The Y-Zone programme is aimed at providing after-care programmes for school going children aged 6-18 in a safe environment where they are afforded an opportunity to grow in different areas of their lives. As with all our programmes, the underlying mission is to “Empower Young People for Life, Leadership and Service”

The provision of a safe environment implies that the local association is able to control access to the physical space where the programme operates. This is ideally at premises owned and/or operated by the YMCA. If this is not the case, because of where the need is, it is important that the local association staff and volunteers are able to ensure the safety of the children. This means being able to control who does or does not have access to “the Y-Zone” where the programme takes place. If this cannot be guaranteed, the YMCA contract with the community is compromised.

Y-Zone best practices

Personnel: A staff member responsible for the Y-Zone must always be present whenever the Y-Zone is in operation. In addition to the staff member, there must be sufficient volunteers to ensure adequate supervision of the participants. While the optimum number will be determined by the nature and location of the activity, the following guideline should apply: 1 staff member and 1 volunteer for 20 children; with an additional volunteer for each 15 children above that. If the activity takes place outdoors, then the minimum should be 1 volunteer for every 10 children. It is important that staff and volunteers have signed contracts setting out their responsibilities, and the limits of those responsibilities.

Child Protection Policy: The Local YMCA must subscribe to a clear Child-Protection policy, which includes screening staff members and volunteers who work with children.

Staff and Volunteer Training: All staff members and volunteers who are engaged in this programme must undergo training offered by the SA YMCA. Any local training initiatives for child-care workers should be taken advantage of as well.

Venue: The YMCA must have the right to control access to the venue for the duration of the Y-Zone programme activities in order to offer maximum protection for the children. The venue should be large enough to allow for games and fun activities. Ideally the homework supervision should take place in a separate space where it can be quiet.

Homework Supervision: Homework supervision should be undertaken by suitably qualified persons who understand the subjects being covered, and should not exceed three young people per supervisor. It is desirable to engage High School learners/students from a Student YMCA for this activity, as this provides them with an opportunity to engage in Community Service.

Activities: The activities should be planned in such a way as to ensure that there is balance between work and fun. There should not be a sense that this is just a continuation of school, but there should always be an element of fun. The rhythm of a week should display a balance between the various activities such as life-skills education, sport, and arts.

Discipline: While the element of fun is important, it is equally important to maintain discipline during the activities. Young people value knowing where the boundaries are, and that these boundaries will be enforced. This does not mean that they will not push against them – but they expect to meet with resistance when they do. The establishing of rules should ideally be a consultative process, in which the young people share in determining what is and is not acceptable within their Y-Zone. This ensures greater buy-in, and assistance with enforcing the rules.

Record the stories: The Y-Zone personnel should be encouraged to record the stories of young people whose lives are touched in a significant way through their involvement in the programme. These stories assist greatly in establishing the credentials of the programme, and enable us to substantiate our claim to make a difference in the lives of young people – one young leader at a time.