Creating Opportunities to Build South Africa

Respect

For ourselves and each other

Holistic Support

Practical, emotional, financial

Courage

Persistence, resilience, ambition

Together We Make an Impact

With your support, we strive to remove the barriers to success for our students.

AT the heart of our work is our commitment to helping our students navigate the inevitable challenges of student life.

Lack of financial resources is just one of the obstacles they face.

It is simply much harder to succeed when you are thrust into a new environment without a frame of reference, transport to get to classes, basic student essentials like a laptop or access to online resources when you are off campus.

Or even a place to live.

How We Support our Students

YES Trust goes far beyond the basics of academic, transport, and living costs.

YES Trust was established in 1997 with the sole purpose of supporting worthy young students in their tertiary education.

Mentorship

Each student is paired with a dedicated mentor

MENTORS offer emotional support, helping our students make sense of the complexities of both their personal and academic worlds.

It is not just academic guidance; it is a deeply supportive, trust-based relationship that often lasts well beyond their educational journey with us.

Mentorship is highly personalised, and shaped around each student’s particular needs.

Supportive Community

Forming a wider supportive community is a vital element of student life.

COMMUNITY building happens in career or life skills workshops, social events and even in shared accommodation. It plays an important role in supporting the resilience and mental health of our students.

From financial aid to mentorship, we are more than a trust; we are a family dedicated to nurturing the next generation of South African leaders.

Student housing

Safe, secure housing

YES Trust student housing is limited, but we are able to provide secure accommodation for four students.

We would dearly love to offer additional housing. Many of the beneficiaries of YES Trust live in difficult circumstances that add an additional burden that complicates their journey.

Future Projects

Planning ahead for critical growth

WE focus our energy and resources on selected students to make a real difference in their lives.
We have also identified three key projects to enhance the programme and create further opportunities for our students:

Developing corporate sponsorships of individual students
Facilitating graduate internships and corporate work experience
Additional student accommodation in the longer term

YES Trust Team

Selwyn Comrie

Selwyn Comrie is the dedicated chairman of YES Trust. A retired entrepreneur, Selwyn joined the Trust in 1998, driven by his passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of deserving youth.

Having been with the organisation from the beginning, Selwyn has seen the aims of Christian Outreach Trust (COT) shift focus from rehabilitating and educating street children towards empowering underprivileged students to achieve their dreams through tertiary education and a subsequent name change to the Youth Education and Support Trust (YES Trust) reflecting this renewed mission.

For Selwyn, the greatest reward is witnessing the joy and success of the students supported by the Trust. His leadership and commitment have been instrumental in transforming the lives of many young individuals, helping them to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.

Belinda Harris

Belinda Harris is an educator and facilitator whose 'refired' status (self-employed and semi-retired) allows for her active engagement with YES Trust as trustee, administrator, and mentor.

Belinda’s broad experience in adult education is the foundation for her role in YES Trust, as she addresses the multifaceted needs of South African youth with both educational and emotional support.

In her administrative role, Belinda is the linchpin connecting academic institutions, donors, and students, ensuring the symbiosis of support and learning. Initially captivated by the prospect of contributing through mentorship, Belinda is closely connected to the students.

It is her relationships with the students that keeps her attuned to their needs, hopes and challenges, and it is the students' resilience and courage that has rekindled her optimism for the future. That, and her close relationship with her 4 grandchildren who live nearby, allowing her to spend many happy hours with them.

Fiona Furniss

Fiona Furniss has served as a trustee at YES Trust with the same precision and passion she dedicates to her Nia dance and Ageless Grace teaching. Committed to creating opportunities for the less privileged, she co-founded the Infinity Educational Trust, integrating this with YES Trust in 2016 to leverage its established success.

As a mentor, Fiona provides a crucial support system for students striving to achieve their goals for a brighter future. She is dedicated to empowering youth and takes pride in supporting her students, finding fulfilment in their triumphs over adversity.

In her personal life, Fiona enjoys singing and playing the piano. Married to Patrick, they have two sons who currently live overseas.

Craig Girven

Craig Girven is a dedicated former headmaster who brings his extensive experience in education to his role as a trustee and mentor at YES Trust.

Having joined the Trust in 2022, Craig was drawn to its mission of providing financial support to deserving students but also offering mentorship and comprehensive assistance.

With a career spanning more than 30 years in school leadership roles, Craig contributes significantly to the Trust. His expertise in administration, policies, and procedures, and his deep understanding of the education environment makes him an invaluable asset.

He is actively involved in reviewing applications, interviewing prospective students, and offering mentorship, ensuring each student receives the support they need to succeed.

For Craig, the reward lies in witnessing students' growth and their contributions to society. He finds immense satisfaction in working with like-minded individuals dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young people.

