Art of Living Youth Club

Empowering young people. Building confidence. Creating opportunities.

The Art of Living Youth Club supports children and teenagers to grow into leaders that can contribute positively to their communities. Through breathing practices, life skills, educational support, sport and outdoor adventures, we help young people build confidence, discover their strengths and explore new possibilities.

About Our Youth Club

The Art of Living Youth Club was founded by Stella Plantinga and a group of Art of Living volunteers who share a vision: to create opportunities for children and young people from disadvantaged communities to thrive.

The Youth Club supports children and teenagers between the ages of 8 and 17, providing a nurturing environment where they can develop confidence, discover their strengths, build meaningful relationships and experience the world beyond their everyday surroundings.

Our aim is to help young people grow into healthy, well-rounded individuals with a strong moral compass, practical tools to navigate life’s challenges and a sense of responsibility towards themselves, others and the environment.

At the heart of everything we do is seva — selfless service. We encourage children to recognize that they have something valuable to contribute and that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.

Our Approach

Life skills, leadership, nature and new experiences.

We believe that education and personal development extend far beyond the classroom. Children grow by exploring nature, learning new skills, overcoming challenges, helping others and discovering abilities they never knew they had.

Our activities nurture the whole child: physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. We encourage respect for nature, kindness towards animals, compassion for others and a willingness to contribute positively to the community.

Art of Living Youth Programmes

Building resilience, confidence and leadership from within.

The foundation of the Youth Club is the internationally established Art of Living youth programmes, generously sponsored by the Art of Living organisation.

These programmes provide age-appropriate tools to help children and teenagers manage their emotions, develop self-awareness, strengthen relationships and approach life’s challenges with greater confidence.

Art Excel — All Round Training in Excellence

For children aged 8–12

Art Excel combines interactive games, group activities, practical wisdom, yoga and breathing techniques to help children develop confidence, focus, emotional resilience and positive values.

Children learn valuable life lessons about friendship, responsibility, kindness, cooperation and making good choices.

YES! — Youth Empowerment Seminar

For teenagers aged 13–18

YES! equips teenagers with practical tools to navigate the challenges of adolescence, manage stress and emotions, strengthen self-confidence and develop leadership skills.

The programme encourages young people to take responsibility for their choices, build healthy relationships and recognise their ability to make a positive contribution to society.

Weekly Youth Club Sessions

The learning doesn’t end when a course finishes.

Children are encouraged to attend weekly follow-up sessions where they continue their personal practices, including yoga and breathing techniques, and reinforce the values, life skills and leadership principles introduced during their courses.

These regular gatherings provide a sense of belonging, friendship, continuity and support.

Experiences That Open Doors

Broadening horizons. Discovering possibilities. Creating lasting memories.

One of the most important aspects of the Youth Club is introducing children to experiences and opportunities they might not otherwise have.

When children encounter new places, people, activities and ideas, their understanding of the world expands — along with their sense of what might be possible for their own futures.

• Nature and environmental outings: Hikes, nature walks and outdoor adventures that encourage environmental awareness and respect for wildlife.
• Sport and physical activities: Tennis and other sporting opportunities that build teamwork, perseverance and confidence.
• Educational and cultural experiences: Visits, talks and community events that introduce children to new ideas and perspectives.
• Educational excursions: Fundraising and support for larger trips that broaden children’s horizons.
• Community service: Opportunities to experience the joy of giving, helping others and making a difference through seva.
• Kindness and compassion: Activities that encourage empathy, respect and care for people and animals.
• Leadership development: Opportunities to practise communication, responsibility, teamwork and initiative.

Every outing is an opportunity to learn something new, develop friendships and discover hidden strengths.

School Support Project

Removing barriers to education, one child at a time.

Financial difficulties, learning challenges and family circumstances can affect a child’s ability to attend school, participate fully or reach their educational potential.

The Youth Club works with children and their families to identify these barriers and, where possible, provide practical assistance tailored to their individual circumstances.

