Submitted to: Old Mutual South Africa
Submitted by: South African Youth Project (SayPro)
Subject: SayPro Youth Career Pathing Program
1. Executive Summary
SayPro proposes a strategic partnership with Old Mutual to deliver a 12-month Youth Upskilling, Career Pathing, Job Skills Training, and Mentorship Program targeted at disadvantaged youth in Diepsloot, Johannesburg. This initiative will reach 500 young people aged 18–35, equipping them with essential skills to access employment, pursue entrepreneurship, or further education.
This program aligns with Old Mutual’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) goals in youth empowerment, education, financial inclusion, and economic development. SayPro seeks Old Mutual’s support to fund, co-create, and scale this impactful initiative.
2. Background on SayPro
South African Youth Project (SayPro) is a registered non-profit organization that has worked with over 250,000 young people nationally. With 20 years of experience in youth development, SayPro delivers skills training, job placement, mentorship, and entrepreneurship support using a blended learning model. SayPro operates in all nine provinces and has active programs in Diepsloot.
SayPro Youth Empowerment Program
SayPro Program Duration
12 Months
SayPro Target Group
500 disadvantaged youth aged 18–35
- 60% female, 40% male
- Priority to unemployed youth, school leavers, and single parents
5. SayPro Program Objectives
- Equip youth with demand-driven, work-related technical and soft skills
- Provide career development guidance tailored to individual aspirations
- Facilitate employment, internships, or entrepreneurial ventures
- Foster mentorship relationships to support personal and professional growth
6. SayPro Key Program Components
1. SayPro Upskilling & Foundational Training
Delivered via blended learning (online and in-person), including:
- Digital Literacy (MS Office, email, online platforms)
- Financial Literacy (budgeting, saving, credit, insurance – aligned with Old Mutual modules)
- Communication & Problem-Solving Skills
- Mental Health and Resilience Workshops
2. SayPro Career Pathing and Counselling
- Career assessments, personality tests, and strengths-based mapping
- Information on employment sectors and qualifications required
- Individualized career development plans
- Exposure visits to companies, including Old Mutual branches
3. SayPro Job Skills Training
- CV writing, interview preparation, workplace etiquette
- Simulated job tasks in retail, financial services, customer support, logistics
- Accredited short courses through SETA-partnered providers
4. SayPro Mentorship Program
- 200 youth matched with professional mentors from Old Mutual and SayPro’s network
- Monthly mentorship check-ins and milestone tracking
- Annual networking and career day event
- Peer mentorship through youth leadership groups
7. SayPro Implementation Plan
| Phase | Activities | Timeline |
| Planning & Onboarding | Recruit trainers, mentors, mobilize youth, finalize curriculum | Month 1 |
| Training Rollout | Deliver life skills, upskilling, and accredited courses | Month 2–6 |
| Career & Mentorship | Job coaching, mentorship program, career workshops | Month 3–9 |
| Job & Business Linkage | Employer site visits, placements, referrals to job platforms & SMME support | Month 7–11 |
| Graduation & Exit | Close-out workshops, graduation event, sustainability planning | Month 12 |
8. SayPro Expected Outcomes and Impact
| Outcome | Target |
| Youth enrolled | 500 |
| Youth completing training | 450 (90%) |
| Youth linked to job opportunities | 300 (60%) |
| Youth starting small businesses | 50 (10%) |
| Mentorship pairs formed | 200 |
| Improvement in financial literacy score | 80% of youth |
| Increase in confidence/self-efficacy | 85% of youth |
9. SayPro Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
SayPro will implement a full M&E framework with:
- Pre- and post-training assessments
- Monthly attendance and progress tracking
- Qualitative case studies and success stories
- Quarterly reports submitted to Old Mutual
- Final impact assessment and beneficiary video showcase
10. SayPro Budget Breakdown
Total Program Budget: R3,800,000
Funding Requested from Old Mutual: R3,200,000
SayPro Contribution (In-kind/Partners): R600,000
| Budget Item | Amount (ZAR) |
| Training and Learning Materials | R950,000 |
| Facilitators and Trainers | R700,000 |
| Learner Transport Stipends | R500,000 |
| Mentorship Coordination & Events | R350,000 |
| Career Coaching, Counselling & Placements | R400,000 |
| Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting | R300,000 |
| Administration, Tech, and Venue Costs | R400,000 |
| Total | R3,800,000 |
11. Sustainability and Exit Strategy
Post-program sustainability will be achieved through:
- Linking youth to job portals
- Partnering with local businesses for ongoing placements
- SayPro Alumni Network: peer mentoring, job leads, SMME support
- Integration with government programs
SayPro also aims to develop micro-credentials and digital CVs for youth to remain visible to employers long after program completion.
12. Strategic Value to Old Mutual
Old Mutual’s investment will:
- Improve youth employment outcomes in a key under-served region
- Position Old Mutual as a champion of financial inclusion and education
- Offer meaningful volunteer opportunities for staff
- Align with B-BBEE scorecard components
Visibility Opportunities:
- Co-branded digital and print materials
- Featured stories and events
- Public relations partnership at graduation and career day
13. Call to Action
Old Mutual has an opportunity to ignite real, measurable change in the lives of 500 youth in Diepsloot. By investing in this program, you will help unlock potential, uplift families, and support a thriving township economy.
SayPro invites Old Mutual to join us as a lead strategic and funding partner in this powerful journey toward inclusive economic empowerment.
Kind regards
Nancy Mdaka
SayPro Chief Strategic Partnership Royalty
011 071 1903/ 072 6174 636
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