Tutela, as the missional service of the Dutch Reformed Churches in Alberton, established the need in the congregations to equip their youth.
To efficiently prepare the youth for life, Tutela offered a program, Die Blok, to the congregations.
The first bi-weekly meeting was held on February 12. This is one of Tutela’s early intervention and prevention programs to be presented in the community.
A programme for the youth
Youth from matric to about 24 years was invited through the seven Dutch Reformed congregations in Alberton to attend the meetings.
The Tutela Alberton social worker responsible for the early intervention and prevention services, Alida Jooste, presents this program. Two youth leaders of the Alberton South congregation assist her with the logistical arrangements.
They are trained and equipped to run the groups, together with Tutela, in future.
“The purpose of the youth program is to empower and equip youth to be the best versions of themselves and to navigate their lives – past, present and future. They will be able to make better choices and ask relevant questions when confronted with life’s inevitable challenges.
“Currently Jooste, Morne Lourens and Bernice Shrader, assisted by the leadership of Tutela and the Alberton South congregation, is acting as the committee for this program,” said Trienie Drotschie, the director.
Using dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) principles, the youth are building their ‘homes’ (themselves) to become great at life. The foundation of this group is Christian and Christ-focused.
“Each meeting has its specific goals designed to assist the youth to grow in various ways. DBT focuses on skills training. This includes mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness and distress tolerance,” said Drotschie.
“We want healthy, mindful young adults who are able and excited to live life to the fullest of their ability. We would like to develop leadership among our youth.”
How does it work?
This group is based in Alberton and presented at the Coffee Bean Café in Alberante every second Sunday from 16:00 to 18:00.
Tutela’s EIP services are also available in Germiston, Kempton Park and Delmas. “We aim to have these services available in every community where there is a need.”
The current group is an open group designed to accommodate young people who lead busy lives and are unable to attend every meeting.
How the community can assist
“This is the new generation who needs to take care of our country in future. We pray for our country and society, but seldom equip the younger generation with useful tools to be the leaders they are called to be. We need to invest our time and resources into them,” said Drotschie.
The community can assist them with the material used for the various activities.
“There is quite a lot of photocopy work weekly. We need stationery such as whiteboard markers and flip chart pages, sound and presentation equipment, funding for self-soothing kits and snacks and prizes. Marketing materials will be a great asset for future Tutela EIP programs as we want to also reach Tokoza and Edenpark where equipment is basic,” said Drotschie.
Those interested to help may contact Tutela on 011 975 8220 for more information.
Interesting facts about Tutela
• Tutela means protection.
• Tutela, an established service by the Dutch Reformed Church, has been rendering services to communities in need since 1932. They are in their 10-year countdown for 100-year celebrations.
• Tutela also renders child protection services.
• Tutela’s vision is to create communities of excellence through caring.
• Tutela is a registered NPO and designated children’s protection organisation.
