Transforming the West Rand the SMART way
Pierre Eksteen wants West Rand youth to have Sound Minds Accepting Real Truth (SMART).
With the notion that nothing will work unless we work at it, Pierre Eksteen is taking little steps in the hopes of transforming South Africa.
Pierre is the author of the SMART transformation youth life skills book that is all about transforming the community of the West Rand, starting with the family unit. “The SMART youth programme is part of the transform South Africa project that aims to empower and develop vulnerable young people with life skills so that they are able to make better life choices,” Pierre told the News. This trained life coach and trauma debriefer has worked with the youth for over 10 years. He is also an ABET educator who has rolled out several life skills projects since 2011.
“I was a broken child myself and only started to overcome my challenges in my 30s. I don’t want another young person to walk around with pain and hurt and not know how to change his or her life. The SMART life skills empowerment programme encourages the youth to be pro-active and to find answers in their life,” said Pierre. The development programme also focuses on the family unit as a whole, because it aims to heal the family and create a healthy young person.
“I want the parents to read the book before their children, and then become part of the workshops so that we don’t only help the young person but also heal the hopeless parent who might not know how to parent,” said Pierre.
The book tackles youth issues such as identity, anger, forms of abuse, bullying and divorce. After reading it, people will begin a mentorship programme that will lead to a motivational session, workshop, seminar, conference, camps and then a finishing workshop. “I love young people and feel that someone needs to teach them how to make good decisions. Through this programme we will listen, have empathy and try to help the youth so that they can do the best they can with what they have, without judging them,” said Pierre.
This youth worker is not only focused on transforming the West Rand – he wants to reach the rest of South Africa as well, through a youth village that will serve as an environment that will uplift young people. He also plans to add his book to the curricula of all South Africa’s schools.
Contact Pierre at transformationsa@gmail.com if you are able to help him with his fundraising efforts or if you want to be a part of the program. For more information visit www.smartyouth.co.za
