The Midrand Youth Crime Prevention Desk (YCPD) seeks to involve young people in dialogue platforms to express their views and experiences regarding crime.
Read more: Midrand YCPD continues to look for more youth to join
This approach helps the youth desk understand young people’s challenges and consider their proposals.
As a result, in collaboration with the South African Police Service and the Midrand Community Policing Forum (CPF), the youth desk recently hosted a successful three-day anti-crime awareness debate programme for local schools.
From September 17–19, 30 learners from five local schools participated, with each school fielding two teams of three learners. The participating schools included Christ Church Preparatory School and College, Curro Sagewood, Hope Fountain School, Midrand Christian College, and Midrand High School.
YCPD public relations officer Pelonomi Karabo Moselane, and facilitator Chris Gatsi, said this initiative was inspired by the rising crime levels affecting schools.
“Our objective is to provide an environment where learners can discuss crime-related issues, raising awareness and identifying key concerns,” said Moselane.
The learners debated crime-related topics in an inclusive and creative manner while avoiding sensitive issues. Each speaker had five minutes to present their argument.
Abulele Chiliza, from Curro Sagewood, was awarded best speaker on the first elimination round, while Christ Church’s Arehone Masakona and Midrand High’s Pearl Mombo and Khaya Thusi received the award on the second round. Beverley Chihombori, from Hope Fountain, won on the third round, with finals scheduled for October.
Moselane said that the debates have positively impacted both the schools and the learners, increasing awareness of laws and crime statistics among youth. Participants have stepped out of their comfort zones, improving their public speaking skills and learning the value of dialogue and diverse perspectives.
“These debates also prepare learners for future opportunities where public speaking will be essential,” she added.
Also read: The Midrand Youth Crime Prevention Desks first-ever march was a huge success
The youth desk plans to host these debates annually and encourages all Midrand high schools to participate. Gatsi mentioned, “next year, we aim to expand the debate to the entire province. We are in talks with the Gauteng Department of Education and we are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding.”
Participant speakers must be in Grades 9–11, and the YCPD will provide all necessary information and training for the debates.
“We are making significant progress to revitalize the youth desk, and programmes like this debate and the upcoming Digital Forensics Moot Competition are vital to our success. Bravo to Brigadier [Molefe David] Tsotsotso, Colonels, and the Social Crimes teams.”
The youth desk invites law firms, civil society organisations, private security companies, and other stakeholders to collaborate on the programmes.
Details: Prospective sponsors can reach the YCPD at facilitator@ycpdmidrand.org.za, or 071 984 5392.
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