A group of Gugulethu youngsters have committed themselves to training and nurturing young unemployed people in their community.
The 50 young people, who are members of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), said they wanted to contribute towards the transformation of young people’s lives through health, education and safety.
YMCA manager, Yolanda Jones, said she was happy with what they had done thus far and that the programme had been welcomed by young people from Nyanga, Gugulethu, KTC and other areas.
Ms Jones added that young people faced a mountain of challenges including unemployment, crime, substance abuse and poverty.
She said her organisation was responding to some of those challenges and commended local councillors for supporting the idea.
“It has not not been easy, but we have since settled in nicely. We are spreading our wings,” she said.
Ms Jones said the idea was to develop children’s life skills, creativity and well-being. They will be using sport, art and cultural activities to achieve this.
“We use the arts and sport as a catalyst for social transformation and it seems to be working well.
“But most importantly, as young people we want other young people to realise their dreams,” she told Vukani
Ms Jones said their ambassadors wanted to change young people’s mindsets and discourage them from committing crime.
“Our goal is to see change within 12 months. But with the support we are getting from the community and hard work from the ambassadors, the support from the councillors, we are positive of getting good results.”
Ms Jones also called on young people to join them at various schools in Gugulethu where they conduct sport clinics on Mondays and Tuesdays and life skills on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
KTC ambassador, Ayanda Nkqayi, said he was grateful for the opportunity.
He said he wished to change young people’s thinking and lives.
“I believe together we can bring change. The activities we have are ideal to get young people active and away from crime and drugs,” he said.