The Region E Youth Advisory Centre at Thusong Multi Purpose Centre is confident of their ability to support successful matriculants wishing to further their studies at tertiary and technical training institutions. The support would also include those wanting to complete their matric after failing previously.
This was said by the centre manager, Mush Raletjena, who stressed they have several partners keen to support the development of the youth through education, training, life skills and mentoring.
“We are constantly lobbying and getting commitments for bursary and learnership support, but will only provide these to those who comply with requirements like good passes in matric, and those who apply and are accepted by tertiary and training institutions,” Raletjena said.
He added that they were currently in a partnership with Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology to help those wanting to enrol online at university next year. “This support is free and helpful to many youths who lack financial support to travel to or communicate with the institutions through the Internet.”
The centre also conducts empowerment programmes. From October to the end of the year, they will hold youth support groups to address challenges on drug and alcohol abuse, health testing for HIV/Aids and TB and pap smears for cancer among girls and women, and will also facilitate a blood donation drive to help the South African Blood Services leading up to the festive season. They will also conduct an Arts Festival and an Artists Workshop.
Raletjena also stressed the need to help youths through intensified community and police collaboration in ridding the township of drug dealers, and in counselling addicted children. “Many addicted kids are talented and could make a better life for themselves if assisted in kicking the habit and concentrating on utilising their talents, including in sports,” he said.
“Also the police need to improve their image in the community as some are suspected to [be in cahoots] with drug dealers.”
