Providing young people with hope and the necessary leadership is crucial as they are the future of this country.
The Echo Youth Development programme provides a home to young people who need stability or young people who would like to provide leadership and guidance to people. Pastor Erick du Toit from Mellville Kruis Church explained that many young people that are 18 years old and who once lived in children’s homes might still need guidance after coming out of a secured environment.
Echo has been running for 15 years and there are three echo homes in Johannesburg. Du Toit also lives in the Melville home next to the church. “We believe that being a disciple is living together and sharing happy and sad moments with one another,” said Du Toit. The home offers a safe fortress for young people.
Du Toit explained that there are two types of people that live in the house: people who do not have financial stability and can’t afford expensive rent as well as people who may have a stable job, that live in the house to provide mentorship, support and stability to the first group. “We do workshops where we help the young people with etiquette, how to set up a CV and more. We encourage the young people to have dreams,” said Du Toit.
A community is created when people do things together. “On Mondays, the three Johannesburg houses eat together. There is a sort of magic that takes place when people eat together,” said Du Toit. This creates a friendly environment where the young people can just be friends without feeling judged. “Young people inspire me, their bravery and their willingness to raise their hands as leaders,” said Du Toit.
A fun run will be held on 4 June as part of the Melville Kruis Boeremark to raise funds for the Melville EchoHouse. The entry fee is R50 to take part in the 5km or 2.5km “Hillville” run that will take place in the Melville Koppies. Registration is at 7am. Du Toit said that if anyone feels it in their heart to assist at the Echo House they could contact him.
Details: Erick du Toit, 074 158 2837.
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