Parent Infomation
About Year of your life
Year of Your Life (YOYL) is a transformative Christian gap year programme based in Pretoria, South Africa. With the motto “Changed Forever,” YOYL has impacted over 1,500 students from more than 27 nations and 81 people groups over the past 35 years. We believe this lasting change is the result of the Holy Spirit working powerfully through this ministry, transforming lives for His glory.
The course integrates the discovery of biblical truths with hands-on experience, creating a year that will be unforgettable. It centres around deepening your relationship with God, personal restoration and growth, building connections with others, engaging in outreach, discovering your purpose, receiving career guidance, and acquiring valuable job experience. This dynamic blend of spiritual and practical learning is designed to equip you for a life of significance and service.
Class Schedule
WHAT WE DO
BUILDING YOU
At YOYL, we not only instill Godly principles but also guide you in discovering who you are and who you are called to be.
We provide comprehensive career guidance and equip you for life beyond YOYL.
BUILDING YOU
DISCIPLESHIP
We are committed to mentoring and guiding our students, supporting them both emotionally and spiritually.
DISCIPLESHIP
OUTREACH
The diverse people and places encountered during outreach provide students with uniquely transformative experiences.
OUTREACH
CHURCH LIFE
We are equipping our students to serve and make an impact—reaching homes, hearts, and beyond.
CHURCH LIFE
VOLUNTEER
VOLUNTEER
BUILD YOU AND GOD
BUILD YOU AND GOD
Testimonials
See what passed students from all over the world say about Year Of Your Life.
Modules
Module One: 1 February - 4 April
- Biblical Foundation
- Knowing God
- Developing a Personal
- Relationship with God
- Personal Restoration
This module focuses on laying a solid biblical foundation and learning accurate methods of interpreting the Bible. You will have the opportunity to grow closer to God through various spiritual practices, while also beginning your personal journey of restoration with the support of qualified Christian counsellors.
Throughout this module, you’ll explore the works of renowned theologians who have deeply studied the Bible, alongside other influential Christian scholars. This offers you a unique opportunity to ask meaningful questions about the Bible, God, the Holy Spirit, and the Christian faith, helping you develop a deeper understanding and personal connection with God.
Module Two: 28 April - 27 June
Fun & Exciting
Practical Experience
Career Guidance
Our Christian Living Module is designed to grow and expand our students’ academic and personal development by providing exposure to tertiary study opportunities and tailored career guidance.
Students will complete the Wholeness Course, presented by Edify, which helps them explore their hearts more deeply, seeking healing and restoration through our Heavenly Father. This course offers valuable insights into understanding emotions, habits, and personal growth, enabling students to experience profound transformation.
Additionally, each student will undergo a Career Guidance Assessment and receive personalised feedback from accredited Career Direct™ consultants. This feedback helps students gain clarity on their unique strengths, natural abilities, and areas of interest, guiding them toward potential studies or career paths that align with their gifts and passions, and empowering them to make informed decisions about their future.
Module three: 21 July - 19 September
Social & Relational
Skills Development
Biblical Foundation
Resilience
In this module, we aim to enhance your academic competencies while providing ongoing support throughout the process. Our focus also extends to building resilience within each student, equipping you with the tools to strengthen your social and relational skills. You’ll gain valuable insight into how to navigate relationships in a Godly and healthy way, fostering deeper, more meaningful connections.
We also introduce you to biblical foundation, presenting you with the opportunity to engage with theologians and gain a deeper understanding of how to read and interpret the Bible. This is your chance to ask questions about God, the Holy Spirit, and Christ, ensuring a well-rounded approach to both your academic and spiritual growth.
Module Four: 6 October - 6 December
International
Outreach/Travelling
Leadership Development
Personality & Career Evaluation
Career Direct (New Students)
This module is designed to prepare you for the exciting year ahead, creating the perfect opportunity to build momentum and inspire forward movement. With a focus on intentional development, we help you step confidently into your calling and equip you with the tools to conduct yourself professionally in the workforce.
At the core of this module is the exploration of global opportunities and the various ways you can apply yourself to make an impact. Through International Outreach, you will gain valuable cross-cultural experience, while Leadership Development will help you refine your leadership skills. Additionally, we offer Personality & Career Evaluation and Career Direct™ assessments for new students, providing clarity on your natural strengths and potential career paths. This holistic approach empowers you to understand your calling and pursue it with purpose.
Lorika
Namibia
This has been the year of my life that God has truly showed Himself to me through other people. I remember before coming to YOYL staring at myself in the mirror and not liking the person that stared back. Now I am leaving YOYL and I’m loving every part of the person staring back at me.
Karabo
Botswana
Before YOYL I was a very broken and sad person inside. I felt useless and uncertain of which direction I was going in life. I thank God for YOYL and for what it has done in my life. I have learnt that my life is not my own but the Lord’s. “The best person you can be, is the person God made you to be.”
Angie
South Africa
FAQs
What portion of the year is dedicated to outreach?
As part of the programme, students will engage in the following impactful initiatives:
- Weekly involvement in local community projects, contributing to meaningful change within the community
- Weekend outreaches within South Africa, providing hands-on opportunities to serve and make a difference locally
- Three-week outreaches across South Africa and neighbouring countries, broadening perspectives and fostering cross-cultural engagement while spreading God’s love and message.
These experiences are designed to challenge, inspire, and equip students for a life of service and leadership.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO REDO OR BETTER MY SCIENCE & MATHS WHILE DOING YOYL?
Yes, YOYL has a formal partnership with Hatfield Christian Online School, offering our students the opportunity to retake or improve their matric science and maths while completing the year. Students have access to top-quality tutors, both online and on campus, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the process.
Please note that tutoring fees are an additional cost to the standard YOYL fees.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO WORK WHILE DOING YOYL?
Yes, students are given the flexibility to work while completing the course, providing them with the opportunity to raise funds for tuition. This allows them to gain valuable work experience while managing their financial needs.
IF I AM LIVING IN PRETORIA OR JOHANNESBURG AM I ABLE TO STAY AT HOME WHILE DOING YOYL?
Yes, students who choose to stay at home only need to pay for tuition, allowing them to save on accommodation costs while still benefiting from the full programme.
