Youth and Roots to Rise, With Shana Wareley

In this episode of The Clueless Founder, I sit down with Shana Wareley, Founder of Oaks of Purpose, to unpack her journey from education into youth development, social entrepreneurship, and community impact.

Shana shares how her years in education exposed her to the gaps many young people face beyond the classroom. Some have the potential, passion, and willingness to grow, but lack the right support, guidance, resources, or opportunities around them.

Through Oaks of Purpose, Shana is creating a space that helps young people build resilience, confidence, practical skills, and pathways towards self-sustainability. We explore the importance of mentorship, job shadowing, entrepreneurship, equipment donations, business partnerships, and community support.

This conversation is about planting seeds, creating roots, and helping the next generation rise with purpose.

If you are passionate about youth development, education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, or building solutions that make a real difference in South Africa, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

• Young people need more than education. They need guidance, resources, encouragement, and access to real opportunities.
• Youth development works best when it is practical, personal, and rooted in real-life challenges.
• Entrepreneurship can help young people become more independent when they are supported with skills, mentorship, and opportunity.

Guest: Shana Wareley
Organisation: Oaks of Purpose
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/oaksofpurpose/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oaks_of_purpose?igsh=NWk5dnp3aXp2MThx

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Shana Wareley and Oaks of Purpose
  01:23 Shana’s journey from educator to founder
  04:00 The mission behind Oaks of Purpose
  05:41 The gaps young people face in education and development
  06:56 Supporting youth beyond school results
  07:55 Partnering with companies for mentorship, equipment, and job shadowing
  12:26 Entrepreneurship as a pathway to independence
  14:14 The Roots to Rise programme
  16:34 What support Oaks of Purpose needs from the community
  18:43 Building resilient young people who contribute to their communities
  20:22 Upcoming initiatives, including the blanket drive and dressmaking programme
  22:00 Final message for young people, partners, and supporters
• Support Oaks of Purpose
• You can support Oaks of Purpose

Contact

If you’re building something in Africa and wondering whether your journey is worth sharing, this episode is for you.

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://catalysthub.co.za

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