The successes of the students, most of whom would never have had the opportunity of tertiary education and the opportunities that creates without the Trust's support, fuel his commitment and passion for the Trust's mission.

Anne Moys

Ann Moys is a retired Sister Tutor, lay minister and carer who has dedicated her life to helping others, grounded in her deep Christian faith.

She joined YES Trust in 2023, motivated by a profound appreciation for the Trust's mission to support students with potential in achieving their educational goals. Ann sees her role at the Trust as multifaceted, encompassing both direct support to students and involvement in fundraising events.

Her commitment to mentoring students ensures they receive the guidance and encouragement needed to succeed. Additionally, her participation in fundraising events helps secure the resources necessary for the Trust to continue its vital work.

For Ann, the greatest reward is the satisfaction of seeing students achieve their goals, knowing she played a part in their journey toward a brighter future.

Philip Lanz

Philip Lanz is an experienced educator and mentor who has dedicated his life to shaping young minds both in and outside the classroom.
Now semi-retired, Philip continues to work part-time as a coach of cricket, rugby and golf, while overseeing the Community Outreach programme at Thomas More College.
His passion for youth development led him to join YES Trust in 2024, where he plays a key role as a mentor and fundraising supporter.
Having spent years running the Community Outreach programme, Philip understands the transformative power of education in addressing the challenges facing South Africa. His role at the Trust allows him to continue making a tangible difference in young lives, fostering growth and potential rather than simply providing short-term solutions.
For Philip, the real reward comes from seeing students achieve their dreams and knowing that he has contributed to their success. His commitment to mentorship and education stems from a deep belief that empowering the next generation is one of the most effective ways to create lasting positive change in society.

Karen Montocchio

Karen Montocchio is a dedicated accountant and financial strategist whose expertise supports the financial health and compliance of Yes Trust. A registered accountant with SAIBA, Karen joined the Trust in 2024, stepping into the role of treasurer after the previous treasurer retired.

As a self-employed professional, Karen brings her financial acumen to ensure the Trust's resources are maximized for the benefit of the students. Her focus is on providing accurate, timely financial reports to the trustees and maintaining compliance with government regulations, which is crucial for successful funding applications.

Karen is driven by her belief that breaking the cycle of poverty starts with education and mentoring, and she takes pride in playing a role in the upliftment of South Africa through the Trust's work.

Outside of her professional commitments, Karen enjoys spending time with her husband Mike and their three daughters, two of whom live overseas. She finds great joy in tending to her garden, which provides her with a peaceful retreat.

Jill Storrar

Jill Storrar is a retired teacher and librarian who has dedicated her time and expertise to the YES Trust for more than 20 years.

Jill initially joined the Trust as secretary, stepping into a role that allowed her to leverage her organisational skills and passion for education. Over the years, she has witnessed numerous students complete their academic journeys, attributing their success to their diligence, fortitude, and persistence.

Jill still serves in the demanding role of secretary of the Trust and also mentors several students. Her extensive experience with the Trust has enabled her to form meaningful relationships with many young individuals, guiding them through their educational paths and beyond.

For Jill, the most rewarding aspect of her involvement with YES Trust is staying in touch with the students who have been sponsored. Watching them mature, become successful, and spread their wings is a privilege that continually inspires her dedication to the Trust's mission.

Lauren Machanick

Lauren Machanick is a dedicated business consultant with a passion for mentorship and empowering young people. Lauren joined the YES Trust in 2024 to help bridge the gap between academic achievement and the practical realities of building a career. Having experienced the transformative power of mentorship in her own life, she is driven to give back by guiding students as they navigate their educational and professional journeys.

Lauren’s role at the Trust focuses on preparing students for the challenges of the working world, equipping them with the confidence and skills needed to carve their own paths. She is committed to inspiring and uplifting each mentee, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to achieve their goals.

For Lauren, the reward lies in seeing young people grow in confidence and capability. She values the opportunity to make a lasting difference in their lives while drawing inspiration from their energy and creativity. Working with the students keeps her perspectives fresh and motivates her to continue learning and evolving.

John MacDonald

John MacDonald is an experienced educator with a passion for fostering literacy and personal growth. Formerly involved in the literacy initiative Right to Write, John brings his dedication to education and mentoring to his new role as a trustee at the YES Trust. He joined the Trust in 2024, inspired by a suggestion from Mary Leyden, Chairperson of Right to Write, after the project concluded.

John sees his role at the YES Trust as an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution wherever his skills and experience are needed. Initially focused on mentoring students, he is eager to explore additional ways to support the Trust’s mission as he learns more about its operations and initiatives.

For John, the reward lies in the personal satisfaction of helping young people overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. He values the chance to use his time constructively and to play a part in shaping a brighter future for South African youth.

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