THRIVE Program | Spence-Chapin

The people behind thrive

Through partnerships with two South African institutions, THRIVE improves the lives and academic achievements of youth. We currently serve over 78 young adults ages 14-21.

THRIVE leaders provide connections to universities, internships, and future jobs, and offer stipends for youth actively participating in the program so they can learn the critical skills of independent living and budgeting with their mentors.

Additionally, Spence-Chapin provides essential workspace materials including computer stations, printers, backup generators, and more.

Benefits of mentorship

Local mentors undergo thorough recruitment, screening, training, and evaluation to ensure the highest quality mentorship for THRIVE.

These mentors offer one-on-one guidance in academic, educational, and leadership pursuits, preparing mentees not just practically but also mentally and emotionally for their transition to independence.

Before the implementation of THRIVE, the school-aged mentees lacked academic support. Now, all participants benefit from mentorship and see improved marks in school.

Thrive participant testimonials

Hear from THRIVE youth about their experiences in the program.

“If I wasn’t a part of the THRIVE program I really doubt that I would have come this far. This program has taught me a lot of responsibility and accountability in terms of how I reason with people; I do things with the help of my mentor, so without her I would be lost."

"THRIVE has helped me to know how to answer without snapping at anyone. The relationship I have with my mentor is very healthy. I can tell her anything and she will lend me an ear, and not judge me, and motivate me where it is possible. THRIVE has taught me how to manage my schoolwork. It has motivated me to attend extra classes at school and my geography is improving."

"Before THRIVE I used to sleep a lot after school, but now I know how to manage my time. I don't need to spend it sleeping because now I attend THRIVE. I have gained self-management skills. THRIVE is a very good program, it caters for everything, it helps you personally, academically, and financially."

"THRIVE has helped me a lot. I learned how to be independent and depend on myself. I am starting to believe in myself even though sometimes there are ups and downs. THRIVE helped me because when I was at my own I didn't get much time to study, but since THRIVE has come our mentor gave us time to study and will help us with schoolwork and assignments that are difficult."

Thrive participant Stories

Meet Martha, a THRIVE Participant

Martha (19) had lived at the Othandweni children’s home since 2016. She completed high school, but she did not have the funds to complete university applications and aged-out of the institution without linkage to work or higher education.

Although she was fortunate to have some extended family to stay with, they were not supportive of her desire to continue her studies and would not support her financially as she pursued this goal. THRIVE launched shortly after Martha’s discharge from Othandweni in 2022, and Martha enthusiastically joined the program, taking advantage of the program’s post-discharge services.

Martha was interested in a career in journalism or politics, but did not know where to begin. Martha and her mentor discussed the importance of networking and gaining exposure to professionals in the field, and the THRIVE program connected her to job shadow a journalist. This opportunity strengthened her academically and professionally.

Through a stipend from THRIVE, Martha was finally able to apply and get accepted to attend the University of South Africa (UNISA) where she is now pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Leadership and Citizenship.

Meet Sphiwe, a THRIVE Participant

Sphiwe is now a confident young adult, but he was once a lonely boy in the Othandweni children’s orphanage. When reflecting on his life’s trajectory, he thanks the THRIVE program, specifically program specialist Ray, for the wisdom and guidance he was given. Sphiwe is planning on using his $200 stipend from THRIVE to buy land in South Africa that will create generational wealth for his family and local jobs for those in his community. He thanks the funders of THRIVE for changing the lives of children like him.