THE Austerville Community Hall played host to a transformative youth development programme for 25 young men from Wentworth on January 24. The talk was designed to reshape how  young boys think and give them hope.

Also read: Community Fathers’ second sunrise meeting unites children in the community

The vision behind the talk

Darian Smith, programme co-ordinator, said the programme included learners from Fairvale High School and Umbilo Secondary School. Smith added the point of the talk was to help these young men do more than just get by.

“We wanted to teach them about their worth, their choices, and their ability to live purposefully,” said Smith.

These young men came together carrying the heavy realities of the community, including community violence, substance abuse and money problems. Smith said by the end of the day, many had new understanding, drive and purpose.

How did it come about?

The programme was run by Bella of the Ball and Pat Moodley Legal Consultants. Bella of the Ball is a volunteer group that aids young women through education, teaching life skills, giving mental health care, providing financial knowledge, training in leadership and preventing violence.

Smith said the group was formed because many young people do not get enough practical advice in school about emotional health, safety, money and future planning. In 2025, Bella of the Ball ran a programme for 30 girls from Wentworth, focusing on career planning, confidence and personal growth.

Since young men have different issues, like violence, pressure from friends, joining gangs and unsteady social lives, the programme was changed to fit what they needed.

This programme involved community partners like Community Fathers, Durban South Basin Area Based Management, Wentworth Victim Friendly Centre, The Dream Centre, Fairvale High School and Umbilo Secondary School.

Topics of discussion

Smith, along with Pat Moodley, Nita Maharaj, Tanya Keshwar, Kevin Adams, Gerhard van Kratenburg and Cheryl Swartz, guided the young men in open talks about valuing life, dealing with loss, what happens because of violence, what it means to be a healthy man, solving problems without violence, having self-control, being leaders, planning careers and helping the community.

A key moment was the Life is Short session, where the young men thought about life, purpose, and what they would leave behind.

“For many, it was the first time they were given permission to reflect emotionally in a safe space,” said Smith.

The programme taught the young men how to control anger, handle problems, communicate well and stay safe through self-control. Financial literacy was also a key part as they learnt about budgeting, spending wisely and planning for a future.

“Throughout the day, participants were reminded that success is not only personal, but also communal. The programme emphasised that young men from Wentworth are not powerless victims of circumstance, but active agents of change who can positively influence families, peers and communities,” said Smith.

Reflecting on the future

Bella of the Ball, Pat Moodley Legal Consultants and Community Fathers are in talks to keep doing these programmes in other communities. By working with both young men and women, these organisations want to create a support system that helps with careers, feelings, leadership, money skills, community work and stopping violence.

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