INVESTING in community crime fighting units and youth development initiatives are the crucial aspects of building a unified and cohesive community. This is according to the members of the Montclair Community Police Forum Youth Desk.

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The Montclair CPF Youth Desk is making strides in representing the young people of the community, despite facing resource constraints.

Proper funding and sufficient resources are key components for the success of any youth initiative, and the newly launched desk is determined to overcome these challenges and continue its mission to support and uplift local youth.

Public Relations Officer for the Montclair CPF Youth Desk, Luyanda Mtolo, spoke about the difficulties the organisation faces as a new structure under the Community Policing Forum (CPF).

“As a newly established body, we have limited resources, but we are committed to engaging with the youth and addressing the critical issues affecting our community. We are currently preparing for the June 16 programmes. With June being Youth Month, we are eager to create a lasting impact and offer something meaningful to the community,” said Mtolo.

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In addition to preparing for Youth Month celebrations, the youth desk has been busy with hands-on community work. Members have been actively participating in clean-up initiatives and working closely with local schools to raise awareness about societal issues affecting young people.

“Our main goal is to strengthen the relationship between the youth and the Community Policing Forum in the Montclair Police Station area. We aim to consult with and advise the CPF, the Department, and the Station Commissioner on youth-related matters that impact community policing,” she said.

She said the youth desk is not just about tackling crime; but it also offers various programmes aimed at community development, crime prevention, and skills development.  According to Mtolo, these initiatives are crucial in empowering young people and providing them with the tools to improve their lives and their communities.

“We believe in the power of choice. We always have the ability to make a difference in our situation. Our job is to help young people recognise the opportunities they have and encourage them to take action. We always encourage the youth not to wait for the world to act upon them – rather take control and act on the world,” she said.

Despite the ongoing challenges, the Montclair CPF Youth Desk remains positive in its commitment to youth empowerment and community engagement.

As the desk continues to grow, it is hopeful that increased support and resources will enable it to expand its programmes and reach even more young people in the Montclair area.

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