CPF Youth Desk looking for eager young people wanting to make a change

Community-conscious individuals who shape their suburb have the seed planted early.

The Roodepoort Community Policing Forum (CPF) Youth Desk is the community-development branch of the CPF that focuses on educating the youth on the effects of crime. The youth-driven initiative gives young people a platform to encourage community participation, develop a strong relationship with community stakeholders, and serve as a role model to peers and alike.

The CPF Youth Desk is headed by Nicolaas Lekgau and he stressed the need for the Youth Desk to integrate itself deeper into the community. The Youth Desk has a strong footprint in Sector 4, which features Matholesville, Roodepoort CBD and Durban Deep, but little engagement in the other three sectors covered by the CPF. Nicolaas is a resident of Sector 4, making it easier for him to be involved in his immediate surroundings.

The Youth Desk is calling on under 35s from the other sectors to get involved with their local blockwatches and neighbourhood watches. “If we have structures in all sectors we can promote inter-sector cooperation, and create a space where young people can make a difference,” said Nicolaas, who aims to establish school safety desks and a skills registry for the young people of Roodepoort.

In areas with a strong community security network, tangible results are evident. A new breed of dedicated volunteers are needed to continue the hard work of those already fighting on the community frontlines. Those wishing to take up the challenge can contact Nicolaas on 068 133 4529 to find out what types of projects are possible through the CPF. Defending one’s street and suburb can be a thankless task, but the gratification is immense.