handyman or admin officer, they will be required to wake up on time, complete their daily duties, report for duty, sign on and off, stick to the given work hours, and be responsible and accountable. They are paid a small daily stipend at the end of each week.

At the same time, the young men start the Driver’s Licence Programme. They prepare for the Learner’s Licence, make an appointment and complete the test. Learning to drive and completing the driving test forms part of phase 2.The Driver’s License programme will be in Phase 2 or 3.

In order to successfully complete Phase 1, the young men are expected to:

  • Be helpful in the house, as part of a team, by doing their allocated duties, cooperating with the house mother, and keeping the rules as agreed upon.
  • Remain drug free. Random drug tests may be done if it is suspected that a resident is using drugs. If positive, the resident will be suspended immediately.
  • Attend all scheduled house meetings or make a reasonable and timely excuse to the co-ordinator.
  • Attend the weekly men’s meeting.
  • Participate in a fitness programme of their choice.
  • Prove that they are able to look after themselves regarding personal hygiene, by keeping their lockers and drawers tidy, managing their weekly food rations, doing their personal laundry, looking after their belongings, and respecting their fellow residents’ belongings.
  • Stick to the requirements for working on the premises.
  • Have a test date for their Learner’s Licence or already have attempted the test.

During this phase the young men and the programme coordinator start on individual work related skills and possible job placements. They open a bank account and register for income tax, their CVs are updated and they complete security clearance. They also apply for the Coega Driver’s programme and set test date.

Can last from 6 months to a year

In this final phase, the young men settle into a work routine, learn to cope in the workplace, managing their time,  attendance, punctuality, transport, conflict management, communication, etc. They are taught to plan their budgets in order to save and they make monthly contributions to their living expenses at Oliver House.

Arrangements are made for the purchase of a bicycle, if necessary, and planning takes place for future living arrangements and an exit date from the programme.

Our young men work through these various phases and can stay for up to two years, depending on their Individual Development Plan.

The following are addressed:

  • Health, hygiene, nutrition and independent living
  • Administration and life skills training
  • Preparation for employment.
  • How to find apprenticeship opportunities and entry level employment
  • Attainment of drivers’ licences 

Finally, we focus on family re-unification and disengagement from ACVV Khayalethu Child and Youth Care Centre. We reach a stage where we have done our best to prepare them and we trust that they will use all they have gained to make a success of their lives. 

Tobela's Farewell – February 2017

Meet Ezra

The ACVV Khayalethu Child and Youth Care Centre and Oliver House is a registered as a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) with the South African Revenue Service – PBO Reg. No. 93 000 6889 – and also as a Non Profit Organisation – NPO 199-436.

Find Us

ACVV Khayalethu Child and Youth Care Centre and Oliver House

Lot 160
Kragga Kamma Road
Theescombe
Gqeberha
South Africa

Contact Us

Email

khaya@khayalethu.org.za

Telephone

+27 41 484 5667

Mobile

+27 72 278 8787

The ACVV Khayalethu Child and Youth Care Centre and Oliver House is a registered as a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) with the South African Revenue Service – PBO Reg. No. 93 000 6889 – and also as a Non Profit Organisation – NPO 199-436.

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