We know our purpose,
We care for each other,
We are Usiko.

Help us make a change

“Usiko Stellenbosch is an NPO based in Jamestown, Stellenbosch, that uses a ‘rites of passage’ approach to provide guidance to at-risk young people who encounter psycho-social challenges emanating in their communities; some are on the brink of expulsion from school and others are indulging in risky behaviour and may find themselves in trouble with the law. By using mentoring, wilderness and group activities, young people are empowered to see the value of education and work towards a hopeful future.”

Our Mission

To guide youth into caring and responsible adulthood through mentoring, building skills and knowledge.

We want to build strong family and community ties through the healing power of Wilderness.

We are committed to create a trusted process through which lives are genuinely transformed.

Our Why

At Usiko, we believe that communities have the inherent responsibility to take care of their young – guiding and supporting them into becoming caring and responsible adults.

Our children and youth need positive ‘rites of passage’ experiences that connect them to identity of the self (personal purpose and future goals); to community (heritage, culture) and to the environment (nature).

Our unique proposition is in our bottom-up solutions design, and our globally recognised Wilderness Therapy model that integrates traditional African and First Nation People’s cultural rituals together with modern psychological theory.