Child Welfare hosts youth imbizo at Ga-Max in Pomona

In an effort to curb the scourge of crime, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse and unemployment, Kempton Park Child Welfare organised a Youth Mentorship Imbizo.

The event took place at Ga-Max informal settlement in Pomona on March 23.

“We wanted to say to the youth that it’s not too late, you can turn your life around and not fall victim to the social ills of society,” said child welfare director Makha Thusi.

Thusi said the event was also an opportunity to listen to the needs and challenges of the community of Ga-Max.

“The people of Ga-Max are very close to the heart of child welfare. We invited various organisations to join us in discussing the challenges the unemployed are facing, what their needs and challenges are,” she added.

“We are very aware that in this community there is a high rate of unemployment. We want to align ourselves with government departments that are investing in youth empowerment,” she added.

Other organisations that were involved in the occasion included Hand in Hand, Progression, The Way to Happiness, Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) northern region, as well as community safety forums.

“We wanted to join the masses to focus on uplifting the quality of life of the youth, especially those who are unemployed, to bring information and skills development so that they are able to stand up for themselves and not fall victim to crime, drug abuse and teenage pregnancy and many other social ills that prevent them from reaching responsible adulthood,” added Thusi.

The child welfare director added that they wanted to connect the young people to resources and information so they could tap into them and find out how they could get employment and better themselves.

“The youth were also encouraged to join the community forum to ensure safety in the community where children can live a safe and loving life.”