The Generation for change (GFC) youth group, from Vrygrond and surrounding communities, keep young people away from violence through dance and positive leadership programmes.
GFC offers programmes to disadvantaged youth from the age of 12 and up to build resilience and strength.
Mymoena Scholtz, founder of Where Rainbows Meet Training and Development, says the youth go through the development programme for a full year and in return offer their skills obtained to other youth in the community.
“We started the year with our outdoor fitness training programme where we went to the beach and did fitness training to make them aware of their surroundings and to not just train indoors but outdoors.
“We ensure that they stay healthy and that it enhances their performance and push their physical abilities. They need a balanced life to become more conscious about healthy living,” says Scholtz.
She added that the youth embraced connecting to nature.
“The team building activities bring them closer to each other to understand each other better and to work as a team, not leaving anyone behind.
“If one falls behind we stop and make sure we move together as one.”
GFC offers performing arts, drama, skills development programs as well as life skills, leadership training, computer skills, capacity building and academic development.
“Art meditation sessions and some workshops consist of gender-based violence, health and sanitation, health and personal hygiene, teenage pregnancy, contraceptives, drug and alcohol abuse gangsterism and parental training,” says Scholtz.
She added that their mission is to build strong confident youth by enhancing their self-esteem.
“Our Youth leaders are strong and dedicated to try and transform other youth in becoming the best they can be.”
Performing Arts facilitator Samantha Morris, who is from Lavender Hill, is very passionate about working with youth from different backgrounds.
“My passion for dancing started at the age of seven. I joined the youth group when I was 13 and now at age 30 I am taking youth through the art programme.”
Morris adds that she can see the change in youth when they are able to express themselves.
“Most of them loves dancing and it changes them a lot. They want to dance every day and it keeps them away from what is happening in the area, it keeps them away from violence and shootings. They can express themselves through dance.”
Kyle Cupido, project manager and facilitator, said youth are taught the importance of fitness and health.
“We practiced fitness and meditation and want them to get out of their norm.
“Before Covid we took youth out of the community, to festivals and theatres. We can see the change it has in them.
“In the Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners you can see them excelling in school work because they want to get out and travel places.”
He added that the youth are equipped for the future with the various programmes.
“The youth is our future and we make every effort to equip them to face this cruel and unkind world we sometimes live in.
“Our group especially face insurmountable obstacles and challenges that for some is not relatable. The environment they grow up in and have to embrace can easily suck them in and make them another statistic but we have been placed in a position to help and aid them through their teenage years into young ambitious adults with a drive to succeed.”
