youth for survival

Youth for Survival (YFS) was founded in 2007 by Mama Moshy Mathe — a woman driven by a deep conviction that no one, regardless of age or circumstance, should be left to face life's hardest moments alone. The name captures their reach: from newborn babies to people aged 80 and beyond. What began as a community-based welfare response has grown into a nationally registered NPO reaching over 5,000 beneficiaries annually through nine core programmes — spanning GBV shelter, victim empowerment, skills development, feeding, older persons' care, and early childhood development.

Their mission is expressed with simple clarity: to address socio-economic challenges faced by women, children, and youth in underprivileged communities — by empowering victims, healing families, and building sustainable futures.

What They Offer Survivors

Tshwane One Stop Safe House for Abused Women and Children YFS operates a dedicated residential shelter for women and children who have experienced abuse — offering free counselling, legal advice, skills training, and daily nutritious meals in a safe, homely environment. The Safe House is a full wraparound facility: not just accommodation, but a structured programme of healing and empowerment.

Victim Empowerment Programme — SAPS Police Station Partnerships YFS is formally embedded at police station Victim Empowerment Centres across the Gauteng area, in partnership with SAPS, Community Safety, and the Gauteng Department of Social Development. A social worker, five social auxiliary workers, and 15 volunteers provide counselling, emotional support, material assistance, home visits, and awareness programmes to survivors of abuse and crime at the point of first contact with the justice system — the police station.

Legal Advice and Awareness Workshops Legal awareness workshops specifically target women and children who are survivors of abuse — building knowledge of their rights and how to use the law to protect themselves. This is paired with direct referrals to relevant institutions and service providers.

Skills Development Training — Free Accredited Courses Free skills training helps survivors and community members build practical qualifications and pathways to employment and self-employment. Training covers a range of disciplines, equipping participants for sustainable livelihoods that do not depend on an abusive partner.

Community Development Programme A structured community development programme supports household recovery from poverty — addressing the social and economic conditions that both drive vulnerability to abuse and make it harder to leave dangerous situations.

Daily Feeding Programme Nutritious meals are provided daily to beneficiaries — including shelter residents and community members experiencing food insecurity.

Older Persons' Care YFS specifically includes older persons — many of whom are elderly women experiencing elder abuse or neglect — in their support and care programmes.

Early Childhood Development (ECD) ECD programmes support young children in YFS communities, providing stimulation, nutrition, and a safe environment during the crucial early years.

If you are in the Pretoria area and need access to the Safe House or victim empowerment services, contact YFS: [email protected] or call +27 63 186 9713.