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: oaksofpurpose@gmail.com 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 supportersSupport Oaks of PurposeYou 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: clueless@catalysthub.co.za Website: https://catalysthub.co.za #TheCluelessFounder #CatalystHub #BuildInPublic #BuildersAndProblemSolvers #OaksOfPurpose #YouthAndRootsToRise #YouthDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #SocialEntrepreneurship #Mentorship #Education #Entrepreneurship #CommunityDevelopment #SkillsDevelopment #SouthAfrica #FounderStories #BusinessWithPurpose #CommunityFirst #BuildersHelpingBuilders #StartupCommunity #BuildingInAfrica