How We Help

• School bursaries and assistance with school or hostel fees
• Support to apply for scholarships
• School uniforms, shoes and essential clothing
• Books, stationery and learning materials
• Reading support, tutoring and additional lessons
• Eye tests and prescription glasses
• Transport to school and extracurricular activities
• Educational excursions and enrichment opportunities
• Access to medical, psychological and other professional support
• Food, sanitary products and essential assistance during family hardship

Our goal is to remove the obstacles that prevent children from accessing opportunities, participating meaningfully in their education and achieving their potential.

Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow and succeed.

Support School Success

To support this project, include AOL Youth Club – School Support with your name in your donation reference.

The Swim Safe Project

Because learning to swim shouldn’t be a privilege. It is a skill that can save a life.

Imagine Being Afraid to Go to the Beach

Jason* is 14 years old and lives in Sea Vista with his granny and aunt. When he was a small child, his father drowned. Jason was so young that he does not remember his dad.

*His name has been changed to protect his privacy.

His story reminds us that drowning can change a family forever.

Children do not all have the same opportunities to learn to swim. Many schools do not have swimming pools, and many families cannot afford private lessons or regular access to a pool.

For children who cannot swim, a trip to the beach can be frightening. A river stop during a hike can become a safety concern. We want to help replace that fear with skills and confidence.

Our Goal: Four Children Every Month

We have arranged for four children from our programme to participate in an accredited Swim Safe programme, with four lessons a week over three consecutive weeks.

The instruction aims to help children become comfortable in the water, develop water-safety awareness and learn basic skills to make their way to the side of a swimming pool.

Learning these skills is a first step. Children still need close adult supervision around water, and pool skills do not mean a child is ready to swim safely in rivers or the sea. But is a start that with the correct nurturing can turn into the priviledge of going to the beach for a swim.

What Your Support Makes Possible

• Transport to and from swimming lessons
• Swimming instructors and programme costs
• Venue and pool access
• Basic swimming equipment, including flippers and wetsuits

The approximate cost is R7,250 per child for the three-week programme, including transport and the equipment they need.

You can sponsor a child, contribute towards lessons or transport, donate equipment or give any amount towards the project.

One Opportunity Can Ripple Through a Community

Imagine if a child who learns to swim becomes a lifesaver or swimming coach — and one day returns to Sea Vista to teach the next generation.

Our goal: Four children a month have the opportunity to learn to swim.
Our hope: Children who are safer and more confident around water.
Our dream: A generation that passes this skill on.

The Swim Safe Project is an Art of Living Youth Club initiative run through the International Association for Human Values (IAHV). Project funds are administered through the organisation’s formal financial structures, and we provide donors with personal feedback on the projects they support.

Support Swim Safe

Please include SWIM SAFE with your name in your donation reference so that your contribution can be allocated to this project.

Get Involved

Come hang out, share your skills and become part of our community!

You don’t need to be a teacher or an expert to make a difference. Perhaps you can help a child learn to count, listen to them read, teach a new skill, take them for a walk in nature or help with transport.

Sometimes, all it takes is showing up, spending time together and taking an interest in a child’s life.

As we say in Afrikaans, “Vele hande maak ligte werk” — many hands make light work!

Give Your Time

Whether you have an hour to spare occasionally or would like to get involved regularly, we would love to hear from you. Share your knowledge, enthusiasm, talents or simply your time.

Make a Donation

Donations help us provide educational support, swimming lessons, transport, life-skills programmes and enriching experiences that children might otherwise miss.

Whether your contribution is big or small, it helps us remove barriers, open doors and give children opportunities to flourish.

Banking Details

Account name: International Association for Human Values
Bank: First National Bank
Account number: 6204 561 6119
Branch code: 250 737 — Lenasia

Payment reference:

• General Youth Club support: Your name + AOL Youth Club
• School Support: Your name + AOL Youth Club – School Support
• Swim Safe: Your name + SWIM SAFE

Please include the project reference so we can allocate your donation correctly.

Section 18A Tax Certificates

Please contact us with your donation details to enquire about a Section 18A tax certificate, where applicable.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

Whether you give your time, skills, resources or kindness, you can help children discover their potential and build brighter futures.

Come join us. There’s a place for everyone!

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