A total of 48 people recently attended a Peer Educator Community Programme aimed at empowering young people and strengthening their role in crime prevention and addressing social challenges within the community.

The programme, presented at Lembede CET College in Tumahole, brought together representatives from the South African Police Service (SAPS), Tumahole Community Police Forum (CPF), Youth Desk, the Independant Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), Epilepsy South Africa, Tokoloho Foundation, SASO and Free State CET College.

The initiative focused on encouraging youth participation in community matters and educating young people about the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in addressing challenges affecting society.

Through the Department of Higher Education and Training, Free State CET College trained 10 peer educators to help educate and empower young people, promote crime prevention and address other social issues.

Facilitated by Lindiwe Mquwemla, presentations covered a range of topics, including crime prevention, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS awareness and testing, awareness about epilepsy, civic responsibilities and electoral education.

The gathering provided an opportunity for young people to engage with community organisations, gain knowledge about important social issues and learn how they can contribute to building safer and more responsible communities.

The involvement of the various stakeholders highlighted the importance of cooperation between community structures and organisations in empowering young people and tackling crime and other social challenges.