Empangeni teen centre closes doors after 15 years

Feeling the same effects of many NPOs throughout the Zululand region, Crossroads Teen Centre in Empangeni has sadly closed its doors.

Members of the centre board, as well as staff, teens and other stakeholders came together one last time earlier this month to celebrate what the facility achieved throughout its 15 years of operation.

The centre was formed after a study was carried out by Empangeni Methodist Church and Christian Social Services among the teenagers in the region in 2007.

The study aimed at determining the social, emotional, spiritual and physical well-being of all teenagers who are schooling in the area.

According to board member Dezi Laatz, the study was conducted in eight high schools and included 3 991 grades 8 to 11 pupils.

Based on the results of the study, Crossroads Teen Centre was formed in 2008 in an attempt to provide a facility in Empangeni that would address many of the needs that emerged.

“The centre opened its doors to the community’s teenagers on 3 August 2009, and it was decided that it would be ready to accommodate teens with nuclear activities,” said Laatz.

By November 2009, the centre’s membership reached 262, which increased to over 460 by July 2010.

With many challenges faced by all NPOs and other businesses, including the effects of Covid-19, on 14 March Crossroads Teen Centre’s board members, staff, volunteers, teens and sponsors came together one last time in celebration of the facility’s 15-year milestone.

With this closure, Laatz said they do not yet know what the future holds, but are asking God to reveal the next step in impacting the region’s youth.

See the full story in this week’s ZO Weekender.

HAVE YOUR SAY