Umzi Wethu

Wellness is the holistic sense of well-being that underlies employability and includes social, emotional, mental, physical and spiritual development. The Umzi Wethu program includes weekly life skills workshops, which helps students to develop the all round ability to protect them against illness, build and maintain self-confidence, develop self- esteem and self-actualise. Students also have access to regular group and individual counselling sessions aimed at dealing with personal trauma and encouraging personal growth. Together with the Umzi Wethu wellness team, professional services providers engage students in a wide range of workshops focusing on topics such as, HIV/AIDS (including access to VCCT), substance abuse and employability.

Each Umzi Wethu student is paired with a volunteer adult mentor for the duration of the program and during the transition into the workplace. Mentors play an important supportive role in the life of our students through regular contact sessions focused on relationship building, modeling positive behaviour and life coaching.

“It (wellness/life skills) helped me a lot, by changing the way that I used to think of myself, life, family, home and community. It improved my mindset to be optimistic in life and that whenever I fall, I must be resilient." Umzi 6 Student

“It (wellness/life skills) really changed my life, as I was a person that used to get angry quickly, but now I can control it. It played a major role in my life." Umzi 6 Student

“I have changed a lot, I am not shy anymore, I can work in a group, and I love my life." Umzi 6 Student

 “I like Umzi Wethu because they don’t judge you on your background. They take and treat you as the next person. Yes, it is a holistic programme because they don’t look at us only to have a qualification, but they also look at the inner person through the wellness and conservation programmes they have in place." Umzi 6 Student

“I came to Umzi Wethu with no trust in myself, but now I trust myself, I believe in myself. I was short-tempered, but now I can control myself. Now I see the light at the end of the tunnel."  Umzi 6 Student

“I feel important when I am at Umzi." Umzi 6 Student

“This (wellness/ life skills) is one of the best things I liked about Umzi. It boosted my confidence, it motivated me to reach my goals, it helped me to be more aware of harmful bad habits, to be honest, this is my favourite. I will use the life skills that I’ve learnt in my everyday life."Umzi 7 Student

“The best thing ever (mentors), just to have someone who is interested in you and your future. We started to cook together so that I can have more practical experience. They are incredible people to have" Umzi 6 Student

“I’m out there now, I’m not shy anymore, I have self-confidence. Umzi gave me an opportunity to start a new life; they built a stepping stone for us." Umzi 6 Student

“I’ve changed a lot; I’ve gained confidence and respect for myself." Umzi 6 Student

“When I came here I had no confidence, but now, thanks to the wellness life skills I am proud of myself and love myself." Umzi 6 Student

“I am really satisfied with what I have gained out of this HIV/AIDS session.  Now I can go out into communities and implement on what I’ve learned." Umzi 6 Student