The Krugersdorp West Full Gospel Church has launched a youth club programme enabling the church and NGO, Camp Sizanani Life Skills (CSLS), to reach out to children facing numerous social ills.
The partnership involves hosting a life skills club every second Saturday to allow young people to learn, grow and develop.
According to the church’s pastor, Tona Morake, it is important to teach valuable life skills to the youth and help them navigate the many social ills that may include being exposed to crime, drug abuse and violence.
He said the programme is split into two age groups, the Asikhulisane (Grades One to Four) and the youth club (Grades Five to 12).
“Camp Sizanani also provides social services to campers needing psychosocial intervention. Other cases are referred to other child protection organisations in their respective communities.
“The majority of our campers are facing a myriad of psychosocial challenges, such as living with parents who are either unemployed, sick, or abusing drugs and alcohol. Our campers come from communities rife with neglect and abuse, with few positive role models. These psychosocial issues propel the CSLS team to go into the communities and provide psychosocial services,” Tona said.
“CSLS also aims to empower not only the children in our care but every staff member. With that end in mind, they offer a variety of skills and training development opportunities,” he concluded.
