WC DSD LAUNCHES INDEPENDENT LIVING PILOT PARTNERSHIP FOR YOUTH EXITING ALTERNATIVE CARE

By Staff Writer

• Western Cape non-profit organisations have, for years, provided young adults leaving the alternative care system with Independent Living programmes that offer supportive spaces for their transition into independence.
• Now the provincial Department of Social Development has made R1-million in funding available for a pilot partnership with four NPOs that offer such services.
• ⁠“Together, we are creating safe, empowering spaces where young people can build resilience, develop life skills, and begin to live independently with dignity and confidence,” says the Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt.

For many young people, turning 18 marks an exciting step into adulthood. For those leaving the alternative care system, it may mean renewed vulnerability and returning to environments where their basic needs are not met.

In the Western Cape, more than 43 000 children are currently in the foster care system, with 2 800 more in child and youth care centres run by non-profit organisations (NPOs).

And while some young people do receive support as they exit the system – either from their foster families or social workers – many contend with a lack of family and community support.

This is where Western Cape NPOs have, for years, stepped in to fill the critical gap and provide a continuum of care for these young adults through Independent Living programmes that offer safe and supportive spaces for their transition into independence.

The Western Cape Department of Social Development has made R1-million in funding available for a pilot partnership with four NPOs who implement Independent Living services: Mamelani Projects, Home from Home Trust, Baphumelele Fountain of Hope, and Isibindi Initiative.

Although each NPO provides different services – including residential and non-residential – core services include individualised mentorship, ongoing psychosocial support, hard skills training and development, assistance with reaching educational goals, and workplace readiness.

More than this, these organisations offer young adults a community and a sense of belonging.

“For many of us, our journey began in a children’s home. Some of us don’t have a family. This is our family. We support each other mentally and emotionally. We are a community,” said Monique Ndekenya.

The 23-year-old has been a resident at one of the Isibindi Initiative communal homes for two years.

Speaking of her experience, Ndekenya says: “I’ve grown. I’m more grounded. I’m learning to make better decisions in terms of my education and my whole being as an individual.”

The partnership aims to strengthen the work of the NPOs, which is designed to help young adults leaving alternative care foster resilience and independence.

Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt, thanked the NPO partners who have strong track records in working with young people and families, and deep roots in the communities.

“Together, we are creating safe, empowering spaces where young people can build resilience, develop life skills, and begin to live independently with dignity and confidence. These spaces are not just about accommodation, they are about guidance, structure, mentorship, and belonging,” said Londt.

He described the pilot project as the perfect example of a whole-of-society approach.