ICY brings hope to children who need it most

To sow good memories in the hearts of children who have been through traumatising experiences is one of the functions of the Influencing Children and Youth (ICY) programme that was established in 2003.

ICY is a multifaceted NPO whose focus is the development and empowerment of abused and neglected children from the ages of eight to 17 years old.

Delicia Bridger, one of the founders of the organisation, explained they offer a year prevention and intervention support programme that confronts abuse and impact lives.

“Our programme consists of camping, mentorship, skills development and training.

“All aimed at building resilience and empowering children to reach their potential.”

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The programmes include:

Camping

The ICY children between the ages of eight and 12 go through a unique experience, as an adult volunteer invests in only two children for the duration of the five-day camping programme by spending quality time as well as creating a safe and secure environment for the children.

The teen camps for at-risk youth is a dynamic three-day adventure and skills programme. The youth are challenged and develop problem-solving and communication skills.

They are allowed to express their struggles, frustration and pain in a non-judgemental, loving environment. Creating an atmosphere that fosters change, growth and character development.

Mentorship

The programme was developed to build resilience, values and trust.

An adult mentor spends a minimum of four hours with a small group of mentees, building strong caring relationships.

Skills development

Many of the children and youth who are part of the programme do not have formal education and some have not completed primary school.

The development programme is run to develop their entrepreneurial and leadership skills.

Teaching the children and youth a variety of skills that will allow them to ultimately generate income, focusing on cooking, baking and a variety of craft-related projects.

Training programme

ICY promotes prevention and believes that through awareness creation they have the most impact, which includes programmes like:

• Protective behaviours – a personal safety programme that equips children with the necessary life skills to speak out and ask for help when they are in an unsafe situation.

• The Shine Hope programme educates girls about their value, allowing them to discover their value, allowing them to discover their potential and power so they can make healthy life choices.

“We have realised a need and wanted to make a difference in children’s lives.

“The difference it has made can be seen as the children remember the mentors and the mentors also feel the impact the children had made on their lives,” said Bridger.

The pandemic had put a hold on all camping activities, however, the organisation has kept in contact with the children and has hosted a few events with all Covid-19 protocols being observed.

ICY is always looking for volunteers and members to help the organisations.

For more information visit their website at www.i-c-y.co.za

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