School Visits Fuel Y-Stay's Sustainable Growth

In the heart of Gqeberha, South Africa, YMCA Nelson Mandela Bay stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for young people across the Eastern Cape. At the core of our mission is Y-Stay, our affordable backpacker and hostel accommodation initiative designed to provide comfortable stays for travelers, youth groups, and schools while generating sustainable revenue that reinvests directly into life-changing community programs. Recently, we've been thrilled to welcome numerous primary schools from Dutywa and receive inquiries from other schools and sports groups—a testament to Y-Stay's growing recognition as a hub for youth development. These interactions are powerful threads that weave into our sustainability goals, aligning with the YMCA's global Vision 2030. Let's examine what's been happening and why it's important.

A Wave of Inspiration: Recent School Visits from Dutywa and Beyond

Over the past few weeks, Y-Stay has opened its doors to primary schools from Dutywa, a vibrant community in the Eastern Cape known for its resilient spirit and commitment to education. These visits—ranging from educational tours and leadership workshops to overnight stays—have brought energy and curiosity to our facilities. Picture groups of students exploring our self-catering dorms, communal kitchens, and outdoor braai areas while engaging in sessions on teamwork, environmental stewardship, and personal growth. The visit from Jojweni Primary School, for instance, sparked meaningful conversations about bridging rural-urban divides through shared experiences.

This momentum is growing. We're now receiving notices and inquiries from other schools and sports groups across the region, including netball squads preparing for tournaments, debate clubs seeking strategy session spaces, and classes planning field trips. With our expanded capacity—from 80 to 120 beds—offering single rooms, twin shares, conference facilities, and proximity to landmarks like King's Beach and Greenacres Shopping Centre, Y-Stay is an ideal partner for these groups. What began as a modest accommodation offering is now a dynamic platform for fostering connections that extend beyond a simple booking.

Recognition That Builds Momentum

These school visits and growing interest deserve heartfelt recognition—not just for the immediate energy they bring, but for their ripple effects. For students, it's an introduction to new horizons: learning about sustainable living in a safe, inclusive environment or enjoying a team-building braai under the stars. For schools and groups, it’s a budget-friendly option that aligns with educational mandates. At YMCA Nelson Mandela Bay, we are validating our vision—under my leadership as Facilities Operations Manager and Lerato Lebopo as General Secretary—to transform a 50-year-old facility into a thriving organisation.

Our recent LinkedIn shoutout to Jojweni Primary School said it best: "Your booking with Y-Stay helps fuel more projects led by YMCA Nelson Mandela Bay." Every reservation contributes to evolving our hand-to-mouth model into a robust, sustainable operation. These partnerships highlight Y-Stay’s role in providing clean, compliant, and inspiring spaces that meet safety standards while promoting accessibility for underserved communities.

Tying It All Together: Sustainability and Vision 2030

The school and sports group engagements are a cornerstone of our sustainability strategy for YMCA Nelson Mandela Bay. Y-Stay isn’t just about beds and bookings; it’s a revenue engine funding programs like Y-Care—our weekly feeding initiative nourishing 120 individuals twice a week in poverty-stricken areas—and the School Shoe Campaign, which has provided hundreds of children with essential footwear to stay in school. By attracting groups from Dutywa and beyond, we’re diversifying income streams, reducing reliance on sporadic donations, and creating a self-reinforcing cycle of impact.

This aligns perfectly with YMCA’s global Vision 2030, which envisions "a world in harmony" through four pillars:

• Community Wellbeing: School visits promote holistic youth development through education, healthy living, and social responsibility, nurturing the next generation of Eastern Cape leaders.

• Meaningful Work: Y-Stay employs local staff and trains volunteers, creating job opportunities and skill-building pathways for the community.

• Sustainable Planet: Our facility upgrades prioritize eco-friendly practices, like energy-efficient roofing and waste-reduction workshops during visits, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

• Just World: Affordable and inclusive accommodation tackles inequality, ensuring rural schools like those in Dutywa access urban opportunities without financial barriers.

  
  

Our fundraising targets—R1.5 million for Y-Care and R1 million for the School Shoe Campaign by 2030—depend on this momentum. Each visit amplifies our reach, drawing in travelers, donors, and collaborators who see our impact.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening and Expanding

Currently, we’re focused on strengthening our operations in Gqeberha to ensure Y-Stay remains a reliable, high-quality hub for community engagement. Looking forward, we’re planning to expand our model to places like East London, bringing us closer to more schools and groups across the Eastern Cape. This strategic growth will amplify our impact, connecting more young people to opportunities for growth and development.

Join the Journey: Your Role in Our Sustainable Future

The story of Y-Stay and these inspiring partnerships is unfolding, and we invite you to be part of it. Whether you’re a school principal planning a trip, a sports coach seeking team accommodations, or a supporter passionate about youth empowerment, let's connect.

Book your stay or get in touch:

• Website: ymcanmb.org

• Email: bookings@ymcanmb.org

• Phone: 041 023 0266

• WhatsApp: 071 063 3775

Together, we’re building legacies, not just filling rooms.

At YMCA Nelson Mandela Bay, our slogan says it all: "Empowering Young People for Life, Leadership, & Service." Thank you to Jojweni Primary School and all our recent visitors for reminding us why we do this. Here’s to more visits, more inquiries, and a more sustainable tomorrow.

Xolani Mchunu is the Facilities Operations Manager at YMCA Nelson Mandela Bay, driving innovative strategies for Y-Stay and community programs. Follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/staynmb/?viewAsMember=true