YOUPSA paves the way to awaken the creativity, potential and purpose of South African youth. It is a non-profit education project for disadvantaged rural youth in the Western and Eastern Cape Province. We bring education alive by igniting the inner spark in youth. When children discover their “spark”, they tap into their own unique talents and interests. Youth who have the ability to express their own personality and know what motivates them to do their best, develop into people who have a sense of purpose, empathy and social competence, who achieve higher academic performance and contribute to the well-being of their greater community.
YOUPSA works with rural disadvantaged children in the De Rust area, Western Cape, as well as in the Eastern Cape Province, impacting many hundreds of children and their communities. Children in rural areas experience extremely broken circumstances and are surrounded by numerous stressors that make it difficult for them to learn and thrive. These adversities affect their ability to engage with the world, make healthy life choices and be successful. YOUPSA helps them navigate these challenges to their education and flourish.
YOUPSA is the only education Non-Profit in the area. Children participate weekly in our popular programmes, where they develop the ability to express themselves confidently and creatively, learn strategic thinking and navigate challenges. This is the only place where youth have a chance to express their emotions, build strong relationships, solve interpersonal problems, make effective decisions and build a vision for their future.
This project impacts orphans and vulnerable children and their families that live in severely compromised situations, affected by HIV/AIDS, alcohol abuse, violence and crime. Developing the critical life skills offered in YOUPSA programmes increases motivation and capacity to learn, improves attendance and graduation rates. This makes all the difference between being consumed by the challenges of a disadvantaged life or rising above it to become inspired, successful young adults.