The The Salesian Institute Youth Projects (SIYP) in Green Point is celebrating 110 years of its existence.
It was in 1883 that St John Bosco (Don Bosco), a young Italian priest, received a request from Bishop Leonard of Cape Town to send Salesians to Cape Town.
Don Bosco’s dream was to service those who society excludes – young people without support of stable family life.
In 1910, The Salesian Institute formally opened its doors at 2 Somerset Road.
The facility started its programmes by serving street children and offering education, trade training and accommodation.
SIYP has over many years, adapted its programmes to the youth, evolved and survived.
CEO Pat Naughton said the organisation’s function has always been, and always will be the provision of programmes of education and training for disadvantaged youth in Cape Town, irrespective of gender, race or religion.
“Facilitating growth and creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods to youth, who do not have the means to further their education,” he said.
The organisation currently offers three programmes. The Learn to Live School of Skills for youth ages 14 to 18; the Waves of Change Programme Programme, where youth ages 18 to 35 are prepared for working in the maritime industry; and the Porsche PTRC-ZA Programme, training youth to become automotive mechatronic technicians.
Celebrating 110 years of sustaining a dream, delivering education, training and employment to youth, will be the key message in all SIYP activities and campaigns during 2020.
Signature events will be hosted, and youth employment opportunities through industry partnerships will be cemented. A potential new programme is in the planning phase and will be launched soon based on 21st century educational principles, focusing on one Cape Town community per intake, and offering an alternative to gangsterism, drug abuse and unemployment.
For more information on their programmes, visit www.salesianyouth.org
To find out more about their 110-year celebrations and campaigns, contact Frieda Pehlivan 021 425 1450 or Frieda.Pehlivan@salesianyouth.org.za
