Listening to the voices of the youth on matters concerning them is the way forward.
This is the idea behind a new initiative launched in Ward 116, by councillor Solomon Philander.
On Tuesday 2 May, ward officials held an engagement with youth from Beacon Valley and Eastridge to listen to their concerns and experiences in the community.
“Youth were encouraged to look at the current situation and create an opportunity out of it. Ward 116 ward committee members assisted with the selection of the youth,” says Philander.
“We had non-school attending youth. In mid-May, we will have three more sessions that will lead to a full launch of the youth desk. The youth desk is not a physical desk situated in the office. The idea of the desk is to take today’s reality and have youth responses to the challenges instead of just creating programmes for youth. It is important that youth set the tone and they make the difference. We will support the youth initiatives identified by the youth.”
Over the next few months, building a strong network with opportunities is the very first approach, says Philander.
“The engagement already identified programmes : careers days, skills development, social activities, creating an information desk to link youth, working together with youth organisations. Youth creating opportunities i.e recycling opportunities and a place for young people to go to, to access networked opportunities,” he says.
More information will be shared with affected parties closer to the time.
