Mams organisation to launch Father Figure initiative to help vulnerable youth
“Just like in the olden days, being a father figure is to be a guide to every child.”
A local organisation seized with uplifting the youth of Mamelodi claims that the cause of most social problems in the community is a lack of father figures.
Youth Movement Organisation (YMO) has started a mind-blowing programme for the youth called Father Figure Initiative.
Eric Shikobela, chairperson of YMO said the aim of the programme is to offer group sessions to guide the youth through challenges.
He said fathers are supposed to lead and inculcate morals as well as values in their families.
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“In most cases when a child rebels, he or she is trying to send a message that I am not okay, being ignored or criticised makes the child worse, and stubborn,” said Shikobela.
“Unfortunately most fathers are absent in their children’s lives.”
He said it is not easy for single mothers to do everything and be everything at once to their children.
“As a result we have dysfunctional families and our youth opt to drugs and crime, sometimes even suicide,” he said.
YMO was founded more than 10 years ago, and has analysed the circumstances to find solutions, according to Shikobela.
He said the programme will offer fatherly advice to the youth and open up a platform for them to ask the necessary questions.
“The organisation will organise trips on which dignified fathers will be encouraged to share their knowledge and experience with the youth.”
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He added that during the excursions career guidance, mental health and counselling for both single mothers and their children will be offered.
“YMO wants to help single mothers with grocery vouchers and promote participation in sports and recreation.”
He further said they want men to understand that every child in the community is theirs, in the spirit of Ubuntu.
“Just like in the olden days, being a father figure is to be a guide to every child.”
He said the initiative will be launched in November because teenagers were most vulnerable during the festive season.
“However we need schools, churches, social development centres and communities to partner with us on the programme.
“We invite men to come on board as volunteer father figures and businesses to help us with resources to make this project possible.”
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